TrueBlue (TBI) 10-K 20 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Feb. 07, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	27-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'TBI	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'TrueBlue, Inc.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000768899	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-27	'	'
Entity Well-Known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	41,101,622	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$834

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$122,003	$129,513
Marketable securities	14,745	0
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,710 and $4,999	199,519	167,292
Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets	9,491	8,541
Income tax receivable	3,060	6,373
Deferred income taxes	7,640	5,447
Total current assets	356,458	317,166
Property and equipment, net	54,473	58,171
Restricted cash and investments	154,558	136,259
Deferred income taxes	4,213	2,562
Goodwill	82,239	48,079
Intangible assets, net	31,505	16,554
Other assets, net	36,015	22,952
Total assets	719,461	601,743
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	29,850	27,292
Accrued wages and benefits	39,094	35,102
Current portion of workers' compensation claims reserve	49,942	44,652
Other current liabilities	2,523	6,510
Total current liabilities	121,409	113,556
Workers’ compensation claims reserve, less current portion	164,887	150,937
Note payable, less current portion	29,656	0
Other long-term liabilities	10,149	3,576
Total liabilities	326,101	268,069
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders’ equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.131 par value, 20,000 shares authorized; No shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, no par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 41,085 and 40,220 shares issued and outstanding	1	1
Accumulated other comprehensive income	2,033	2,818	[1]
Retained earnings	391,326	330,855
Total shareholders’ equity	393,360	333,674
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$719,461	$601,743
[1]	The tax impact of the components of other comprehensive income (loss) was immaterial.

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$5,710	$4,999
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.13	$0.13
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	41,085,000	40,220,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	41,085,000	40,220,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS & COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013		Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Revenue from services	$1,668,929		$1,389,530	$1,316,013
Cost of services	1,226,626		1,017,145	968,967
Gross profit	442,303		372,385	347,046
Selling, general and administrative expenses	362,248		300,459	282,828
Depreciation and amortization	20,472		18,890	16,384
Income from operations	59,583		53,036	47,834
Interest expense	-1,248		-1,131	-1,207
Interest and other income	2,602		2,700	2,697
Interest and other income, net	1,354		1,569	1,490
Income (loss) before tax expense	60,937		54,605	49,324
Income tax expense	16,013		20,976	18,533
Net income	44,924		33,629	30,791
Net income per common share:	'		'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.12		$0.85	$0.73
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.11		$0.84	$0.73
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'		'	'
Basic (in shares)	40,166		39,548	41,961
Diluted (in shares)	40,502		39,862	42,322
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	-689		175	-263
Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax	-96		0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-785	[1]	175	-263
Comprehensive income	$44,139		$33,804	$30,528
[1]	The tax impact of the components of other comprehensive income (loss) was immaterial.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_SHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common stock	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive income
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$312,707,000	$1,000	$309,800,000	$2,906,000
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	'	44,086,000	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Net income	30,791,000	'	30,791,000	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	-263,000	'	'	-263,000
Purchases and retirement of common stock	-56,932,000	'	-56,932,000	'
Purchases and retirement of common stock (in shares)	-4,455,000	'	'	'
Issuances under equity plans, including tax benefits	-156,000	'	-156,000	'
Issuances under equity plans, including tax benefits (in shares)	302,000	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	7,432,000	'	7,432,000	'
Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax	0	'	'	'
Ending balance at Dec. 30, 2011	293,579,000	1,000	290,935,000	2,643,000
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2011	'	39,933,000	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Net income	33,629,000	'	33,629,000	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	175,000	'	'	175,000
Purchases and retirement of common stock	-4,386,000	'	-4,386,000	'
Purchases and retirement of common stock (in shares)	-306,000	'	'	'
Issuances under equity plans, including tax benefits	2,760,000	'	2,760,000	'
Issuances under equity plans, including tax benefits (in shares)	593,000	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	7,917,000	'	7,917,000	'
Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax	0	'	'	'
Ending balance at Dec. 28, 2012	333,674,000	1,000	330,855,000	2,818,000
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2012	40,220,000	40,220,000	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Net income	44,924,000	'	'	44,924,000
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	-689,000	'	'	-689,000
Purchases and retirement of common stock	0	'	'	'
Purchases and retirement of common stock (in shares)	0	'	'	'
Issuances under equity plans, including tax benefits	7,135,000	'	7,135,000	'
Issuances under equity plans, including tax benefits (in shares)	'	865,000	'	'
Stock-based compensation	8,412,000	'	8,412,000	'
Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax	-96,000	'	'	-96,000
Ending balance at Dec. 27, 2013	$393,360,000	$1,000	$391,326,000	$2,033,000
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 27, 2013	41,085,000	41,085,000	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$44,924	$33,629	$30,791
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	20,472	18,890	16,384
Provision for doubtful accounts	12,063	6,994	6,638
Stock-based compensation	8,412	7,917	7,432
Deferred income taxes	-3,844	3,091	-1,910
Other operating activities	2,116	1,946	-473
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	-4,181	-20,408	-51,824
Income taxes	4,113	-3,748	3,513
Other assets	-7,341	-1,214	-1,244
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	-3,592	1,524	5,423
Accrued wages and benefits	-3,643	-182	10,793
Workers’ compensation claims reserve	9,859	3,746	4,537
Other liabilities	6,710	138	529
Net cash provided by operating activities	86,068	52,323	30,589
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	-13,003	-17,826	-9,707
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	-77,560	0	0
Purchases of marketable securities	-40,800	0	0
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	20,050	0	0
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	-16,122	7,587	68,504
Purchases of restricted investments	-13,411	-33,778	-88,173
Maturities of restricted investments	15,581	18,116	9,238
Other	0	-250	-6,800
Net cash used in investing activities	-125,265	-26,151	-26,938
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Purchases and retirement of common stock	0	-4,386	-56,932
Net proceeds from stock option exercises and employee stock purchase plans	9,136	4,164	1,131
Common stock repurchases for taxes upon vesting of restricted stock	-2,800	-2,154	-1,776
Proceeds from note payable	34,000	0	0
Payments on debt and other liabilities	-8,681	-4,548	-302
Other	713	751	664
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	32,368	-6,173	-57,215
Effect of exchange rates on cash	-681	203	-278
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-7,510	20,202	-53,842
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	129,513	109,311	163,153
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$122,003	$129,513	$109,311

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES	'
	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Description of business
	TrueBlue, Inc. (“TrueBlue,” “we,” “us,” “our”) is a leading provider of temporary blue-collar staffing services. We help over 130,000 businesses be more productive through easy access to dependable temporary labor. We provide a wide range of specialized blue-collar staffing services to industries that include construction, manufacturing, transportation, waste, hospitality, retail, energy, and many more. We operate as: Labor Ready for general labor, Spartan Staffing for light industrial, CLP Resources for skilled trades, PlaneTechs for aviation and diesel mechanics and technicians, and Centerline Drivers for dedicated and temporary drivers. We have a network of 757 branches in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. We also have customer on-site locations, which are generally dedicated to one customer, and national service centers that supply our customers with temporary workers.
	We began operations in 1989 under the name Labor Ready, Inc. providing on-demand, general labor staffing services. We became a public company in 1995. In 2004 we began acquiring additional brands to expand our service offerings to customers in the blue-collar staffing market. Effective December 18, 2007, Labor Ready, Inc. changed its name to TrueBlue, Inc. We are headquartered in Tacoma, Washington.
	Basis of presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TrueBlue, Inc. and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
	Our TrueBlue service lines are our operating segments and are aggregated into one reportable segment in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our operations are all in the blue-collar staffing market of the temporary staffing industry and supply customers with temporary workers. All our service lines have the following similar characteristics:
	•	They provide blue-collar temporary labor services;
	•	They serve customers who have a need for temporary staff to perform tasks, which do not require a permanent employee;
	•	They each build a temporary workforce through recruiting, screening, and hiring. Temporary workers are dispatched to customers where they work under the supervision of our customers;
	•	They each drive profitability by managing the bill rates to our customers and the pay rates to our workers. Profitable growth is also driven by leveraging our cost structure across all service lines.
	Our long-term performance expectations of all our service lines are similar as are the underlying financial and economic metrics used to manage those service lines.
	Our international operations are not significant to our total operations for segment reporting purposes. Total revenues from our international operations were 3.1%, 3.5%, and 3.8% of our total revenues for fiscal years ending 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Fiscal year end
	Our fiscal year ends on the last Friday of December.
	Revenue recognition
	Revenue from temporary staffing services is recognized at the time the service is provided and is net of adjustments related to customer credits. Revenue also includes billable travel and other reimbursable costs. Customer discounts or other incentives are recognized in the period the related revenue is earned. We discontinued the use of all domestic cash dispensing machines in fiscal 2012. Revenues are reported net of sales, use, or other transaction taxes collected from customers and remitted to taxing authorities.
	We record revenue on a gross basis as a principal versus on a net basis as an agent in the consolidated statement of operations. We have determined that gross reporting as a principal is the appropriate treatment based upon the following key factors:
	•	We maintain the direct contractual relationship with the customer.
	•	We have discretion in selecting and assigning the temporary workers to particular jobs and establishing their billing rate.
	•	We bear the risk and rewards of the transaction including credit risk if the customer fails to pay for services performed.
	Cost of services
	Cost of services primarily includes wages of temporary workers and related payroll taxes and workers’ compensation expenses. Cost of services also includes billable travel and other reimbursable costs.
	Advertising costs
	Advertising costs consist primarily of print and other promotional activities. We expense advertisements as of the first date the advertisements take place. Advertising expenses included in selling, general and administrative expenses were $4.0 million, $3.7 million, and $3.6 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities
	We consider all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Investments with original maturities greater than three months are classified as marketable securities. Our marketable securities consist of certificates of deposit ("CDs"), variable-rate demand notes ("VRDNs"), and commercial paper. All of our marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value, with any unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss). We do not buy and hold securities principally for the purpose of selling them in the near future. Our investment policy is focused on the preservation of capital, liquidity and return. From time to time, we may sell certain securities but the objectives are generally not to generate profits on short-term differences in price. We manage our cash equivalents and marketable securities as a single portfolio of highly liquid securities.
	Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
	Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount together with interest for certain past due accounts. We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the failure of our customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on current collection efforts, historical collection trends, write-off experience, customer credit risk, and current economic data. The allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed quarterly and represents our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses. Past due balances are written-off when it is probable the receivable will not be collected. Our allowance for doubtful accounts was $5.7 million and $5.0 million as of December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively.
	Restricted cash and investments
	Cash and investments pledged as collateral and restricted to use for workers' compensation insurance programs are included as restricted cash and investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our investments consist of highly rated investment grade debt securities which are rated A or higher by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. We have the positive intent and ability to hold all these investments until maturity in accordance with our investment policy and accordingly all of our investments are classified as held-to-maturity. In the event that an investment is downgraded, it is replaced with a highly rated investment grade security. We review for impairment on a quarterly basis and do not consider temporary unrealized losses to be impaired.
	In 2011, we entered into an agreement with AIG and the Bank of New York Mellon creating a trust ("Trust"), which holds the majority of our collateral obligations under existing workers' compensation insurance policies. Placing the collateral in the Trust allows us to manage the investment of the assets and provides greater protection of those assets.
	Fair value of financial instruments and investments
	The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of those instruments. The fair value of our restricted investments is based upon the quoted market price on the last business day of the fiscal reporting period. Where an observable quoted market price for a security does not exist, we estimate fair value using a variety of valuation methodologies, which include observable inputs for comparable instruments and unobservable inputs. There are inherent limitations when estimating the fair value of financial instruments and the fair values reported are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would be realized in current market transactions.
	Property and equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost. We compute depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
		Years
	Buildings	40
	Computers and software	3 - 10
	Furniture and equipment	3 - 10
	Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the related non-cancelable lease term, which is typically 90 days, or their estimated useful lives.
	Non-capital expenditures associated with opening new branch locations are expensed as incurred.
	When property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss, net of proceeds, is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations & Comprehensive Income.
	Repairs and maintenance costs are charged directly to expense as incurred. Major renewals or replacements that substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated.
	Costs associated with the acquisition or development of software for internal use are capitalized and amortized over the expected useful life of the software, from three to ten years. A subsequent addition, modification, or upgrade to internal-use software is capitalized to the extent that it enhances the software's functionality or extends its useful life. Software maintenance and training costs are expensed in the period incurred.
	Leases
	We conduct our branch office operations from leased locations. The leases require payment of real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance, in addition to rent. The terms of our lease agreements generally range from three to five years with options to cancel with 90 day notification. Most of the leases contain renewal options and escalation clauses.
	For leases that contain predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent, we recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis from the date we take possession of the property to the end of the minimum lease term. We record any difference between the straight-line rent amounts and amounts payable under the leases as part of deferred rent, in accrued liabilities or long-term liabilities, as appropriate.
	Cash or lease incentives received upon entering into certain branch leases ("tenant allowances") are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent from the date we take possession of the property through the end of the initial lease term. We record the unamortized portion of tenant allowances as a part of deferred rent, in accrued liabilities or long-term liabilities, as appropriate.
	Goodwill and intangible assets
	Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. We allocated goodwill to reporting units based on the reporting units that are expected to benefit from the business combination. We do not amortize goodwill but test it for impairment annually as of the last day of our fiscal third quarter, or when indications of potential impairment exist. We monitor the existence of potential impairment indicators throughout the fiscal year.
	We test for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level. We consider our service lines; Labor Ready, Spartan Staffing, CLP Resources, PlaneTechs and Centerline; to be reporting units for goodwill impairment testing. In fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011, there were no changes to our reporting units.
	The impairment test involves comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. Fair value reflects the price a market participant would be willing to pay in a potential sale of the reporting unit. If the fair value exceeds carrying value, then we conclude that no goodwill impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is required to measure possible goodwill impairment loss. The second step includes hypothetically valuing the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Then, the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is compared to the carrying value of that goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying value.
	Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions to evaluate the impact of operating and macroeconomic changes on each reporting unit. The fair value of each reporting unit is estimated using a discounted cash flow methodology. This analysis requires significant judgments, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for our business, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and determination of our weighted average cost of capital, which is risk-adjusted to reflect the specific risk profile of the reporting unit being tested. We also identify similar publicly traded companies and develop a correlation, referred to as a multiple, to apply to the operating results of the reporting units. The primary market multiples we compare to are revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. These combined fair values are then reconciled to our aggregate market value of our shares of common stock on the date of valuation, while considering a reasonable control premium. We base fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Actual future results may differ from those estimates.
	The blue-collar staffing market is subject to volatility based on overall economic conditions. As a consequence, our revenues tend to increase quickly when the economy begins to grow. Conversely, our revenues also decrease quickly when the economy begins to weaken, as occurred during the most recent recession. If actual results were to significantly deviate from management's estimates and assumptions of future performance, we could experience a material impairment to our goodwill.
	We have indefinite-lived intangible assets related to our CLP Resources and Spartan Staffing trade names. We test our indefinite-lived intangible assets annually for impairment, or when indications of potential impairment exist. We utilize the relief from royalty method to determine the fair value of each of our trade names. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to the excess. Considerable management judgment is necessary to determine key assumptions, including projected revenue, royalty rates, and appropriate discount rates.
	Long-lived asset impairment
	Long-lived assets include property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets. Definite-lived intangible assets consist of customer relationships, trade names and non-compete agreements. Long-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Factors considered important that could result in an impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant under performance relative to historical or planned operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of the assets or significant changes in our business strategies. Long-lived assets are grouped at the lowest level at which identifiable cash flows are largely independent when assessing impairment. Our branch assets, including property and equipment, and customer relationship intangibles, are grouped and evaluated at the individual branch level. All other property and equipment and definite-lived intangibles are grouped at either the service line or corporate level as appropriate based on the identifiable cash flows. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset plus net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset (if any) are less than the carrying value of the asset. When an impairment loss is recognized, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value based on quoted market prices or other valuation techniques (e.g., discounted cash flow analysis). Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future after-tax cash flows, including cash flows from continuing use and terminal value. Accordingly, actual future results could vary from our estimates.
	Branch closures and exit costs
	We routinely evaluate our branch network and close under-performing branches. We classify closed branches in discontinued operations when the operations and cash flows of the branch have been or will be eliminated from ongoing operations. To determine if cash flows have been or will be eliminated from ongoing operations, we evaluate a number of qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to, proximity to remaining open branches and estimates of revenue migration from the closed branch to any branch remaining open. The estimated revenue migration is based on historical estimates of our revenue migration upon opening or closing a branch in a similar market. Branch closings meeting the criteria for discontinued operations were not material, individually or cumulatively, for any reporting year presented. Assets related to planned branch closures or other exit activities are evaluated for impairment in accordance with our impairment policy, giving consideration to revised estimates of future cash flows.
	Workers’ compensation reserves
	We maintain reserves for workers’ compensation claims using actuarial estimates of the future cost of claims and related expenses. These estimates include claims that have been reported but not settled and claims that have been incurred but not reported. These reserves, which reflect potential liabilities to be paid in future periods based on estimated payment patterns, are discounted to estimated net present value using discount rates based on average returns of “risk-free” U.S. Treasury instruments, which are evaluated on a quarterly basis. We evaluate the reserves regularly throughout the year and make adjustments accordingly. If the actual cost of such claims and related expenses exceed the amounts estimated, additional reserves may be required. Changes in reserve estimates are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations & Comprehensive Income in the period when the changes in estimates are made.
	Our workers’ compensation reserves include estimated expenses related to claims above our self-insured limits (“excess claims”) and a corresponding receivable for the insurance coverage on excess claims based on the contractual policy agreements we have with insurance companies. We discount the liability and its corresponding receivable to its estimated net present value using the “risk-free” rates associated with the actuarially determined weighted average lives of our excess claims. When appropriate, based on our best estimate, we record a valuation allowance against the insurance receivable to reflect amounts that may not be realized.
Reserves for contingent legal and regulatory liabilities
From time to time we are subject to compliance audits by federal, state and local authorities relating to a variety of regulations including wage and hour laws, taxes, workers’ compensation, immigration, and safety. From time to time we are also subject to legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our operations. We establish reserves for contingent legal and regulatory liabilities when our management determines that it is probable that a legal claim will result in an adverse outcome and the amount of liability can be reasonably estimated. To the extent that an insurance company is contractually obligated to reimburse us for a liability, we record a receivable for the amount of the probable reimbursement. We evaluate our reserve regularly throughout the year and make adjustments as needed. If the actual outcome of these matters is different than expected, an adjustment is charged or credited to expense in the period the outcome occurs or the period in which the estimate changes.
Income taxes and related valuation allowance
We account for income taxes by recording taxes payable or receivable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. These expected future tax consequences are measured based on provisions of tax law as currently enacted; the effects of future changes in tax laws are not anticipated. Future tax law changes, such as changes to the federal and state corporate tax rates and the mix of states and their taxable income, could have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. When appropriate, we record a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to offset future tax benefits that may not be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is appropriate, we consider whether it is more likely than not that all or some portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized, based in part upon management’s judgments regarding future events and past operating results. Based on that analysis, we have determined that a valuation allowance is appropriate for certain foreign net operating losses and state tax credits that we expect will not be utilized within the permitted carry forward periods as of December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012.
Stock-based compensation
Under various plans, officers, employees and non-employee directors have received or may receive grants of stock, restricted stock awards, performance share units, or options to purchase common stock. We also have an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”).
Compensation expense for restricted stock awards and performance share units is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the stock’s fair market value on the grant date. For restricted stock grants issued with performance conditions, compensation expense is recognized over each vesting period based on assessment of the likelihood of meeting these conditions. We recognize compensation expense for only the portion of restricted stock and performance share units that is expected to vest, rather than record forfeitures when they occur. If the actual number of forfeitures differs from those estimated by management, additional adjustments to compensation expense may be required in the future periods. We determine the fair value of options to purchase common stock using the Black-Scholes valuation model, which requires the input of subjective assumptions. We recognize expense over the service period for options that are expected to vest and record adjustments to compensation expense at the end of the service period if actual forfeitures differ from original estimates.
Foreign currency
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments relate to our consolidated foreign subsidiary. Assets and liabilities recorded in foreign currencies are translated at the applicable exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year.
Purchases and retirement of our common stock
Purchases of our common stock are not displayed separately as treasury stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with the Washington Business Corporation Act, which requires the retirement of purchased shares. As a result, shares of our common stock that we purchase are retired immediately. It is our accounting policy to first record these purchases as a reduction to our common stock account. Once the common stock account has been reduced to a nominal balance, remaining purchases are recorded as a reduction to our Retained earnings account. Furthermore, activity in our common stock account related to stock-based compensation is also recorded to Retained earnings until such time as the reduction to Retained earnings due to stock repurchases has been recovered.
Shares outstanding
Shares outstanding include shares of unvested restricted stock. Unvested restricted stock included in reportable shares outstanding was 0.7 million and 0.6 million shares as of December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively. Shares of unvested restricted stock are excluded from our calculation of basic weighted average shares outstanding, but their dilutive impact is added back in the calculation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding.
Use of estimates
Preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Examples include, but are not limited to, allowance for doubtful accounts, estimates for asset and goodwill impairments, stock-based performance awards, assumptions underlying self-insurance reserves, and the potential outcome of future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements. Actual results and outcomes may differ from these estimates and assumptions.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
In July 2013, the FASB issued authoritative guidance for the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except to the extent when, for certain reasons, it is not available. The guidance will be effective for our first quarter of fiscal 2014. Management does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our financial statements.

ACQUISITION

ACQUISITION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
ACQUISITIONS	'
	ACQUISITIONS
	We account for our business acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting. The fair value of the net assets acquired and the results of the acquired business are included in the financial statements from the acquisition date forward. We are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and results of operations during the reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, the fair value of acquired net operating assets, property and equipment, intangible assets, useful lives of property and equipment and amortizable lives for acquired intangible assets. Any excess of the purchase consideration over the identified fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. All acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred and recorded in operating expenses. Additionally, we recognize liabilities for anticipated restructuring costs that will be necessary due to the elimination of excess capacity, redundant assets, or unnecessary functions and record them as operating expenses. We estimate the preliminary fair value of acquired assets and liabilities as of the date of acquisition based on information available at that time. The valuation of these tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities is subject to further management review and may change between the preliminary allocation and the final allocation. Any changes to these estimates may have a material impact on our operating results or financial condition. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill and are entirely deductible for tax purposes.
	MDT Personnel, LLC
	Effective February 4, 2013, we acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of MDT Personnel, LLC and its subsidiaries ("MDT") for $53.4 million in cash. Assets acquired included finite-lived intangible assets of $10.2 million. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired in the amount of $25.7 million was recorded as goodwill and primarily represents synergies with our existing business, the acquired assembled workforce, and potential new customers. Through its network of 105 branches in 25 states, MDT supplied blue-collar labor to industries similar to those served by TrueBlue, including construction, event staffing, disaster recovery, hospitality, and manufacturing.
	We incurred acquisition and integration-related costs of $6.0 million.We have fully integrated and blended MDT's operations with our existing service lines. MDT was primarily integrated into the Labor Ready service line. The integration of the MDT sales and branch operations was completed during the first quarter of 2013. We consolidated 65 branches, blended our sales and service teams and fully integrated all former MDT locations into our enterprise systems to optimize our combined operational efficiencies during the first quarter of 2013. We completed the integration of all remaining administrative services during the second quarter of 2013. These activities consisted of integrating our branch network capacity, sales and services teams and infrastructure and included closing, consolidating and relocating certain branch offices and administrative operations, eliminating redundant assets, and reducing excess administrative workforce and capacity. These integration costs are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income and Cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 27, 2013.
	Purchase price allocation
	The following table summarizes the final allocation of the MDT purchase price, based on the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date of February 4, 2013 (in millions):
			Purchase Price Allocation
	Cash		$	0.4
	Accounts receivable (1)		29.9
	Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets		0.6
	Property and equipment		0.3
	Restricted cash		6.9
	Intangible assets		10.2
	Total assets acquired		48.3
	Accounts payable and other accrued expenses		6.3
	Accrued wages and benefits		4.8
	Workers' compensation claims reserve		9.4
	Other long-term liabilities		0.1
	Total liabilities assumed		20.6
	Net identifiable assets acquired		27.7
	Goodwill		25.7
	Net assets acquired		$	53.4
	-1	The gross contractual amount of accounts receivable was $32.9 million of which $3.0 million was estimated to be uncollectible.
	Intangible assets include identifiable intangible assets for customer relationships, the trade name/trademarks and a non-compete agreement. We estimated the fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets, which are subject to amortization using the income approach. No residual value is estimated for any of the intangible assets. The following table sets forth the components of identifiable intangible assets and their estimated useful lives as of February 4, 2013 (in millions, except for estimated useful lives, in years):
		Estimated Fair Value			Estimated Useful Life
	Customer relationships	$	7.8		8
	Trade name/trademarks	$	1		1.5
	Non-compete agreement	$	1.4		5
	The acquired assets and liabilities of MDT are included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 27, 2013 and the results of its operations and cash flows are reported in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows from February 4, 2013.
	MDT operations have been fully integrated with our existing operations and our customers, temporary workforce, field employees, and locations have been merged. The nature of the customers and the services provided by TrueBlue and the former MDT are substantially the same. We competed in the marketplace for the same customers, temporary workers, and sales and service personnel. Accordingly, subsequent to merging our operations, it is not possible to segregate and to accurately estimate the revenues and expenses related exclusively to the former MDT operations.
	Pro forma financial information (unaudited)
	The following table reflects the pro forma consolidated results of operations for the periods presented, as though the acquisition of MDT had occurred as of the beginning of the period being reported on, after giving effect to related income taxes.
	The pro forma financial information combines our results of operations with the unaudited financial information of MDT used by MDT management for internal reporting purposes. Any changes required by an audit of the MDT financial information could be material. The unaudited pro forma financial information presented is for illustrative purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been realized if the acquisition had been completed on the dates indicated, nor is it indicative of future operating results.
	The unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations do not include, among other items, the effects of potential losses in gross profit due to revenue attrition from combining the two companies, and differences in our operating costs structure. It does include differences in workers' compensation and certain payroll taxes for temporary employees, and amortization of finite-lived intangible assets. 2013 pro forma net income was adjusted to exclude $6.0 million of acquisition and integration-related costs incurred in 2013. 2012 pro forma earnings were adjusted to include these charges.
	Pro forma financial data (unaudited) is presented below (in millions, except per share data).
		2013			2012
	Revenue from services	$	1,693.10		$	1,612.50
	Net income	$	49		$	25.9
	Net income per common share - diluted	$	1.21		$	0.65
	The Work Connection, Inc.
	Effective October 1, 2013, we acquired certain assets and liabilities of The Work Connection, Inc. ("TWC"). TWC was founded in 1986 and provided light industrial services out of 37 branches in nine states. This acquisition provides us geographic expansion into new markets for our Spartan Staffing service line. TWC’s operations were integrated with those of our Spartan Staffing service line during the fourth quarter ended December 27, 2013. The acquisition of TWC was not material individually or in the aggregate to our consolidated results of operations and as such, pro forma financial statements were not required. The total cost of the acquisition was $22.7 million. We incurred acquisition and integration-related costs of $1.2 million for the purchase of TWC. Assets acquired included finite-lived intangible assets of $8.2 million. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired in the amount of $7.6 million was recorded as goodwill and primarily represents synergies with our existing business, acquired assembled workforce, and potential new customers.
	The following table summarizes the final allocation of the TWC purchase price, based on the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date of October 1, 2013 (in millions):
			Purchase Price Allocation
	Accounts receivable (1)		$	10.2
	Plant and equipment		0.2
	Intangible assets		8.2
	Total assets acquired		18.6
	Accounts payable		0.6
	Accrued wages and benefits		2.9
	Total liabilities assumed		3.5
	Net identifiable assets acquired		15.1
	Goodwill		7.6
	Net assets acquired		$	22.7
	-1	The gross contractual amount of accounts receivable was $10.4 million of which $0.2 million was estimated to be uncollectible.
	Other immaterial acquisition
	We acquired certain assets of Crowley Transportation Services, LLC ("CTS") in June 2013. The total cost of the acquisition was $2.4 million, including contingent consideration of $0.6 million. The acquisition of CTS was not material individually or in the aggregate to our consolidated results of operations and as such, pro forma financial statements were not required.
	See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of goodwill and intangible assets acquired during 2013.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
	Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. We apply a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value:
	•	Level 1 inputs are valued using quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Our Level 1 assets primarily include cash and cash equivalents and mutual funds.
	•	Level 2 inputs are valued based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active. Our Level 2 assets are marketable securities, which primarily consist of CDs, VRDNs, commercial paper, and restricted investments, which primarily consist of municipal debt-securities, corporate-debt securities, asset-backed securities, and U.S. agency debentures. Our investments consist of highly rated investment grade debt securities which are rated A- or higher by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. We obtain our inputs from quoted market prices and independent pricing vendors.
	•	Level 3 inputs are generally unobservable and typically reflect management's estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. We currently have no Level 3 assets or liabilities.
	The carrying value of our accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. We also hold certain restricted investments, which collateralize workers' compensation programs and are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The following tables present the fair value and hierarchy for our financial assets (in millions):
		December 27, 2013
		Carrying Value		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Financial assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	122	$	122	$	122	$	—	$	—
	Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale (2)	20.7		20.7		—		20.7		—
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)	57.1		57.1		57.1		—		—
	Other restricted assets (3)	10.8		10.8		10.8		—		—
	Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity (4)	86.7		86.9		—		86.9		—
		December 28, 2012
		Carrying Value		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Financial assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	129.5	$	129.5	$	129.5	$	—	$	—
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)	38.1		38.1		38.1		—		—
	Other restricted assets (3)	7		7		7		—		—
	Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity (4)	91.2		92.7		—		92.7		—
	-1	Cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents consist of money market funds, deposits, and investments with original maturities of three months or less.
	-2	Marketable securities include CDs, VRDNs, and commercial paper, which are classified as available-for-sale. Our CDs include $6.0 million with maturities greater than one year and are classified as Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. VRDNs with contractual maturities beyond one year are classified as short-term based on their highly liquid nature and because they represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations. Despite the long-term nature of their stated contractual maturities, we routinely buy and sell these securities and believe we have the ability to quickly sell them to the re-marketing agent at par value plus accrued interest in the event we decide to liquidate our investment in a particular VRDN.
	-3	Primarily consists of restricted cash in money market accounts and deferred compensation plan accounts, which are comprised of mutual funds.
	-4	Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity consist of highly rated investment grade securities, primarily in municipal-debt securities, corporate-debt securities, asset-backed securities, and U.S. agency debentures.

MARKETABLE_SECURITIES

MARKETABLE SECURITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
MARKETABLE SECURITIES	'
	MARKETABLE SECURITIES
	Marketable securities consist of CDs, VRDNs, and commercial paper, which are classified as available-for-sale. VRDNs are long-term municipal and corporate securities with an interest rate that is reset frequently. All of the VRDNs currently in our portfolio are backed by a bank Letter of Credit. Our VRDNs may be tendered at any time with a typical settlement date of less than one week. We did not hold any marketable securities at December 28, 2012.
	The following table presents the amortized cost and fair value of our available-for-sale investments, which are carried at fair value (in millions):
		December 27, 2013
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Certificates of deposit	$	10	$	9.9
	Variable-rate demand notes	5.8		5.8
	Commercial paper	5		5
		$	20.8	$	20.7
	Gross unrealized gains and loss were de minimis for the year ended December 27, 2013. We held no available-for-sale securities during the year ended December 28, 2012. Our marketable securities have not resulted in any other-than-temporary impairments for the year ended December 27, 2013.
	The amortized cost and fair value by contractual maturity of our available-for-sale investments are as follows (in millions):
		December 27, 2013
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less (1)	$	14.8	$	14.7
	Due after one year (2)	6		6
		$	20.8	$	20.7
	-1	Amounts due in one year or less include CDs, VRDNs, and commercial paper. The VRDNs have contractual terms ranging from two to 19 years. Although these securities are issued as long-term securities, they are priced and traded as short-term instruments because of the high liquidity provided through the tender feature. It is not our intent to hold to maturity.
	-2	Amounts due after one year include CDs with maturities between one and two years and are recorded in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

RESTRICTED_CASH_AND_INVESTMENT

RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]	'
RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS	'
	RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS
	Restricted cash and investments consist principally of collateral that has been provided or pledged to insurance carriers for workers' compensation and state workers' compensation programs. Our insurance carriers and certain state workers' compensation programs require us to collateralize a portion of our workers' compensation obligation. The collateral typically takes the form of cash and cash equivalents and highly rated investment grade securities, primarily in municipal-debt securities, corporate-debt securities, asset-backed securities, and U.S. agency debentures. Our investments have not resulted in any other-than-temporary impairments.
	The following is a summary of restricted cash and investments (in millions):
		December 27,		December 28,
		2013		2012
	Cash collateral held by insurance carriers	$	23.7	$	21.5
	Cash and cash equivalents held in Trust (1)	31.5		14.8
	Investments held in Trust	86.7		91.2
	Cash collateral backing letters of credit	1.9		1.8
	Other (2)	10.8		7
	Total restricted cash and investments	$	154.6	$	136.3
	-1	Included in this amount is $0.8 million and $0.9 million of accrued interest at December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively.
	-2	Primarily consists of restricted cash in money market accounts and deferred compensation plan accounts which are comprised of mutual funds.
	The following tables present fair value disclosures for our held-to-maturity investments, which are carried at amortized cost (in millions):
		December 27, 2013
		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized Loss			Fair Value
	Municipal debt securities	$	54.1	$	0.7	$	(0.4	)	$	54.4
	Corporate debt securities	19.7		0.2		(0.3		)	19.6
	Asset-backed securities	12.9		0.1		(0.1		)	12.9
		$	86.7	$	1	$	(0.8	)	$	86.9
		December 28, 2012
		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized Loss			Fair Value
	Municipal debt securities	$	57.3	$	1	$	(0.1	)	$	58.2
	Corporate debt securities	17.9		0.3		—			18.2
	Asset-backed securities	16		0.3		—			16.3
		$	91.2	$	1.6	$	(0.1	)	$	92.7
	The amortized cost and fair value by contractual maturity of our held-to-maturity investments are as follows (in millions):
		December 27, 2013
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	10.2	$	10.2
	Due after one year through five years	42.1		42.8
	Due after five years through ten years	34.4		33.9
		$	86.7	$	86.9
	Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of certain debt securities have the right to call or prepay their obligations without penalty.

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_NET

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET	'
	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
	Property and equipment are stated at cost and consist of the following (in millions):
		December 27,			December 28,
		2013			2012
	Buildings and land	$	27		$	25.9
	Computers and software	101.9			91.7
	Cash dispensing machines	1			1
	Furniture and equipment	9.4			8.9
	Construction in progress	2.9			7.7
		142.2			135.2
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(87.7		)	(77.0		)
		$	54.5		$	58.2
	Capitalized software costs, net of accumulated amortization, were $30.6 million and $30.9 million as of December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively, excluding amounts in Construction in progress. Construction in progress consists primarily of purchased and internally developed software.
	Depreciation expense of property and equipment totaled $15.5 million, $15.8 million, and $13.5 million for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Goodwill
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows (in millions):
		Goodwill			Accumulated Impairment Losses			Goodwill
	Balance at December 28, 2012	$	94.3		$	(46.2	)	$	48.1
	Goodwill acquired year to date (1)	34.1			—			34.1
	Balance at December 27, 2013	$	128.4		$	(46.2	)	$	82.2
	-1	Goodwill acquired includes $25.7 million, $0.8 million, and $7.6 million due to the acquisitions of MDT, CTS, and TWC, respectively.
	Intangible assets
	The following table presents our purchased finite-lived intangible assets (in millions):
		December 27, 2013									December 28, 2012
		Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount			Amount						Amount
	Finite-lived intangible assets (1):
	Customer relationships	$	35.9		$	(13.9	)	$	22		$	19.1		$	(10.5	)	$	8.6
	Trade name/trademarks	5.2			(2.7		)	2.5			3.5			(1.6		)	1.9
	Non-compete agreements	1.8			(0.5		)	1.3			1.8			(1.4		)	0.4
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	42.9		$	(17.1	)	$	25.8		$	24.4		$	(13.5	)	$	10.9
	-1	Excludes assets that are fully amortized.
	The components of intangible assets acquired for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2013, were as follows (in millions):
			MDT			CTS			TWC			Total Acquired Intangible Assets			Weighted Average Life
	Customer relationships		$	7.8		$	1.4		$	7.6		$	16.8		8
	Trade name/trademarks		1			0.1			0.6			1.7			1
	Non-compete agreements		1.4			—			—			1.4			5
	Total intangible assets acquired		$	10.2		$	1.5		$	8.2		$	19.9
	Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Amortization of our finite-lived intangible assets was $4.9 million, $3.1 million, and $2.9 million for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	The following table provides the estimated future amortization of finite-lived intangible assets as of December 27, 2013 (in millions):
	2014	$	5.8
	2015	5.1
	2016	4.6
	2017	2.6
	2018	2.1
	Thereafter	5.6
	Total future amortization	$	25.8
	Finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. We noted no such event or circumstance and accordingly no impairment loss was recognized during 2013, 2012, or 2011.
	We also held indefinite lived trade name/trademarks of $5.7 million as of December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012. We test goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually. We performed our annual goodwill impairment test as of the last day of our fiscal third quarter of 2013 and determined that the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying amount of goodwill for all our reporting units. Accordingly, no impairment loss was required to be recognized during 2013. We had no goodwill impairment losses during 2012 or 2011.

WORKERS_COMPENSATION_INSURANCE

WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE AND RESERVES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Workers' Compensation Insurance and Reserves [Abstract]	'
WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE AND RESERVES	'
	WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE AND RESERVES
	We provide workers’ compensation insurance for our temporary and permanent employees. The majority of our current workers’ compensation insurance policies cover claims for a particular event above a $2.0 million deductible limit, on a “per occurrence” basis. This results in our being substantially self-insured.
	In connection with the acquisition of MDT, we assumed certain workers' compensation insurance policies, which cover claims for the policy year ended February 13, 2013.
	For workers’ compensation claims originating in Washington, North Dakota, Ohio, Wyoming, Canada, and Puerto Rico (our “monopolistic jurisdictions”), we pay workers’ compensation insurance premiums and obtain full coverage under government-administered programs (with the exception of our Labor Ready service line in the state of Ohio where we have a self-insured policy). Accordingly, because we are not the primary obligor, our financial statements do not reflect the liability for workers’ compensation claims in these monopolistic jurisdictions.
	Our workers’ compensation reserve is established using estimates of the future cost of claims and related expenses that have been reported but not settled, as well as those that have been incurred but not reported. Our workers’ compensation reserve for claims below the deductible limit is discounted to its estimated net present value using discount rates based on average returns of “risk-free” U.S. Treasury instruments available during the year in which the liability was incurred. The weighted average rate was 2.1% and 2.4% at December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively.
	The table below presents a reconciliation of the undiscounted workers’ compensation claims reserve to the discounted workers' compensation reserve for the periods presented as follows (in millions):
		December 27,		December 28,
		2013		2012
	Undiscounted workers’ compensation reserve	$	234.4	$	216
	Less discount on workers' compensation reserve	19.6		20.4
	Workers' compensation reserve, net of discount	214.8		195.6
	Less current portion	49.9		44.7
	Long-term portion	$	164.9	$	150.9
	The table below presents the estimated future payout of our discounted workers' compensation claims reserve for the next five years and thereafter as of December 27, 2013 (in millions):
	2014	$	49.9
	2015	29.5
	2016	18.6
	2017	12.9
	2018	9.9
	2019 and thereafter	59.9
	Sub-total	180.7
	Excess claims reserve	34.1
	Total	$	214.8
	Our workers’ compensation reserve includes estimated expenses related to claims above our self-insured limits (“excess claims”), and we record a corresponding receivable for the insurance coverage on excess claims based on the contractual policy agreements we have with insurance carriers. We discount this reserve and corresponding receivable to its estimated net present value using the discount rates based on average returns of “risk-free” U.S. Treasury instruments available during the year in which the liability was incurred. At December 27, 2013, the weighted average rate was 3.9%. The claim payments are made and the corresponding reimbursements from our insurance carriers are received over an estimated weighted average period of approximately 15.5 years. The discounted workers’ compensation reserve for excess claims and the corresponding receivable for the insurance on excess claims were $34.1 million and $27.1 million as of December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively.
	Certain workers’ compensation insurance companies (“Troubled Insurance Companies”) with which we formerly did business are in liquidation and have failed to pay a number of excess claims to date. These excess claims have been presented to the state guaranty funds of the states in which the claims originated. Some of these excess claims have been rejected by the state guaranty funds due to statutory eligibility limitations. We have recorded a valuation allowance of $5.7 million and $5.6 million against all receivables from Troubled Insurance Companies for the excess claims that have primarily been rejected by the state guaranty as of December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively. Total discounted receivables from insurance companies, net of the valuation allowance, were $28.4 million and $21.4 million as of December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively, and are included in Other assets, net in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Management evaluates the adequacy of the workers’ compensation reserves in conjunction with an independent quarterly actuarial assessment. Factors considered in establishing and adjusting these reserves include, among other things:
	•	changes in medical and time loss (“indemnity”) costs;
	•	changes in mix between medical only and indemnity claims;
	•	regulatory and legislative developments impacting benefits and settlement requirements;
	•	type and location of work performed;
	•	impact of safety initiatives; and
	•	positive or adverse development of claims.
	Workers’ compensation expense of $63.2 million, $52.3 million, and $51.2 million was recorded in Cost of services for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Workers’ compensation expense consists primarily of: changes in self-insurance reserves net of changes in discount; monopolistic jurisdictions’ premiums; insurance premiums; and other miscellaneous expenses.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Revolving credit facility
	We have a credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC for a secured revolving credit facility of up to a maximum of $80.0 million (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The Revolving Credit Facility expires in September 2016.
	The maximum amount we can borrow under the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to certain borrowing limits. Specifically, we are limited to the sum of 85% of our eligible accounts receivable and the liquidation value of our Tacoma headquarters office building. The liquidation value is not to exceed $15.0 million, and is reduced quarterly by $0.4 million. As of December 27, 2013, the Tacoma headquarters office building liquidation value totaled $12.0 million. The borrowing limit is further reduced by the sum of a reserve in an amount equal to the payroll and payroll taxes for our temporary employees for one payroll cycle and other reserves, if deemed applicable. At December 27, 2013, $80.0 million was available under the Revolving Credit Facility, and $6.0 million was utilized by outstanding standby letters of credit, leaving $74.0 million available for additional borrowings. The letters of credit collateralize a portion of our workers' compensation obligation.
	The Revolving Credit Facility requires that we maintain liquidity in excess of $12.0 million. Liquidity is defined as the amount we are entitled to borrow as advances under the Revolving Credit Facility plus the amount of cash, cash equivalents, and certain marketable securities held in accounts subject to a control agreement benefiting the lenders. We are required to satisfy a fixed charge coverage ratio in the event we do not meet that requirement. The amount we were entitled to borrow at December 27, 2013 was $74.0 million and the amount of cash, cash equivalents and certain marketable securities under control agreements was $124.5 million for a total of $198.5 million, which is well in excess of the liquidity requirement. We are currently in compliance with all covenants related to the Revolving Credit Facility.
	Under the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility we pay a variable rate of interest on funds borrowed that is based on London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or the Prime Rate, at our option, plus an applicable spread based on excess liquidity as set forth below:
	Excess Liquidity		Prime Rate Loans	LIBOR Rate Loans
	Greater than $40 million		0.50%	1.50%
	Between $20 million and $40 million		0.75%	1.75%
	Less than $20 million		1.00%	2.00%
	A fee on borrowing availability of 0.25% is also applied against the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility. Letters of credit are priced at the margin in effect for LIBOR loans, plus a fronting fee of 0.125%.
	Obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of our domestic personal property and our headquarters located in Tacoma, Washington.
	Term Loan Agreement
	On February 4, 2013, we entered into an unsecured Term Loan Agreement (the “Loan”) with Synovus Bank in the principal amount of $34.0 million. The Loan has a five year maturity with fixed monthly principal payments, which total $2.3 million annually based on a loan amortization term of fifteen years. Interest accrues at the one-month LIBOR index rate plus an applicable spread of 1.50%, which is paid in addition to the principal payments. At our discretion, we may elect to extend the term of the Loan by five consecutive one-year extensions. At December 27, 2013, the interest rate for the term loan was 1.7%.
	At December 27, 2013, the remaining balance of the Loan was $32.0 million, of which, $2.3 million is short-term and is included in Other current liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The long term portion of $29.7 million is reported as Note payable on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The loan has variable rate interest and approximates fair value as of December 27, 2013.
	Scheduled principal payments for debt for the next five years are as follows (in millions):
	2014	$	2.3
	2015	2.3
	2016	2.3
	2017	2.3
	2018	22.8
	Total principal payments	$	32
	Our obligations under the Loan may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Loan, which includes customary events of default, as well as cross-defaults related to indebtedness under our Revolving Credit Facility, and other Loan specific defaults. The Loan contains customary negative covenants applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries such as indebtedness, certain dispositions of property, the imposition of restrictions on payments under the Loan, and other Loan specific covenants. We are in compliance with all covenants related to the Loan as of December 27, 2013.
	Workers’ compensation commitments
	Our insurance carriers and certain state workers’ compensation programs require us to collateralize a portion of our workers’ compensation obligation, for which they become responsible should we become insolvent. The collateral typically takes the form of cash and cash equivalents, highly rated investment grade debt securities, letters of credit and/or surety bonds. On a regular basis these entities assess the amount of collateral they will require from us relative to our workers' compensation obligation. The majority of our collateral obligations are held in the Trust at the Bank of New York Mellon.
	We have provided our insurance carriers and certain states with commitments in the form and amounts listed below (in millions):
		December 27,			December 28,
		2013			2012
	Cash collateral held by insurance carriers	$	23.7		$	21.5
	Cash and cash equivalents held in Trust (1)	31.5			14.8
	Investments held in Trust	86.7			91.2
	Letters of credit (2)	7.9			9
	Surety bonds (3)	16.1			16.2
	Total collateral commitments	$	165.9		$	152.7
	-1	Included in this amount is $0.8 million and $0.9 million of accrued interest at December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively.
	-2	We have agreements with certain financial institutions to issue letters of credit as collateral. We had $1.9 million and $1.8 million of restricted cash collateralizing our letters of credit at December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively.
	-3	Our surety bonds are issued by independent insurance companies on our behalf and bear annual fees based on a percentage of the bond, which is determined by each independent surety carrier. These fees do not exceed 2.0% of the bond amount, subject to a minimum charge. The terms of these bonds are subject to review and renewal every one to four years and most bonds can be canceled by the sureties with as little as 60 days notice.
	Capital leases
	We had property held under non-cancelable capital leases reported in Property and equipment, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets totaling $0.1 million, net of accumulated depreciation at December 28, 2012. At December 27, 2013 we held no capital leases. Our capital lease obligations were reported in Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Operating leases
	We have contractual commitments in the form of operating leases related to branch offices and equipment. Future non-cancelable minimum lease payments under our operating lease commitments as of December 27, 2013 are as follows for each of the next five years and thereafter (in millions):
	2014	$	1.8
	2015	1
	2016	0.5
	2017	0.2
	2018	0.1
	Total future non-cancelable minimum lease payments	$	3.6
	The majority of operating leases pertaining to our branch offices provide for renewal options ranging from three to five years. Operating leases are generally renewed in the normal course of business, and most of the options are negotiated at the time of renewal. However, for the majority of our leases, both parties to the lease have the right to cancel the lease with 90 days notice. Accordingly, we have not included the leases with 90 day cancellation provisions in our disclosure of future minimum lease payments.
	Total branch office rent expense for 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $22.5 million, $22.0 million and $22.1 million, respectively.
	Purchase Obligations
	Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods and services in the ordinary course of business that are enforceable, legally binding and specify all significant terms. Purchase obligations do not include agreements that are cancelable without significant penalty. We had $16.8 million of purchase obligations as of December 27, 2013, of which $8.9 million are expected to be paid in 2014.
	Legal contingencies and developments
	We are involved in various proceedings arising in the normal course of conducting business. We believe the amounts provided in our financial statements are adequate in consideration of the probable and estimable liabilities. The resolution of those proceedings is not expected to have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Common Stock
	In July 2011, our Board of Directors approved a program to repurchase $75 million of our outstanding common stock. As of December 27, 2013, $35.2 million remained available for repurchase of common stock under the current authorization, which has no expiration date.
	During 2013, we did not repurchase or retire any shares of our common stock under our authorized stock repurchase program. During 2012, we repurchased and retired 0.3 million shares of our common stock for a total amount of $4.4 million, including commissions.
	Purchases of our common stock are not displayed separately as treasury stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with the Washington Business Corporation Act, which requires the retirement of purchased shares. As a result, shares of our common stock that we purchase are retired immediately. It is our policy to first record these purchases as a reduction to our common stock account. Once the common stock account has been reduced to a nominal balance, remaining purchases are recorded as a reduction to retained earnings.
	Preferred Stock
	We have authorized 20 million shares of blank check preferred stock. The blank check preferred stock is issuable in one or more series, each with such designations, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions as our Board of Directors may determine and set forth in supplemental resolutions at the time of issuance, without further shareholder action.
	The initial series of blank check preferred stock authorized by the Board of Directors was designated as Series A Preferred Stock. We had no outstanding shares of preferred stock in any of the years presented.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	'
	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	We record stock-based compensation expense for restricted and unrestricted stock awards, performance share units, stock options, and shares purchased under an employee stock purchase plan.
	Stock-based compensation expense was as follows (in millions):
		2013			2012			2011
	Restricted and unrestricted stock and performance share units	$	8.1		$	7.5		$	6.7
	Stock options	—			0.1			0.4
	Employee stock purchase plan	0.3			0.3			0.3
	Total stock-based compensation	$	8.4		$	7.9		$	7.4
	Total related tax benefit recognized	$	2.9		$	2.9		$	2.8
	Our 2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective May 2013 ("Incentive Plan"), provides for the issuance or delivery of up to 7.95 million shares of our common stock over the full term of the Incentive Plan.
	No capitalized stock-based compensation was included in Property and equipment, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	Restricted and unrestricted stock and performance share units
	Under the Incentive Plan, restricted stock is granted to executive officers and key employees and vests annually over three or four years. Unrestricted stock granted to our directors vests immediately. Restricted and unrestricted stock-based compensation expense is calculated based on the grant-date market value. We recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, net of estimated forfeitures.
	Performance share units have been granted to executive officers and certain key employees since 2010. Vesting of the performance share units is contingent upon the achievement of revenue and/or profitability growth goals at the end of each three year performance period. Each performance share unit is equivalent to one share of common stock. Compensation expense is calculated based on the grant-date market value of our stock and is recognized ratably over the performance period for the performance share units which are expected to vest. Our estimate of the performance units expected to vest is reviewed and adjusted as appropriate each quarter.
	Restricted and unrestricted stock and performance share units activity for the year ended December 27, 2013 was as follows (shares in thousands):
		Shares		Weighted- average grant-date price
	Non-vested at beginning of period	1,435		$	15.23
	Granted	643		$	19
	Vested	(437	)	$	15.25
	Forfeited	(97	)	$	17.45
	Non-vested at the end of the period	1,544		$	16.66
	The weighted average grant-date price of restricted and unrestricted stock and performance share units granted during the years 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $19.00, $16.72, and $14.72, respectively. As of December 27, 2013, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock was approximately $8.3 million, of which $7.4 million is estimated to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years through 2017. As of December 27, 2013, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to performance share units, assuming achievement of maximum financial goals, was approximately $8.1 million, of which $2.8 million is currently estimated to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years through 2015. The total fair value of restricted shares vesting during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $4.8 million, $5.3 million and $5.2 million, respectively.
	Stock options
	Our Incentive Plan provides for both nonqualified stock options and incentive stock options (collectively, “stock options”) for directors, officers, and certain employees. We issue new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options. All of our stock options are vested and expire if not exercised within seven years from the date of grant. The maximum contractual term for our outstanding option awards is ten years.
	There were no stock options granted during fiscal 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	Stock option activity was as follows (shares in thousands):
		Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price			Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)
	Outstanding, December 28, 2012	639		$	16.91
	Exercised	(454	)	$	16.12
	Expired/Forfeited	(111	)	$	21.24
	Outstanding, December 27, 2013	74		$	14.99		1.65		$	0.8
	Exercisable, December 27, 2013	74		$	14.99		1.65		$	0.8
	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeded the exercise price of outstanding options, before applicable income taxes and represents the amount optionees would have realized if all in-the-money options had been exercised on the last business day of the period indicated. The closing per share market value of the Company’s stock on December 27, 2013 was $25.92.
	Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock options was de minimis as of December 27, 2013. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $3.0 million and $1.9 million, in 2013 and 2012, respectively, and was de minimis in 2011, determined as of the date of exercise.
	Cash received from option exercises, net of tax withholdings, during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $7.3 million, $2.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the deduction from option exercises was $1.0 million and $0.6 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively, and was de minimis for 2011.
	Employee stock purchase plan
	Our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) reserves for purchase 1.0 million shares of common stock. The plan allows eligible employees to contribute up to 10% of their earnings toward the monthly purchase of the Company's common stock. The employee's purchase price is the lesser of 85% of the fair market value of shares on either the first day or the last day of each month. We consider our ESPP to be a component of our stock-based compensation and accordingly we recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period for stock purchases made under the plan. The requisite service period begins on the enrollment date and ends on the purchase date, the duration of which is one month.
	The following table summarizes transactions under our ESPP from fiscal year 2011 through 2013 (shares in thousands):
		Shares		Average Price Per
				Share
	Issued during fiscal year 2013	69		$	17.1
	Issued during fiscal year 2012	95		$	12.41
	Issued during fiscal year 2011	83		$	11.95

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	INCOME TAXES
	The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following (in millions):
		2013			2012				2011
	Current taxes:
	Federal	$	14.2		$	14.9			$	16.3
	State	5.1			2.7				2.9
	Foreign	0.5			0.3				0.4
	Total current taxes	19.8			17.9				19.6
	Deferred taxes:
	Federal	(2.8		)	2.7				(1.3		)
	State	(1.0		)	0.4				0.1
	Foreign	—			—				0.1
	Total deferred taxes	(3.8		)	3.1				(1.1		)
	Provision for income taxes	$	16		$	21			$	18.5
	The items accounting for the difference between income taxes computed at the statutory federal income tax rate and income taxes reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations & Comprehensive Income are as follows (in millions except percentages):
		2013			%			2012				%		2011			%
	Income tax expense based on statutory rate	$	21.3		35	%		$	19.1			35	%	$	17.2		35	%
	Increase (decrease) resulting from:
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit	2.5			4.2	%		1.8				3.3	%	1.9			3.9	%
	Tax credits, net	(10.8		)	(17.7	)%		(1.9		)		(3.5	)%	(3.5		)	(7.2	)%
	Nondeductible/nontaxable items	2.1			3.5	%		2.3				4.2	%	2.9			5.8	%
	Other, net	0.9			1.3	%		(0.3		)		(0.6	)%	—			0.1	%
	Total taxes on income	$	16		26.3	%		$	21			38.4	%	$	18.5		37.6	%
	The primary difference between the statutory federal income tax rate of 35.0% and our annual effective income tax rate of 26.3%, excluding the prior year WOTC benefits, is from estimated current year WOTC, state income taxes, and certain non-deductible expenses.
	Our effective tax rate on earnings for the year ended December 27, 2013, was 26.3% compared to 38.4% for the same period in 2012. The decrease in the effective tax rate is due primarily to the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (“WOTC”). The effective tax rate for 2012 excluded benefits of WOTC because it had largely expired at the end of 2011. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the “Act”) was signed into law on January 2, 2013, and retroactively restored the WOTC for 2012 and extended it through 2013. This tax credit is designed to encourage employers to hire workers from certain targeted groups with higher than average unemployment rates. Because a change in the law is accounted for in the period of enactment, the retroactive effect of the Act on our U.S. federal taxes for 2012 was recognized in the year ended December 27, 2013. The effective tax rate was also favorably impacted by the estimated increase to our WOTC benefits from the IRS extension of the 2012 WOTC certification request deadline to April 29, 2013, and by receipt of additional WOTC certification approvals related to years prior to 2012.
	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):
		27-Dec-13			28-Dec-12
	Deferred tax assets:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	2.2		$	2
	Workers’ compensation claims reserve	10.4			10.1
	Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	2.2			2.4
	Net operating loss and tax credits carry-forwards	1.1			0.6
	Accrued wages and benefits	6.8			5.9
	Deferred compensation	2.2			1.5
	Other	1			0.5
	Total	25.9			23
	Valuation allowance	(0.8		)	(0.6		)
	Total deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance	25.1			22.4
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets	(1.7		)	(1.6		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(10.4		)	(11.9		)
	Other	(1.2		)	(0.9		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(13.3		)	(14.4		)
	Net deferred tax asset, end of year	11.8			8
	Net deferred tax asset, current	7.6			5.4
	Net deferred tax asset, non-current	$	4.2		$	2.6
	At December 27, 2013, Spartan Staffing Puerto Rico, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TrueBlue, Inc., had net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $2.7 million expiring in 2015 through 2022. Additionally, Labor Ready Southwest, Inc. and its affiliates, wholly-owned subsidiaries of TrueBlue, Inc., had California enterprise zone tax credit carry-forwards of approximately $1.0 million expiring in 2023. Valuation allowances have been established against our carry-forward tax benefits based on our history.
	Deferred taxes related to our foreign currency translation were de minimis for 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	As of December 27, 2013, our liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $2.0 million, if recognized, $1.3 million would impact our effective tax rate. We do not believe the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within 12 months of the year ended December 27, 2013. This liability is recorded in Other non-current liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. In general, the tax years 2010 through 2012 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions where we conduct business.
	The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits (in millions):
		2013			2012				2011
	Balance, beginning of fiscal year	$	1.9		$	1.7			$	1.6
	Increases for tax positions related to the current year	0.4			0.5				0.3
	Reductions due to lapsed statute of limitations	(0.3		)	(0.3		)		(0.2		)
	Balance, end of fiscal year	$	2		$	1.9			$	1.7
	We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within Income tax expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations & Comprehensive Income. Accrued interest and penalties are included within Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Related to the unrecognized tax benefits noted above, we accrued a de minimis amount for interest and penalties during 2013 and in total, as of December 27, 2013, have recognized a liability for penalties of$0.2 million and interest of $0.7 million.

DEFINED_CONTRIBUTION_PLANS

DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS	'
	DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS
	We offer both qualified and non-qualified defined contribution plans to eligible employees. Participating employees may elect to defer and contribute a portion of their eligible compensation. The plans offer discretionary matching contributions. The liability for the nonqualified plan was $6.6 million and $4.2 million as of December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively. The current and non-current portion of the deferred compensation liability is included in Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and is largely offset by restricted investments recorded in Restricted cash and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The expense for our qualified and nonqualified deferred compensation plans, including our discretionary matching contributions, totaled $1.4 million, $1.2 million, and $1.1 million for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, and is recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE

NET INCOME PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
NET INCOME PER SHARE	'
	NET INCOME PER SHARE
	Adjusted net income and diluted common shares were calculated as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
		2013		2012		2011
	Net income	$	44.9	$	33.6	$	30.8
	Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share	40.2		39.5		42
	Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and non-vested restricted stock	0.3		0.4		0.3
	Weighted average number of common shares used in diluted net income per common share	40.5		39.9		42.3
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	1.12	$	0.85	$	0.73
	Diluted	$	1.11	$	0.84	$	0.73
	Anti-dilutive shares	0.1		0.7		1
	Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares include the dilutive effects of outstanding options, non-vested restricted stock, and performance share units, except where their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
	Anti-dilutive shares include unvested restricted stock, performance share units and in-the-money options for which the sum of the assumed proceeds, including unrecognized compensation expense, exceeds the average stock price during the periods presented. Anti-dilutive shares associated with our stock options relate to those stock options with an exercise price higher than the average market value of our stock during the periods presented.

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'
	OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) is reflected as a net increase (decrease) to shareholders’ equity. Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated comprehensive income (loss) during the year ended December 27, 2013 were as follows (in millions):
		Foreign currency translation adjustment			Unrealized loss on marketable securities (1)			Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (2)
	Balance as of December 28, 2012	$	2.8		$	0		$	2.8
	Current-period other comprehensive loss	(0.7		)	(0.1		)	(0.8		)
	Balance as of December 27, 2013	$	2.1		$	(0.1	)	$	2
	-1	Consists of deferred compensation plan accounts, which are comprised of mutual funds, and available-for-sale securities, which are comprised of certificates of deposits.
	-2	The tax impact of the components of other comprehensive income (loss) was immaterial.

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	'
	SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
	Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information (in millions):
		2013		2012		2011
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Interest	$	1.1	$	0.7	$	0.8
	Income taxes	$	15.6	$	21.3	$	16.1
	As of December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, we had acquired $0.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively, of property, plant and equipment on account that was not yet paid. These are considered non-cash investing items.

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	'
	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	We evaluated events and transactions occurring after the balance sheet date through the date the financial statements were issued, and noted no other events that were subject to recognition or disclosure.

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_DATA_UNAUD

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)	'
	SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
	IN THOUSANDS (EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	2013
	Revenue from services	$	346,498		$	422,310		$	451,169		$	448,952
	Cost of services	259,859			310,437			327,641			328,689
	Gross profit	86,639			111,873			123,528			120,263
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	88,432			89,339			90,767			93,710
	Depreciation and amortization	5,159			5,203			4,771			5,339
	Income (loss) from operations	(6,952		)	17,331			27,990			21,214
	Interest expense	(233		)	(336		)	(350		)	(329		)
	Interest and other income	710			611			766			515
	Interest and other income, net	477			275			416			186
	Income (loss) before tax expense	(6,475		)	17,606			28,406			21,400
	Income tax expense (benefit)	(5,399		)	5,069			9,454			6,889
	Net income (loss)	$	(1,076	)	$	12,537		$	18,952		$	14,511
	Net income (loss) per common share:
	Basic	$	(0.03	)	$	0.31		$	0.47		$	0.36
	Diluted	$	(0.03	)	$	0.31		$	0.47		$	0.36
	2012
	Revenue from services	$	311,187		$	354,261		$	379,467		$	344,615
	Cost of services	231,952			260,725			274,237			250,231
	Gross profit	79,235			93,536			105,230			94,384
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	72,082			71,526			77,634			79,217
	Depreciation and amortization	4,768			4,729			4,660			4,733
	Income from operations	2,385			17,281			22,936			10,434
	Interest expense	(391		)	(244		)	(266		)	(230		)
	Interest and other income	655			656			675			714
	Interest and other income, net	264			412			409			484
	Income before tax expense	2,649			17,693			23,345			10,918
	Income tax expense	1,119			7,356			8,998			3,503
	Net income	$	1,530		$	10,337		$	14,347		$	7,415
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.04		$	0.26		$	0.36		$	0.19
	Diluted	$	0.04		$	0.26		$	0.36		$	0.19

FINANCIAL_STATEMENT_SCHEDULES

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES	'
	FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
	Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (in millions)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts activity was as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance, beginning of the year	$	5		$	5.8		$	6.4
	Charged to expense	12.1			7			6.6
	Write-offs	(11.4		)	(7.8		)	(7.2		)
	Balance, end of year	$	5.7		$	5		$	5.8
	Insurance receivable valuation allowance activity was as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance, beginning of the year	$	5.6		$	7.3		$	7.6
	Charged to expense	0.1			(1.7		)	(0.3		)
	Balance, end of year	$	5.7		$	5.6		$	7.3
	Income tax valuation allowance additions (reductions) were as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance, beginning of the year	$	0.6		$	0.5		$	0.7
	Charged to expense	0.2			0.1			(0.2		)
	Balance, end of year	$	0.8		$	0.6		$	0.5

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of presentation	'
	Basis of presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TrueBlue, Inc. and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
Segment reporting	'
	Our TrueBlue service lines are our operating segments and are aggregated into one reportable segment in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our operations are all in the blue-collar staffing market of the temporary staffing industry and supply customers with temporary workers. All our service lines have the following similar characteristics:
	•	They provide blue-collar temporary labor services;
	•	They serve customers who have a need for temporary staff to perform tasks, which do not require a permanent employee;
	•	They each build a temporary workforce through recruiting, screening, and hiring. Temporary workers are dispatched to customers where they work under the supervision of our customers;
	•	They each drive profitability by managing the bill rates to our customers and the pay rates to our workers. Profitable growth is also driven by leveraging our cost structure across all service lines.
	Our long-term performance expectations of all our service lines are similar as are the underlying financial and economic metrics used to manage those service lines.
	Our international operations are not significant to our total operations for segment reporting purposes. Total revenues from our international operations were 3.1%, 3.5%, and 3.8% of our total revenues for fiscal years ending 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Fiscal year end	'
	Fiscal year end
	Our fiscal year ends on the last Friday of December.
Revenue recognition	'
	Revenue recognition
	Revenue from temporary staffing services is recognized at the time the service is provided and is net of adjustments related to customer credits. Revenue also includes billable travel and other reimbursable costs. Customer discounts or other incentives are recognized in the period the related revenue is earned. We discontinued the use of all domestic cash dispensing machines in fiscal 2012. Revenues are reported net of sales, use, or other transaction taxes collected from customers and remitted to taxing authorities.
	We record revenue on a gross basis as a principal versus on a net basis as an agent in the consolidated statement of operations. We have determined that gross reporting as a principal is the appropriate treatment based upon the following key factors:
	•	We maintain the direct contractual relationship with the customer.
	•	We have discretion in selecting and assigning the temporary workers to particular jobs and establishing their billing rate.
	•	We bear the risk and rewards of the transaction including credit risk if the customer fails to pay for services performed.
	Cost of services
	Cost of services primarily includes wages of temporary workers and related payroll taxes and workers’ compensation expenses. Cost of services also includes billable travel and other reimbursable costs.
Advertising costs	'
	Advertising costs
	Advertising costs consist primarily of print and other promotional activities. We expense advertisements as of the first date the advertisements take place. Advertising expenses included in selling, general and administrative expenses were $4.0 million, $3.7 million, and $3.6 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities	'
	Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities
	We consider all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Investments with original maturities greater than three months are classified as marketable securities. Our marketable securities consist of certificates of deposit ("CDs"), variable-rate demand notes ("VRDNs"), and commercial paper. All of our marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value, with any unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss). We do not buy and hold securities principally for the purpose of selling them in the near future. Our investment policy is focused on the preservation of capital, liquidity and return. From time to time, we may sell certain securities but the objectives are generally not to generate profits on short-term differences in price. We manage our cash equivalents and marketable securities as a single portfolio of highly liquid securities.
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts	'
	Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
	Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount together with interest for certain past due accounts. We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the failure of our customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on current collection efforts, historical collection trends, write-off experience, customer credit risk, and current economic data. The allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed quarterly and represents our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses. Past due balances are written-off when it is probable the receivable will not be collected. Our allowance for doubtful accounts was $5.7 million and $5.0 million as of December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively.
Restricted cash and investments	'
	Restricted cash and investments
	Cash and investments pledged as collateral and restricted to use for workers' compensation insurance programs are included as restricted cash and investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our investments consist of highly rated investment grade debt securities which are rated A or higher by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. We have the positive intent and ability to hold all these investments until maturity in accordance with our investment policy and accordingly all of our investments are classified as held-to-maturity. In the event that an investment is downgraded, it is replaced with a highly rated investment grade security. We review for impairment on a quarterly basis and do not consider temporary unrealized losses to be impaired.
	In 2011, we entered into an agreement with AIG and the Bank of New York Mellon creating a trust ("Trust"), which holds the majority of our collateral obligations under existing workers' compensation insurance policies. Placing the collateral in the Trust allows us to manage the investment of the assets and provides greater protection of those assets.
Fair value of financial instruments and investments	'
	Fair value of financial instruments and investments
	The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of those instruments. The fair value of our restricted investments is based upon the quoted market price on the last business day of the fiscal reporting period. Where an observable quoted market price for a security does not exist, we estimate fair value using a variety of valuation methodologies, which include observable inputs for comparable instruments and unobservable inputs. There are inherent limitations when estimating the fair value of financial instruments and the fair values reported are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would be realized in current market transactions.
Property and equipment	'
	Property and equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost. We compute depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
		Years
	Buildings	40
	Computers and software	3 - 10
	Furniture and equipment	3 - 10
	Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the related non-cancelable lease term, which is typically 90 days, or their estimated useful lives.
	Non-capital expenditures associated with opening new branch locations are expensed as incurred.
	When property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss, net of proceeds, is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations & Comprehensive Income.
	Repairs and maintenance costs are charged directly to expense as incurred. Major renewals or replacements that substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated.
	Costs associated with the acquisition or development of software for internal use are capitalized and amortized over the expected useful life of the software, from three to ten years. A subsequent addition, modification, or upgrade to internal-use software is capitalized to the extent that it enhances the software's functionality or extends its useful life. Software maintenance and training costs are expensed in the period incurred.
Leases	'
	Leases
	We conduct our branch office operations from leased locations. The leases require payment of real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance, in addition to rent. The terms of our lease agreements generally range from three to five years with options to cancel with 90 day notification. Most of the leases contain renewal options and escalation clauses.
	For leases that contain predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent, we recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis from the date we take possession of the property to the end of the minimum lease term. We record any difference between the straight-line rent amounts and amounts payable under the leases as part of deferred rent, in accrued liabilities or long-term liabilities, as appropriate.
	Cash or lease incentives received upon entering into certain branch leases ("tenant allowances") are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent from the date we take possession of the property through the end of the initial lease term. We record the unamortized portion of tenant allowances as a part of deferred rent, in accrued liabilities or long-term liabilities, as appropriate.
Goodwill and intangible assets	'
	Goodwill and intangible assets
	Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. We allocated goodwill to reporting units based on the reporting units that are expected to benefit from the business combination. We do not amortize goodwill but test it for impairment annually as of the last day of our fiscal third quarter, or when indications of potential impairment exist. We monitor the existence of potential impairment indicators throughout the fiscal year.
	We test for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level. We consider our service lines; Labor Ready, Spartan Staffing, CLP Resources, PlaneTechs and Centerline; to be reporting units for goodwill impairment testing. In fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011, there were no changes to our reporting units.
	The impairment test involves comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. Fair value reflects the price a market participant would be willing to pay in a potential sale of the reporting unit. If the fair value exceeds carrying value, then we conclude that no goodwill impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is required to measure possible goodwill impairment loss. The second step includes hypothetically valuing the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Then, the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is compared to the carrying value of that goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying value.
	Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions to evaluate the impact of operating and macroeconomic changes on each reporting unit. The fair value of each reporting unit is estimated using a discounted cash flow methodology. This analysis requires significant judgments, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for our business, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and determination of our weighted average cost of capital, which is risk-adjusted to reflect the specific risk profile of the reporting unit being tested. We also identify similar publicly traded companies and develop a correlation, referred to as a multiple, to apply to the operating results of the reporting units. The primary market multiples we compare to are revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. These combined fair values are then reconciled to our aggregate market value of our shares of common stock on the date of valuation, while considering a reasonable control premium. We base fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Actual future results may differ from those estimates.
	The blue-collar staffing market is subject to volatility based on overall economic conditions. As a consequence, our revenues tend to increase quickly when the economy begins to grow. Conversely, our revenues also decrease quickly when the economy begins to weaken, as occurred during the most recent recession. If actual results were to significantly deviate from management's estimates and assumptions of future performance, we could experience a material impairment to our goodwill.
	We have indefinite-lived intangible assets related to our CLP Resources and Spartan Staffing trade names. We test our indefinite-lived intangible assets annually for impairment, or when indications of potential impairment exist. We utilize the relief from royalty method to determine the fair value of each of our trade names. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to the excess. Considerable management judgment is necessary to determine key assumptions, including projected revenue, royalty rates, and appropriate discount rates.
Long-lived asset impairment	'
	Long-lived asset impairment
	Long-lived assets include property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets. Definite-lived intangible assets consist of customer relationships, trade names and non-compete agreements. Long-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Factors considered important that could result in an impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant under performance relative to historical or planned operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of the assets or significant changes in our business strategies. Long-lived assets are grouped at the lowest level at which identifiable cash flows are largely independent when assessing impairment. Our branch assets, including property and equipment, and customer relationship intangibles, are grouped and evaluated at the individual branch level. All other property and equipment and definite-lived intangibles are grouped at either the service line or corporate level as appropriate based on the identifiable cash flows. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset plus net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset (if any) are less than the carrying value of the asset. When an impairment loss is recognized, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value based on quoted market prices or other valuation techniques (e.g., discounted cash flow analysis). Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future after-tax cash flows, including cash flows from continuing use and terminal value. Accordingly, actual future results could vary from our estimates.
Branch closures and exit costs	'
	Branch closures and exit costs
	We routinely evaluate our branch network and close under-performing branches. We classify closed branches in discontinued operations when the operations and cash flows of the branch have been or will be eliminated from ongoing operations. To determine if cash flows have been or will be eliminated from ongoing operations, we evaluate a number of qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to, proximity to remaining open branches and estimates of revenue migration from the closed branch to any branch remaining open. The estimated revenue migration is based on historical estimates of our revenue migration upon opening or closing a branch in a similar market. Branch closings meeting the criteria for discontinued operations were not material, individually or cumulatively, for any reporting year presented. Assets related to planned branch closures or other exit activities are evaluated for impairment in accordance with our impairment policy, giving consideration to revised estimates of future cash flows.
Workers’ compensation reserves	'
	Workers’ compensation reserves
	We maintain reserves for workers’ compensation claims using actuarial estimates of the future cost of claims and related expenses. These estimates include claims that have been reported but not settled and claims that have been incurred but not reported. These reserves, which reflect potential liabilities to be paid in future periods based on estimated payment patterns, are discounted to estimated net present value using discount rates based on average returns of “risk-free” U.S. Treasury instruments, which are evaluated on a quarterly basis. We evaluate the reserves regularly throughout the year and make adjustments accordingly. If the actual cost of such claims and related expenses exceed the amounts estimated, additional reserves may be required. Changes in reserve estimates are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations & Comprehensive Income in the period when the changes in estimates are made.
	Our workers’ compensation reserves include estimated expenses related to claims above our self-insured limits (“excess claims”) and a corresponding receivable for the insurance coverage on excess claims based on the contractual policy agreements we have with insurance companies. We discount the liability and its corresponding receivable to its estimated net present value using the “risk-free” rates associated with the actuarially determined weighted average lives of our excess claims. When appropriate, based on our best estimate, we record a valuation allowance against the insurance receivable to reflect amounts that may not be realized.
Reserves for contingent legal and regulatory liabilities	'
	Reserves for contingent legal and regulatory liabilities
	From time to time we are subject to compliance audits by federal, state and local authorities relating to a variety of regulations including wage and hour laws, taxes, workers’ compensation, immigration, and safety. From time to time we are also subject to legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our operations. We establish reserves for contingent legal and regulatory liabilities when our management determines that it is probable that a legal claim will result in an adverse outcome and the amount of liability can be reasonably estimated. To the extent that an insurance company is contractually obligated to reimburse us for a liability, we record a receivable for the amount of the probable reimbursement. We evaluate our reserve regularly throughout the year and make adjustments as needed. If the actual outcome of these matters is different than expected, an adjustment is charged or credited to expense in the period the outcome occurs or the period in which the estimate changes.
Income taxes and related valuation allowance	'
	Income taxes and related valuation allowance
	We account for income taxes by recording taxes payable or receivable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. These expected future tax consequences are measured based on provisions of tax law as currently enacted; the effects of future changes in tax laws are not anticipated. Future tax law changes, such as changes to the federal and state corporate tax rates and the mix of states and their taxable income, could have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. When appropriate, we record a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to offset future tax benefits that may not be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is appropriate, we consider whether it is more likely than not that all or some portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized, based in part upon management’s judgments regarding future events and past operating results. Based on that analysis, we have determined that a valuation allowance is appropriate for certain foreign net operating losses and state tax credits that we expect will not be utilized within the permitted carry forward periods as of December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012.
Stock-based compensation	'
	Stock-based compensation
	Under various plans, officers, employees and non-employee directors have received or may receive grants of stock, restricted stock awards, performance share units, or options to purchase common stock. We also have an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”).
	Compensation expense for restricted stock awards and performance share units is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the stock’s fair market value on the grant date. For restricted stock grants issued with performance conditions, compensation expense is recognized over each vesting period based on assessment of the likelihood of meeting these conditions. We recognize compensation expense for only the portion of restricted stock and performance share units that is expected to vest, rather than record forfeitures when they occur. If the actual number of forfeitures differs from those estimated by management, additional adjustments to compensation expense may be required in the future periods. We determine the fair value of options to purchase common stock using the Black-Scholes valuation model, which requires the input of subjective assumptions. We recognize expense over the service period for options that are expected to vest and record adjustments to compensation expense at the end of the service period if actual forfeitures differ from original estimates.
Foreign currency	'
	Foreign currency
	Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments relate to our consolidated foreign subsidiary. Assets and liabilities recorded in foreign currencies are translated at the applicable exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year.
Purchases and retirement of our common stock	'
	Purchases and retirement of our common stock
	Purchases of our common stock are not displayed separately as treasury stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with the Washington Business Corporation Act, which requires the retirement of purchased shares. As a result, shares of our common stock that we purchase are retired immediately. It is our accounting policy to first record these purchases as a reduction to our common stock account. Once the common stock account has been reduced to a nominal balance, remaining purchases are recorded as a reduction to our Retained earnings account. Furthermore, activity in our common stock account related to stock-based compensation is also recorded to Retained earnings until such time as the reduction to Retained earnings due to stock repurchases has been recovered.
Shares outstanding	'
	Shares outstanding
	Shares outstanding include shares of unvested restricted stock. Unvested restricted stock included in reportable shares outstanding was 0.7 million and 0.6 million shares as of December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively. Shares of unvested restricted stock are excluded from our calculation of basic weighted average shares outstanding, but their dilutive impact is added back in the calculation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding.
Use of estimates	'
	Use of estimates
	Preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Examples include, but are not limited to, allowance for doubtful accounts, estimates for asset and goodwill impairments, stock-based performance awards, assumptions underlying self-insurance reserves, and the potential outcome of future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements. Actual results and outcomes may differ from these estimates and assumptions.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements not yet Adopted	'
	Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
	In July 2013, the FASB issued authoritative guidance for the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except to the extent when, for certain reasons, it is not available. The guidance will be effective for our first quarter of fiscal 2014. Management does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our financial statements.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of property and equipment	'
		Years
	Buildings	40
	Computers and software	3 - 10
	Furniture and equipment	3 - 10
	Property and equipment are stated at cost and consist of the following (in millions):
		December 27,			December 28,
		2013			2012
	Buildings and land	$	27		$	25.9
	Computers and software	101.9			91.7
	Cash dispensing machines	1			1
	Furniture and equipment	9.4			8.9
	Construction in progress	2.9			7.7
		142.2			135.2
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(87.7		)	(77.0		)
		$	54.5		$	58.2

ACQUISITION_Tables

ACQUISITION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of pro forma financial data	'
	Pro forma financial data (unaudited) is presented below (in millions, except per share data).
		2013			2012
	Revenue from services	$	1,693.10		$	1,612.50
	Net income	$	49		$	25.9
	Net income per common share - diluted	$	1.21		$	0.65
MDT Personnel, LLC	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of allocation of fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed	'
	The following table summarizes the final allocation of the MDT purchase price, based on the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date of February 4, 2013 (in millions):
			Purchase Price Allocation
	Cash		$	0.4
	Accounts receivable (1)		29.9
	Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets		0.6
	Property and equipment		0.3
	Restricted cash		6.9
	Intangible assets		10.2
	Total assets acquired		48.3
	Accounts payable and other accrued expenses		6.3
	Accrued wages and benefits		4.8
	Workers' compensation claims reserve		9.4
	Other long-term liabilities		0.1
	Total liabilities assumed		20.6
	Net identifiable assets acquired		27.7
	Goodwill		25.7
	Net assets acquired		$	53.4
	-1	The gross contractual amount of accounts receivable was $32.9 million of which $3.0 million was estimated to be uncollectible.
Schedule of estimate for the components of identifiable intangible assets and their estimated useful lives (in millions)	'
	The following table sets forth the components of identifiable intangible assets and their estimated useful lives as of February 4, 2013 (in millions, except for estimated useful lives, in years):
		Estimated Fair Value			Estimated Useful Life
	Customer relationships	$	7.8		8
	Trade name/trademarks	$	1		1.5
	Non-compete agreement	$	1.4		5
The Work Connection, Inc.	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of allocation of fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed	'
	The following table summarizes the final allocation of the TWC purchase price, based on the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date of October 1, 2013 (in millions):
			Purchase Price Allocation
	Accounts receivable (1)		$	10.2
	Plant and equipment		0.2
	Intangible assets		8.2
	Total assets acquired		18.6
	Accounts payable		0.6
	Accrued wages and benefits		2.9
	Total liabilities assumed		3.5
	Net identifiable assets acquired		15.1
	Goodwill		7.6
	Net assets acquired		$	22.7
	-1	The gross contractual amount of accounts receivable was $10.4 million of which $0.2 million was estimated to be uncollectible.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of fair value hierarchy for cash equivalents and restricted investments	'
	The following tables present the fair value and hierarchy for our financial assets (in millions):
		December 27, 2013
		Carrying Value		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Financial assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	122	$	122	$	122	$	—	$	—
	Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale (2)	20.7		20.7		—		20.7		—
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)	57.1		57.1		57.1		—		—
	Other restricted assets (3)	10.8		10.8		10.8		—		—
	Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity (4)	86.7		86.9		—		86.9		—
		December 28, 2012
		Carrying Value		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Financial assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	129.5	$	129.5	$	129.5	$	—	$	—
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)	38.1		38.1		38.1		—		—
	Other restricted assets (3)	7		7		7		—		—
	Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity (4)	91.2		92.7		—		92.7		—
	-1	Cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents consist of money market funds, deposits, and investments with original maturities of three months or less.
	-2	Marketable securities include CDs, VRDNs, and commercial paper, which are classified as available-for-sale. Our CDs include $6.0 million with maturities greater than one year and are classified as Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. VRDNs with contractual maturities beyond one year are classified as short-term based on their highly liquid nature and because they represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations. Despite the long-term nature of their stated contractual maturities, we routinely buy and sell these securities and believe we have the ability to quickly sell them to the re-marketing agent at par value plus accrued interest in the event we decide to liquidate our investment in a particular VRDN.
	-3	Primarily consists of restricted cash in money market accounts and deferred compensation plan accounts, which are comprised of mutual funds.
	-4	Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity consist of highly rated investment grade securities, primarily in municipal-debt securities, corporate-debt securities, asset-backed securities, and U.S. agency debentures.

MARKETABLE_SECURITIES_Tables

MARKETABLE SECURITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of available-for-sale securities	'
	The following table presents the amortized cost and fair value of our available-for-sale investments, which are carried at fair value (in millions):
		December 27, 2013
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Certificates of deposit	$	10	$	9.9
	Variable-rate demand notes	5.8		5.8
	Commercial paper	5		5
		$	20.8	$	20.7
Schedule of available-for-sale securities by contractual maturity	'
	The amortized cost and fair value by contractual maturity of our available-for-sale investments are as follows (in millions):
		December 27, 2013
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less (1)	$	14.8	$	14.7
	Due after one year (2)	6		6
		$	20.8	$	20.7
	The amortized cost and fair value by contractual maturity of our held-to-maturity investments are as follows (in millions):
		December 27, 2013
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	10.2	$	10.2
	Due after one year through five years	42.1		42.8
	Due after five years through ten years	34.4		33.9
		$	86.7	$	86.9

RESTRICTED_CASH_AND_INVESTMENT1

RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of restricted cash and investments	'
	The following is a summary of restricted cash and investments (in millions):
		December 27,		December 28,
		2013		2012
	Cash collateral held by insurance carriers	$	23.7	$	21.5
	Cash and cash equivalents held in Trust (1)	31.5		14.8
	Investments held in Trust	86.7		91.2
	Cash collateral backing letters of credit	1.9		1.8
	Other (2)	10.8		7
	Total restricted cash and investments	$	154.6	$	136.3
	-1	Included in this amount is $0.8 million and $0.9 million of accrued interest at December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively.
	-2	Primarily consists of restricted cash in money market accounts and deferred compensation plan accounts which are comprised of mutual funds.
Schedule of held-to-maturity investments	'
	The following tables present fair value disclosures for our held-to-maturity investments, which are carried at amortized cost (in millions):
		December 27, 2013
		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized Loss			Fair Value
	Municipal debt securities	$	54.1	$	0.7	$	(0.4	)	$	54.4
	Corporate debt securities	19.7		0.2		(0.3		)	19.6
	Asset-backed securities	12.9		0.1		(0.1		)	12.9
		$	86.7	$	1	$	(0.8	)	$	86.9
		December 28, 2012
		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized Loss			Fair Value
	Municipal debt securities	$	57.3	$	1	$	(0.1	)	$	58.2
	Corporate debt securities	17.9		0.3		—			18.2
	Asset-backed securities	16		0.3		—			16.3
		$	91.2	$	1.6	$	(0.1	)	$	92.7
Schedule of held-to-maturity investments by contractual maturity	'
	The amortized cost and fair value by contractual maturity of our available-for-sale investments are as follows (in millions):
		December 27, 2013
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less (1)	$	14.8	$	14.7
	Due after one year (2)	6		6
		$	20.8	$	20.7
	The amortized cost and fair value by contractual maturity of our held-to-maturity investments are as follows (in millions):
		December 27, 2013
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	10.2	$	10.2
	Due after one year through five years	42.1		42.8
	Due after five years through ten years	34.4		33.9
		$	86.7	$	86.9

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_NET_Tab

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Schedule of property and equipment	'
		Years
	Buildings	40
	Computers and software	3 - 10
	Furniture and equipment	3 - 10
	Property and equipment are stated at cost and consist of the following (in millions):
		December 27,			December 28,
		2013			2012
	Buildings and land	$	27		$	25.9
	Computers and software	101.9			91.7
	Cash dispensing machines	1			1
	Furniture and equipment	9.4			8.9
	Construction in progress	2.9			7.7
		142.2			135.2
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(87.7		)	(77.0		)
		$	54.5		$	58.2

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS1

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of goodwill	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows (in millions):
		Goodwill			Accumulated Impairment Losses			Goodwill
	Balance at December 28, 2012	$	94.3		$	(46.2	)	$	48.1
	Goodwill acquired year to date (1)	34.1			—			34.1
	Balance at December 27, 2013	$	128.4		$	(46.2	)	$	82.2
	-1	Goodwill acquired includes $25.7 million, $0.8 million, and $7.6 million due to the acquisitions of MDT, CTS, and TWC, respectively.
Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets	'
	The following table presents our purchased finite-lived intangible assets (in millions):
		December 27, 2013									December 28, 2012
		Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount			Amount						Amount
	Finite-lived intangible assets (1):
	Customer relationships	$	35.9		$	(13.9	)	$	22		$	19.1		$	(10.5	)	$	8.6
	Trade name/trademarks	5.2			(2.7		)	2.5			3.5			(1.6		)	1.9
	Non-compete agreements	1.8			(0.5		)	1.3			1.8			(1.4		)	0.4
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	42.9		$	(17.1	)	$	25.8		$	24.4		$	(13.5	)	$	10.9
	-1	Excludes assets that are fully amortized.
Schedule of components of intangible assets acquired	'
	The components of intangible assets acquired for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2013, were as follows (in millions):
			MDT			CTS			TWC			Total Acquired Intangible Assets			Weighted Average Life
	Customer relationships		$	7.8		$	1.4		$	7.6		$	16.8		8
	Trade name/trademarks		1			0.1			0.6			1.7			1
	Non-compete agreements		1.4			—			—			1.4			5
	Total intangible assets acquired		$	10.2		$	1.5		$	8.2		$	19.9
Schedule of estimated future amortization of definite-lived intangible assets	'
	The following table provides the estimated future amortization of finite-lived intangible assets as of December 27, 2013 (in millions):
	2014	$	5.8
	2015	5.1
	2016	4.6
	2017	2.6
	2018	2.1
	Thereafter	5.6
	Total future amortization	$	25.8

WORKERS_COMPENSATION_INSURANCE1

WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE AND RESERVES Workers' Compensation Insurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of workers' compensation claims reserve	'
	The table below presents a reconciliation of the undiscounted workers’ compensation claims reserve to the discounted workers' compensation reserve for the periods presented as follows (in millions):
		December 27,		December 28,
		2013		2012
	Undiscounted workers’ compensation reserve	$	234.4	$	216
	Less discount on workers' compensation reserve	19.6		20.4
	Workers' compensation reserve, net of discount	214.8		195.6
	Less current portion	49.9		44.7
	Long-term portion	$	164.9	$	150.9
Schedule of estimated future payout of our discounted workers' compensation claims reserve	'
	The table below presents the estimated future payout of our discounted workers' compensation claims reserve for the next five years and thereafter as of December 27, 2013 (in millions):
	2014	$	49.9
	2015	29.5
	2016	18.6
	2017	12.9
	2018	9.9
	2019 and thereafter	59.9
	Sub-total	180.7
	Excess claims reserve	34.1
	Total	$	214.8

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of applicable spread based on excess liquidity	'
	Under the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility we pay a variable rate of interest on funds borrowed that is based on London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or the Prime Rate, at our option, plus an applicable spread based on excess liquidity as set forth below:
	Excess Liquidity		Prime Rate Loans	LIBOR Rate Loans
	Greater than $40 million		0.50%	1.50%
	Between $20 million and $40 million		0.75%	1.75%
	Less than $20 million		1.00%	2.00%
Schedule principal payments of debt for the next five years	'
	Scheduled principal payments for debt for the next five years are as follows (in millions):
	2014	$	2.3
	2015	2.3
	2016	2.3
	2017	2.3
	2018	22.8
	Total principal payments	$	32
Schedule of workers’ compensation collateral commitments	'
	We have provided our insurance carriers and certain states with commitments in the form and amounts listed below (in millions):
		December 27,			December 28,
		2013			2012
	Cash collateral held by insurance carriers	$	23.7		$	21.5
	Cash and cash equivalents held in Trust (1)	31.5			14.8
	Investments held in Trust	86.7			91.2
	Letters of credit (2)	7.9			9
	Surety bonds (3)	16.1			16.2
	Total collateral commitments	$	165.9		$	152.7
	-1	Included in this amount is $0.8 million and $0.9 million of accrued interest at December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively.
	-2	We have agreements with certain financial institutions to issue letters of credit as collateral. We had $1.9 million and $1.8 million of restricted cash collateralizing our letters of credit at December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively.
	-3	Our surety bonds are issued by independent insurance companies on our behalf and bear annual fees based on a percentage of the bond, which is determined by each independent surety carrier. These fees do not exceed 2.0% of the bond amount, subject to a minimum charge. The terms of these bonds are subject to review and renewal every one to four years and most bonds can be canceled by the sureties with as little as 60 days notice.
Schedule of future non-cancelable minimum lease payments under our operating lease commitments	'
	Future non-cancelable minimum lease payments under our operating lease commitments as of December 27, 2013 are as follows for each of the next five years and thereafter (in millions):
	2014	$	1.8
	2015	1
	2016	0.5
	2017	0.2
	2018	0.1
	Total future non-cancelable minimum lease payments	$	3.6

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'
	Stock-based compensation expense was as follows (in millions):
		2013			2012			2011
	Restricted and unrestricted stock and performance share units	$	8.1		$	7.5		$	6.7
	Stock options	—			0.1			0.4
	Employee stock purchase plan	0.3			0.3			0.3
	Total stock-based compensation	$	8.4		$	7.9		$	7.4
	Total related tax benefit recognized	$	2.9		$	2.9		$	2.8
Schedule of restricted and unrestricted stock and performance share units activity	'
	Restricted and unrestricted stock and performance share units activity for the year ended December 27, 2013 was as follows (shares in thousands):
		Shares		Weighted- average grant-date price
	Non-vested at beginning of period	1,435		$	15.23
	Granted	643		$	19
	Vested	(437	)	$	15.25
	Forfeited	(97	)	$	17.45
	Non-vested at the end of the period	1,544		$	16.66
Schedule of stock option activity	'
	Stock option activity was as follows (shares in thousands):
		Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price			Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)
	Outstanding, December 28, 2012	639		$	16.91
	Exercised	(454	)	$	16.12
	Expired/Forfeited	(111	)	$	21.24
	Outstanding, December 27, 2013	74		$	14.99		1.65		$	0.8
	Exercisable, December 27, 2013	74		$	14.99		1.65		$	0.8
Schedule of transactions under ESPP	'
	The following table summarizes transactions under our ESPP from fiscal year 2011 through 2013 (shares in thousands):
		Shares		Average Price Per
				Share
	Issued during fiscal year 2013	69		$	17.1
	Issued during fiscal year 2012	95		$	12.41
	Issued during fiscal year 2011	83		$	11.95

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of components of income tax expense	'
	The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following (in millions):
		2013			2012				2011
	Current taxes:
	Federal	$	14.2		$	14.9			$	16.3
	State	5.1			2.7				2.9
	Foreign	0.5			0.3				0.4
	Total current taxes	19.8			17.9				19.6
	Deferred taxes:
	Federal	(2.8		)	2.7				(1.3		)
	State	(1.0		)	0.4				0.1
	Foreign	—			—				0.1
	Total deferred taxes	(3.8		)	3.1				(1.1		)
	Provision for income taxes	$	16		$	21			$	18.5
Schedule of income tax reconciliation	'
	The items accounting for the difference between income taxes computed at the statutory federal income tax rate and income taxes reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations & Comprehensive Income are as follows (in millions except percentages):
		2013			%			2012				%		2011			%
	Income tax expense based on statutory rate	$	21.3		35	%		$	19.1			35	%	$	17.2		35	%
	Increase (decrease) resulting from:
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit	2.5			4.2	%		1.8				3.3	%	1.9			3.9	%
	Tax credits, net	(10.8		)	(17.7	)%		(1.9		)		(3.5	)%	(3.5		)	(7.2	)%
	Nondeductible/nontaxable items	2.1			3.5	%		2.3				4.2	%	2.9			5.8	%
	Other, net	0.9			1.3	%		(0.3		)		(0.6	)%	—			0.1	%
	Total taxes on income	$	16		26.3	%		$	21			38.4	%	$	18.5		37.6	%
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities	'
	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):
		27-Dec-13			28-Dec-12
	Deferred tax assets:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	2.2		$	2
	Workers’ compensation claims reserve	10.4			10.1
	Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	2.2			2.4
	Net operating loss and tax credits carry-forwards	1.1			0.6
	Accrued wages and benefits	6.8			5.9
	Deferred compensation	2.2			1.5
	Other	1			0.5
	Total	25.9			23
	Valuation allowance	(0.8		)	(0.6		)
	Total deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance	25.1			22.4
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets	(1.7		)	(1.6		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(10.4		)	(11.9		)
	Other	(1.2		)	(0.9		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(13.3		)	(14.4		)
	Net deferred tax asset, end of year	11.8			8
	Net deferred tax asset, current	7.6			5.4
	Net deferred tax asset, non-current	$	4.2		$	2.6
Schedule of unrecognized tax benefits activity	'
	The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits (in millions):
		2013			2012				2011
	Balance, beginning of fiscal year	$	1.9		$	1.7			$	1.6
	Increases for tax positions related to the current year	0.4			0.5				0.3
	Reductions due to lapsed statute of limitations	(0.3		)	(0.3		)		(0.2		)
	Balance, end of fiscal year	$	2		$	1.9			$	1.7

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE_Tables

NET INCOME PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of adjusted net income and diluted common shares	'
	Adjusted net income and diluted common shares were calculated as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
		2013		2012		2011
	Net income	$	44.9	$	33.6	$	30.8
	Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share	40.2		39.5		42
	Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and non-vested restricted stock	0.3		0.4		0.3
	Weighted average number of common shares used in diluted net income per common share	40.5		39.9		42.3
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	1.12	$	0.85	$	0.73
	Diluted	$	1.11	$	0.84	$	0.73
	Anti-dilutive shares	0.1		0.7		1

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS1

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated comprehensive income (loss) during the year ended December 27, 2013 were as follows (in millions):
		Foreign currency translation adjustment			Unrealized loss on marketable securities (1)			Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (2)
	Balance as of December 28, 2012	$	2.8		$	0		$	2.8
	Current-period other comprehensive loss	(0.7		)	(0.1		)	(0.8		)
	Balance as of December 27, 2013	$	2.1		$	(0.1	)	$	2
	-1	Consists of deferred compensation plan accounts, which are comprised of mutual funds, and available-for-sale securities, which are comprised of certificates of deposits.
	-2	The tax impact of the components of other comprehensive income (loss) was immaterial.

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA1

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of supplemental cash flow information	'
	Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information (in millions):
		2013		2012		2011
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Interest	$	1.1	$	0.7	$	0.8
	Income taxes	$	15.6	$	21.3	$	16.1

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_DATA_UNAUD1

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of quarterly financial information	'
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	2013
	Revenue from services	$	346,498		$	422,310		$	451,169		$	448,952
	Cost of services	259,859			310,437			327,641			328,689
	Gross profit	86,639			111,873			123,528			120,263
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	88,432			89,339			90,767			93,710
	Depreciation and amortization	5,159			5,203			4,771			5,339
	Income (loss) from operations	(6,952		)	17,331			27,990			21,214
	Interest expense	(233		)	(336		)	(350		)	(329		)
	Interest and other income	710			611			766			515
	Interest and other income, net	477			275			416			186
	Income (loss) before tax expense	(6,475		)	17,606			28,406			21,400
	Income tax expense (benefit)	(5,399		)	5,069			9,454			6,889
	Net income (loss)	$	(1,076	)	$	12,537		$	18,952		$	14,511
	Net income (loss) per common share:
	Basic	$	(0.03	)	$	0.31		$	0.47		$	0.36
	Diluted	$	(0.03	)	$	0.31		$	0.47		$	0.36
	2012
	Revenue from services	$	311,187		$	354,261		$	379,467		$	344,615
	Cost of services	231,952			260,725			274,237			250,231
	Gross profit	79,235			93,536			105,230			94,384
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	72,082			71,526			77,634			79,217
	Depreciation and amortization	4,768			4,729			4,660			4,733
	Income from operations	2,385			17,281			22,936			10,434
	Interest expense	(391		)	(244		)	(266		)	(230		)
	Interest and other income	655			656			675			714
	Interest and other income, net	264			412			409			484
	Income before tax expense	2,649			17,693			23,345			10,918
	Income tax expense	1,119			7,356			8,998			3,503
	Net income	$	1,530		$	10,337		$	14,347		$	7,415
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.04		$	0.26		$	0.36		$	0.19
	Diluted	$	0.04		$	0.26		$	0.36		$	0.19

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
	segment
	customer
	branch
	state
Description of business [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of customers	130,000	'	'
Number of network branches operated by the Company	757	'	'
Number of states in which Company operates	50	'	'
Segment reporting [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of reportable segments	1	'	'
Percentage of revenue from international operations	3.10%	3.50%	3.80%
Advertising costs [Abstract]	'	'	'
Advertising expense	$4,000,000	$3,700,000	$3,600,000
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts [Abstract]	'	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$5,710,000	$4,999,000	'
Shares outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'
Unvested restricted stock included in shares outstanding	0.7	0.6	'
Buildings	'	'	'
Plant and equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Estimated useful life	'40 years	'	'
Minimum | Computers and software	'	'	'
Plant and equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Estimated useful life	'3 years	'	'
Minimum | Furniture and equipment	'	'	'
Plant and equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Estimated useful life	'3 years	'	'
Maximum | Computers and software	'	'	'
Plant and equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Estimated useful life	'10 years	'	'
Maximum | Furniture and equipment	'	'	'
Plant and equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Estimated useful life	'10 years	'	'

ACQUISITION_Final_Allocation_o

ACQUISITION - Final Allocation of Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 27, 2013	Feb. 04, 2013		Dec. 27, 2013	Oct. 02, 2013
			MDT Personnel, LLC	MDT Personnel, LLC		The Work Connection, Inc.	The Work Connection, Inc.
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Cash	'	'	'	$400,000		'	'
Accounts receivable (1)	'	'	'	29,900,000	[1]	'	10,200,000	[2]
Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets	'	'	'	600,000		'	'
Property and equipment	'	'	'	300,000		'	200,000
Restricted cash	'	'	'	6,900,000		'	'
Intangible assets	19,900,000	'	10,200,000	10,200,000		8,200,000	8,200,000
Total assets acquired	'	'	'	48,300,000		'	18,600,000
Accounts payable	'	'	'	'		'	600,000
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	'	'	'	6,300,000		'	'
Accrued wages and benefits	'	'	'	4,800,000		'	2,900,000
Workers' compensation claims reserve	'	'	'	9,400,000		'	'
Other long-term liabilities	'	'	'	100,000		'	'
Total liabilities assumed	'	'	'	20,600,000		'	3,500,000
Net identifiable assets acquired	'	'	'	27,700,000		'	15,100,000
Goodwill	82,239,000	48,079,000	'	25,700,000		'	7,600,000
Net assets acquired	'	'	'	53,400,000		'	22,700,000
Business Combination, Acquired Receivables [Abstract]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Gross contractual accounts receivable	'	'	'	32,900,000		'	10,400,000
Estimated uncollectible accounts receivable	'	'	'	$3,000,000		'	$200,000
[1]	The gross contractual amount of accounts receivable was $32.9 million of which $3.0 million was estimated to be uncollectible.
[2]	The gross contractual amount of accounts receivable was $10.4 million of which $0.2 million was estimated to be uncollectible.

ACQUISITION_Final_Estimate_for

ACQUISITION - Final Estimate for the Components of Identifiable Intangible Assets and Their Estimated Useful Lives (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Feb. 04, 2013

Feb. 04, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Feb. 04, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Feb. 04, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Customer relationships

Trade name/trademarks

Non-compete agreement

MDT Personnel, LLC

MDT Personnel, LLC

MDT Personnel, LLC

MDT Personnel, LLC

MDT Personnel, LLC

MDT Personnel, LLC

MDT Personnel, LLC

MDT Personnel, LLC

Customer relationships

Customer relationships

Trade name/trademarks

Trade name/trademarks

Non-compete agreement

Non-compete agreement

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated Fair Value

$19,900,000

$16,800,000

$1,700,000

$1,400,000

$10,200,000

$10,200,000

$7,800,000

$7,800,000

'

$1,000,000

$1,400,000

$1,400,000

Estimated Useful Life

'

'8 years

'1 year

'5 years

'

'

'8 years

'

'1 year 6 months

'

'5 years

'

ACQUISITION_Pro_Forma_Financia

ACQUISITION - Pro Forma Financial Data (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]	'	'
Revenue from services	$1,693.10	$1,612.50
Net income	$49	$25.90
Net income per common share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.21	$0.65

ACQUISITION_Narrative_Details

ACQUISITION - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Feb. 04, 2013		Dec. 27, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 27, 2013	Oct. 02, 2013
			MDT Personnel, LLC		MDT Personnel, LLC	Crowley Transportation Services, LLC	Crowley Transportation Services, LLC	The Work Connection, Inc.	The Work Connection, Inc.	The Work Connection, Inc.
			branch							branch
			state							state
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'	'	'
Acquisition cost, cash paid	'	'	$53,400,000		'	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	19,900,000	'	10,200,000		10,200,000	'	1,500,000	8,200,000	8,200,000	8,200,000
Number of branch locations operated by acquiree	'	'	105		'	'	'	'	'	37
Number of states in which acquiree operates	'	'	25		'	'	'	'	'	9
Acquisition-related and integration costs associated with a business combination	'	'	'		6,000,000	'	'	'	1,200,000	'
Number of acquired entity's branches consolidated	'	'	65		'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill acquired	82,239,000	48,079,000	25,700,000		'	'	'	'	'	7,600,000
Accounts receivable (1)	'	'	29,900,000	[1]	'	'	'	'	'	10,200,000	[2]
Accrued wages payable	'	'	4,800,000		'	'	'	'	'	2,900,000
Total consideration paid	'	'	'		'	2,400,000	'	22,700,000	'	'
Contingent consideration	'	'	'		'	$600,000	'	'	'	'
[1]	The gross contractual amount of accounts receivable was $32.9 million of which $3.0 million was estimated to be uncollectible.
[2]	The gross contractual amount of accounts receivable was $10.4 million of which $0.2 million was estimated to be uncollectible.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT_Details

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013		Dec. 28, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Financial assets:	'		'
Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale	$20.70		'
Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity	86.9		92.7
Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale securities due after one year	6	[1]	'
Certificates of deposit	'		'
Financial assets:	'		'
Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale	9.9		'
Certificates of deposit | Other assets	'		'
Financial assets:	'		'
Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale securities due after one year	6	[1]	'
Carrying Value	'		'
Financial assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	122	[2]	129.5	[2]
Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale	20.7	[3]	'
Carrying Value | Restricted Assets	'		'
Financial assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	57.1	[2]	38.1	[2]
Other restricted assets	10.8	[4]	7	[4]
Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity	86.7	[5]	91.2	[5]
Total Fair Value	'		'
Financial assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	122	[2]	129.5	[2]
Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale	20.7	[3]	'
Total Fair Value | Restricted Assets	'		'
Financial assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	57.1	[2]	38.1	[2]
Other restricted assets	10.8	[4]	7	[4]
Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity	86.9	[5]	92.7	[5]
Level 1	'		'
Financial assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	122	[2]	129.5	[2]
Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale	0	[3]	'
Level 1 | Restricted Assets	'		'
Financial assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	57.1	[2]	38.1	[2]
Other restricted assets	10.8	[4]	7	[4]
Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity	0	[5]	0	[5]
Level 2	'		'
Financial assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	[2]	0	[2]
Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale	20.7	[3]	'
Level 2 | Restricted Assets	'		'
Financial assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	[2]	0	[2]
Other restricted assets	0	[4]	0	[4]
Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity	86.9	[5]	92.7	[5]
Level 3	'		'
Financial assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	[2]	0	[2]
Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale	0	[3]	'
Level 3 | Restricted Assets	'		'
Financial assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	[2]	0	[2]
Other restricted assets	0	[4]	0	[4]
Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity	$0	[5]	$0	[5]
[1]	Amounts due after one year include CDs with maturities between one and two years and are recorded in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[2]	Cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents consist of money market funds, deposits, and investments with original maturities of three months or less.
[3]	Marketable securities include CDs, VRDNs, and commercial paper, which are classified as available-for-sale. Our CDs include $6.0 million with maturities greater than one year and are classified as Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. VRDNs with contractual maturities beyond one year are classified as short-term based on their highly liquid nature and because they represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations. Despite the long-term nature of their stated contractual maturities, we routinely buy and sell these securities and believe we have the ability to quickly sell them to the re-marketing agent at par value plus accrued interest in the event we decide to liquidate our investment in a particular VRDN.
[4]	Primarily consists of restricted cash in money market accounts and deferred compensation plan accounts, which are comprised of mutual funds.
[5]	Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity consist of highly rated investment grade securities, primarily in municipal-debt securities, corporate-debt securities, asset-backed securities, and U.S. agency debentures.

MARKETABLE_SECURITIES_Availabl

MARKETABLE SECURITIES - Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Amortized Cost	$20.80
Fair Value	20.7
Certificates of deposit	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Amortized Cost	10
Fair Value	9.9
Variable-rate demand notes	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Amortized Cost	5.8
Fair Value	5.8
Commercial paper	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Amortized Cost	5
Fair Value	$5

MARKETABLE_SECURITIES_Availabl1

MARKETABLE SECURITIES - Available-for-sale Securities by Contractual Maturity (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost	'
Due in one year or less	$14.80	[1]
Due after one year	6	[2]
Total	20.8
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	'
Due in one year or less	14.7	[1]
Due after one year	6	[2]
Total	$20.70
[1]	Amounts due in one year or less include CDs, VRDNs, and commercial paper. The VRDNs have contractual terms ranging from two to 19 years. Although these securities are issued as long-term securities, they are priced and traded as short-term instruments because of the high liquidity provided through the tender feature. It is not our intent to hold to maturity.
[2]	Amounts due after one year include CDs with maturities between one and two years and are recorded in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

MARKETABLE_SECURITIES_Marketab

MARKETABLE SECURITIES - Marketable Securities, Other Disclosure Items (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Variable-rate demand notes	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Other Disclosure Items [Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale securities, settlement period (less than)	'7 days
Variable-rate demand notes | Minimum	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Other Disclosure Items [Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale securities due in one year or less, contractual term	'2 years
Variable-rate demand notes | Maximum	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Other Disclosure Items [Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale securities due in one year or less, contractual term	'19 years
Certificates of deposit | Minimum	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Other Disclosure Items [Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale securities due after one year, maturity term	'1 year
Certificates of deposit | Maximum	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Other Disclosure Items [Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale securities due after one year, maturity term	'2 years

RESTRICTED_CASH_AND_INVESTMENT2

RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012
Restricted Cash and Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Cash collateral held by insurance carriers	$23,700,000	$21,500,000
Cash and cash equivalents held in Trust	31,500,000	14,800,000	[1]
Cash collateral backing letters of credit	1,900,000	1,800,000
Other	10,800,000	7,000,000	[2]
Total restricted cash and investments	154,558,000	136,259,000
Accrued interest on trust investments	800,000	900,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Reconciliation to Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Amortized Cost	86,700,000	91,200,000
Gross Unrealized Gain	1,000,000	1,600,000
Gross Unrealized Loss	-800,000	-100,000
Fair Value	86,900,000	92,700,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Amortized Cost [Abstract]	'	'
Due in one year or less	10,200,000	'
Due after one year through five years	42,100,000	'
Due after five years through ten years	34,400,000	'
Amortized Cost	86,700,000	91,200,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Due in one year or less	10,200,000	'
Due after one year through five years	42,800,000	'
Due after five years through ten years	33,900,000	'
Fair Value	86,900,000	92,700,000
Municipal debt securities	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Reconciliation to Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Amortized Cost	54,100,000	57,300,000
Gross Unrealized Gain	700,000	1,000,000
Gross Unrealized Loss	-400,000	-100,000
Fair Value	54,400,000	58,200,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Amortized Cost [Abstract]	'	'
Amortized Cost	54,100,000	57,300,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Fair Value	54,400,000	58,200,000
Corporate debt securities	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Reconciliation to Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Amortized Cost	19,700,000	17,900,000
Gross Unrealized Gain	200,000	300,000
Gross Unrealized Loss	-300,000	0
Fair Value	19,600,000	18,200,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Amortized Cost [Abstract]	'	'
Amortized Cost	19,700,000	17,900,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Fair Value	19,600,000	18,200,000
Asset-backed securities	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Reconciliation to Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Amortized Cost	12,900,000	16,000,000
Gross Unrealized Gain	100,000	300,000
Gross Unrealized Loss	-100,000	0
Fair Value	12,900,000	16,300,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Amortized Cost [Abstract]	'	'
Amortized Cost	12,900,000	16,000,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Fair Value	$12,900,000	$16,300,000
[1]	Included in this amount is $0.8 million and $0.9 million of accrued interest at December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively.
[2]	Primarily consists of restricted cash in money market accounts and deferred compensation plan accounts which are comprised of mutual funds.

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_NET_Det

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Property and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$142,200,000	$135,200,000	'
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-87,700,000	-77,000,000	'
Property and equipment, net	54,473,000	58,171,000	'
Capitalized software costs, net of accumulated amortization	30,600,000	30,900,000	'
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	15,500,000	15,800,000	13,500,000
Buildings and land	'	'	'
Property and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	27,000,000	25,900,000	'
Computers and software	'	'	'
Property and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	101,900,000	91,700,000	'
Cash dispensing machines	'	'	'
Property and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	1,000,000	1,000,000	'
Furniture and equipment	'	'	'
Property and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	9,400,000	8,900,000	'
Construction in progress	'	'	'
Property and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$2,900,000	$7,700,000	'

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Goodwill, gross	'
Balance at December 28, 2012	$94,300,000
Goodwill acquired year to date	34,100,000	[1]
Balance at December 27, 2013	128,400,000
Accumulated Impairment Losses	'
Balance at December 28, 2012	-46,200,000
Balance at December 27, 2013	-46,200,000
Goodwill	'
Balance at December 28, 2012	48,079,000
Goodwill acquired year to date	34,100,000	[1]
Balance at December 27, 2013	$82,239,000
[1]	Goodwill acquired includes $25.7 million, $0.8 million, and $7.6 million due to the acquisitions of MDT, CTS, and TWC, respectively.

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013		Dec. 28, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Amortizable intangible assets (1):	'		'
Gross Carrying Amount	$42.90	[1]	$24.40	[1]
Accumulated Amortization	-17.1	[1]	-13.5	[1]
Net Carrying Amount	25.8	[1]	10.9	[1]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
2014	5.8		'
2014	5.1		'
2015	4.6		'
2016	2.6		'
2017	2.1		'
Thereafter	5.6		'
Net Carrying Amount	25.8	[1]	10.9	[1]
Trade name/trademarks	'		'
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:	'		'
Indefinite-lived trade name/trademarks	5.7		5.7
Customer relationships	'		'
Amortizable intangible assets (1):	'		'
Gross Carrying Amount	35.9	[1]	19.1	[1]
Accumulated Amortization	-13.9	[1]	-10.5	[1]
Net Carrying Amount	22	[1]	8.6	[1]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Net Carrying Amount	22	[1]	8.6	[1]
Trade name/trademarks	'		'
Amortizable intangible assets (1):	'		'
Gross Carrying Amount	5.2	[1]	3.5	[1]
Accumulated Amortization	-2.7	[1]	-1.6	[1]
Net Carrying Amount	2.5	[1]	1.9	[1]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Net Carrying Amount	2.5	[1]	1.9	[1]
Non-compete agreements	'		'
Amortizable intangible assets (1):	'		'
Gross Carrying Amount	1.8	[1]	1.8	[1]
Accumulated Amortization	-0.5	[1]	-1.4	[1]
Net Carrying Amount	1.3	[1]	0.4	[1]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'		'
Net Carrying Amount	$1.30	[1]	$0.40	[1]
[1]	Excludes assets that are fully amortized

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS4

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Components of Intangible Assets Acquired (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Feb. 04, 2013

Feb. 04, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Feb. 04, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Feb. 04, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Oct. 02, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Customer relationships

Trade name/trademarks

Non-compete agreements

MDT Personnel, LLC

MDT Personnel, LLC

MDT Personnel, LLC

MDT Personnel, LLC

MDT Personnel, LLC

MDT Personnel, LLC

MDT Personnel, LLC

MDT Personnel, LLC

Crowley Transportation Services, LLC

Crowley Transportation Services, LLC

Crowley Transportation Services, LLC

Crowley Transportation Services, LLC

The Work Connection, Inc.

The Work Connection, Inc.

The Work Connection, Inc.

The Work Connection, Inc.

The Work Connection, Inc.

Customer relationships

Customer relationships

Trade name/trademarks

Trade name/trademarks

Non-compete agreements

Non-compete agreements

Customer relationships

Trade name/trademarks

Non-compete agreements

Customer relationships

Trade name/trademarks

Non-compete agreements

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated Fair Value

$19,900,000

$16,800,000

$1,700,000

$1,400,000

$10,200,000

$10,200,000

$7,800,000

$7,800,000

'

$1,000,000

$1,400,000

$1,400,000

$1,500,000

$1,400,000

$100,000

$0

$8,200,000

$8,200,000

$7,600,000

$600,000

$0

Weighted Average Life

'

'8 years

'1 year

'5 years

'

'

'8 years

'

'1 year 6 months

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS5

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013		Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'		'	'
Goodwill acquired year to date	$34.10	[1]	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets	4.9		3.1	2.9
Trade name/trademarks	'		'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'		'	'
Indefinite-lived trade name/trademarks	5.7		5.7	'
MDT Personnel, LLC	'		'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'		'	'
Goodwill acquired year to date	25.7		'	'
Crowley Transportation Services, LLC	'		'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'		'	'
Goodwill acquired year to date	0.8		'	'
The Work Connection, Inc.	'		'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'		'	'
Goodwill acquired year to date	$7.60		'	'
[1]	Goodwill acquired includes $25.7 million, $0.8 million, and $7.6 million due to the acquisitions of MDT, CTS, and TWC, respectively.

WORKERS_COMPENSATION_INSURANCE2

WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE AND RESERVES - Reconciliation of Workers' Compensation Claims Reserve (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012
Workers' Compensation Insurance and Reserves [Abstract]	'	'
Undiscounted workers’ compensation reserve	$234,400,000	$216,000,000
Less discount on workers' compensation reserve	19,600,000	20,400,000
Workers' compensation reserve, net of discount	214,800,000	195,600,000
Less current portion	49,942,000	44,652,000
Long-term portion	$164,887,000	$150,937,000

WORKERS_COMPENSATION_INSURANCE3

WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE AND RESERVES - Expected Future Workers' Compensation Payments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Expected Future Workers' Compensation Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
2014	$49.90	'
2015	29.5	'
2016	18.6	'
2017	12.9	'
2018	9.9	'
2019 and thereafter	59.9	'
Sub-total	180.7	'
Excess claims reserve	34.1	'
Workers' compensation reserve, net of discount	$214.80	$195.60

WORKERS_COMPENSATION_INSURANCE4

WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE AND RESERVES - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Workers' Compensation Deductible Limit [Line Items]	'	'	'
Workers' compensation claim deductible limit	$2,000,000	'	'
Undiscounted workers’ compensation reserve	234,400,000	216,000,000	'
Weighted average period - claim payments and receivables above deductible limit	'15 years 6 months	'	'
Workers compensation valuation allowance	5,700,000	5,600,000	'
Workers' compensation claim receivables net of valuation allowance	28,400,000	21,400,000	'
Workers' compensation expense	63,200,000	52,300,000	51,200,000
Below limit	'	'	'
Workers' Compensation Deductible Limit [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted average discount rate - claims below deductible limit	2.10%	2.40%	'
Above limit	'	'	'
Workers' Compensation Deductible Limit [Line Items]	'	'	'
Undiscounted workers’ compensation reserve	34,100,000	27,100,000	'
Weighted average discount rate - claims and receivables above deductible limit	3.90%	'	'
Workers' compensation liability - claims receivable from insurance carriers	$34,100,000	$27,100,000	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Revolving Credit Facility (Details) (Revolving credit facility, Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	$80,000,000
Remaining borrowing capacity	80,000,000
Amount outstanding	6,000,000
Unused capacity commitment fee percentage	0.25%
Excess Liquidity Greater than $40 million | Minimum	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Revolving credit facility, excess liquidity	40,000,000
Excess Liquidity Between $20 million and $40 million | Minimum	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Revolving credit facility, excess liquidity	20,000,000
Excess Liquidity Between $20 million and $40 million | Maximum	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Revolving credit facility, excess liquidity	40,000,000
Excess Liquidity Less than $20 million | Maximum	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Revolving credit facility, excess liquidity	20,000,000
Liquidity requirement component	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Remaining borrowing capacity	74,000,000
Cash and cash equivalents under control agreements	124,500,000
Revolving credit facility, total liquidity	198,500,000
Liquidity requirement component | Minimum	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Revolving credit facility, liquidity requirement	12,000,000
Percent of eligible accounts receivable	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Revolving credit facility borrowing limits, % of accounts receivable	85.00%
Liquidation value of pledged real estate	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Revolving credit facility borrowing limits, pledged real estate	15,000,000
Revolving credit facility borrowing limits, quarterly reduction of pledged real estate	400,000
Revolving credit facility borrowing limits, liquidation value of pledged real estate	$12,000,000
Prime Rate | Excess Liquidity Greater than $40 million	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	0.50%
Prime Rate | Excess Liquidity Between $20 million and $40 million	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	0.75%
Prime Rate | Excess Liquidity Less than $20 million	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
LIBOR Rate	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	0.13%
LIBOR Rate | Excess Liquidity Greater than $40 million	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	1.50%
LIBOR Rate | Excess Liquidity Between $20 million and $40 million	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	1.75%
LIBOR Rate | Excess Liquidity Less than $20 million	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	2.00%

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Term Loan Agreement (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Feb. 04, 2013	Dec. 27, 2013	Feb. 04, 2013
			Synovus Bank	Synovus Bank	LIBOR Rate
			extension		Synovus Bank
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total Borrowing to finance acquisition	'	'	$34,000,000	'	'
Loan maturity period	'	'	'5 years	'15 years	'
Monthly principal payments	'	'	2,300,000	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate	'	'	'	'	1.50%
Number of extensions available to Company	'	'	5	'	'
Extension period	'	'	'1 year	'	'
Interest rate percentage for the term loan at period end	'	'	'	1.70%	'
Total loan	'	'	'	32,000,000	'
Short-term loan	'	'	'	2,300,000	'
Long-term loan	$29,656,000	$0	'	$29,700,000	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_3

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Scheduled Principal Repayments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'
2014	$2.30
2015	2.3
2016	2.3
2017	2.3
2018	22.8
Total principal payments	$32

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_4

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Workers' Compensation Commitments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013		Dec. 28, 2012
Workers' Compensation Commitments [Line Items]	'		'
Cash collateral held by insurance carriers	$23.70		$21.50
Cash and cash equivalents held in Trust	31.5		14.8	[1]
Investments held in Trust	86.7		91.2
Letters of credit	7.9	[2]	9	[2]
Surety bonds	16.1	[3]	16.2	[3]
Total collateral commitments	165.9		152.7
Accrued interest on trust investments	0.8		0.9
Cash collateral backing letters of credit	$1.90		$1.80
Surety bonds annual fee limit, % of bond amount	2.00%		'
Surety bonds required cancellation notice	'60 days		'
Minimum	'		'
Workers' Compensation Commitments [Line Items]	'		'
Surety bonds review and renewal period if elected	'1 year		'
Maximum	'		'
Workers' Compensation Commitments [Line Items]	'		'
Surety bonds review and renewal period if elected	'4 years		'
[1]	Included in this amount is $0.8 million and $0.9 million of accrued interest at December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively.
[2]	We have agreements with certain financial institutions to issue letters of credit as collateral. We had $1.9 million and $1.8 million of restricted cash collateralizing our letters of credit at December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively.
[3]	Our surety bonds are issued by independent insurance companies on our behalf and bear annual fees based on a percentage of the bond, which is determined by each independent surety carrier. These fees do not exceed 2.0% of the bond amount, subject to a minimum charge. The terms of these bonds are subject to review and renewal every one to four years and most bonds can be canceled by the sureties with as little as 60 days notice

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_5

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Capital Leases (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012
Leases, Capital [Abstract]	'	'
Property held under non-cancelable capital leases	$0	$100,000

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_6

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
2014	$1.80	'	'
2015	1	'	'
2016	0.5	'	'
2017	0.2	'	'
2018	0.1	'	'
Total future non-cancelable minimum lease payments	3.6	'	'
Maximum period afforded to each party to cancel operating lease agreements	'90 days	'	'
Cancellation provision in effect for leases excluded from amounts, maximum period	'90 days	'	'
Rent expense	$22.50	$22	$22.10
Minimum	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Operating leases renewal option period	'3 years	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Operating leases renewal option period	'5 years	'	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_7

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Purchase Obligations (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Abstract]	'
Purchase obligations	$16.80
Purchase obligations due in 2014	$8.90

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	$75,000,000	'	'	'
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	'	35,200,000	'	'
Common stock purchased and retired (in shares)	'	0	306,000	4,455,000
Common stock purchased and retired, amount	'	$0	$4,386,000	$56,932,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized	'	20,000,000	20,000,000	'

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Compon

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Components of Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	$8.40	$7.90	$7.40
Total related tax benefit recognized	2.9	2.9	2.8
Restricted and unrestricted stock and performance share units	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	8.1	7.5	6.7
Stock options	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	0	0.1	0.4
Employee stock purchase plan	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	$0.30	$0.30	$0.30

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Restri

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Restricted and Unrestricted Stock and Performance Share Units (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	31-May-13	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 30, 2011	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 27, 2013
		Incentive Plan	Restricted stock	Restricted stock	Restricted stock	Performance shares	Performance shares	Minimum	Maximum
								Restricted stock	Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-vested at beginning of period (in shares)	1,435,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	643,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Vested (in shares)	-437,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Forfeited (in shares)	-97,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-vested at the end of the period (in shares)	1,544,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-vested at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$15.23	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$19	'	'	$16.72	'	'	$14.72	'	'
Vested (in dollars per share)	$15.25	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$17.45	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-vested at end of the period (in dollars per share)	$16.66	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares authorized for issuance (in shares)	'	7,950,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'	'	'	'	'3 years	'	'3 years	'4 years
Number of common stock shares represented by each performance share	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	'	'	$8.30	'	'	$8.10	'	'	'
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for the period identified	'	'	7.4	'	'	2.8	'	'	'
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period for recognition	'	'	'1 year 8 months 12 days	'	'	'1 year 7 months 6 days	'	'	'
Fair value of shares vested during period	'	'	$4.80	$5.30	$5.20	'	'	'	'

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Stock_

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Closing per share market value of stock (in dollars per share)	$25.92	'	'
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$3	$1.90	'
Cash received form exercise of stock options, net of tax	7.3	2.5	0.1
Tax benefit realized for the deduction from option exercise	1	0.6	'
Shares	'	'	'
Outstanding, December 28, 2012 (in shares)	639	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	-454	'	'
Expired/Forfeited (in shares)	-111	'	'
Outstanding, December 27, 2013 (in shares)	74	639	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'
Outstanding, December 28, 2012 (in dollars per share)	$16.91	'	'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$16.12	'	'
Expired/Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$21.24	'	'
Outstanding, December 27, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$14.99	$16.91	'
Additional Information on Options Outstanding, December 27, 2013	'	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'1 year 7 months 24 days	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0.8	'	'
Exercisable, December 27, 2013	'	'	'
Shares	74	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$14.99	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'1 year 7 months 24 days	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$0.80	'	'
Stock option	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Option maximum contractual term	'7 years	'	'
Maximum | Stock option	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Option maximum contractual term	'10 years	'	'

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Employ

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Details) (Employee stock purchase plan, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Employee stock purchase plan	'	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Abstract]	'	'	'
ESPP shares reserved for purchase	1,000,000	'	'
Maximum employee subscription rate	10.00%	'	'
Purchase price of common stock, percent of market value	85.00%	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan requisite service period	'1 month	'	'
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	69,000	95,000	83,000
Average Price Per Share	$17.10	$12.41	$11.95

INCOME_TAXES_Provision_for_Inc

INCOME TAXES - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Current taxes:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Federal	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$14,200,000	$14,900,000	$16,300,000
State	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,100,000	2,700,000	2,900,000
Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	500,000	300,000	400,000
Total current taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	19,800,000	17,900,000	19,600,000
Deferred taxes:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Federal	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,800,000	2,700,000	-1,300,000
State	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,000,000	400,000	100,000
Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	100,000
Total deferred taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,800,000	3,100,000	-1,100,000
Provision for income taxes	$6,889,000	$9,454,000	$5,069,000	($5,399,000)	$3,503,000	$8,998,000	$7,356,000	$1,119,000	$16,013,000	$20,976,000	$18,533,000

INCOME_TAXES_Income_Tax_Reconc

INCOME TAXES - Income Tax Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense based on statutory rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$21,300,000	$19,100,000	$17,200,000
Increase (decrease) resulting from:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,500,000	1,800,000	1,900,000
Tax credits, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-10,800,000	-1,900,000	-3,500,000
Nondeductible/nontaxable items	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,100,000	2,300,000	2,900,000
Other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	900,000	-300,000	0
Provision for income taxes	$6,889,000	$9,454,000	$5,069,000	($5,399,000)	$3,503,000	$8,998,000	$7,356,000	$1,119,000	$16,013,000	$20,976,000	$18,533,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense based on statutory rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35.00%	'	35.00%
Increase (decrease) resulting from:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4.20%	3.30%	3.90%
Tax credits, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-17.70%	-3.50%	-7.20%
Nondeductible/nontaxable items	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3.50%	4.20%	5.80%
Other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.30%	-0.60%	0.10%
Total taxes on income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	26.30%	38.40%	37.60%

INCOME_TAXES_Deferred_Tax_Asse

INCOME TAXES - Deferred Tax Asses and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$2,200,000	$2,000,000
Workers’ compensation claims reserve	10,400,000	10,100,000
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	2,200,000	2,400,000
Net operating loss and tax credits carry-forwards	1,100,000	600,000
Accrued wages and benefits	6,800,000	5,900,000
Deferred compensation	2,200,000	1,500,000
Other	1,000,000	500,000
Total	25,900,000	23,000,000
Valuation allowance	-800,000	-600,000
Total deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance	25,100,000	22,400,000
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets	-1,700,000	-1,600,000
Depreciation and amortization	-10,400,000	-11,900,000
Other	-1,200,000	-900,000
Total deferred tax liabilities	-13,300,000	-14,400,000
Net deferred tax asset, end of year	11,800,000	8,000,000
Net deferred tax asset, current	7,640,000	5,447,000
Net deferred tax asset, non-current	$4,213,000	$2,562,000

INCOME_TAXES_Unrecognized_Tax_

INCOME TAXES - Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of fiscal year	$1.90	$1.70	$1.60
Increases for tax positions related to the current year	0.4	0.5	0.3
Reductions due to lapsed statute of limitations	-0.3	-0.3	-0.2
Balance, end of fiscal year	$2	$1.90	$1.70

INCOME_TAXES_Narrative_Details

INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate	26.30%	38.40%	37.60%	'
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	'	35.00%	'
Net operating loss and tax credits carry-forwards	$1.10	$0.60	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	2	1.9	1.7	1.6
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	1.3	'	'	'
Income tax penalties accrued	0.2	'	'	'
Interest on income tax penalties recognized	0.7	'	'	'
Spartan Staffing Puerto Rico, LLC	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	2.7	'	'	'
Labor Ready Southwest, Inc. | CALIFORNIA	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net operating loss and tax credits carry-forwards	$1	'	'	'

DEFINED_CONTRIBUTION_PLANS_Det

DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Deferred compensation liability, current and noncurrent	$6.60	$4.20	'
Deferred compensation expense	$1.40	$1.20	$1.10

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE_Details

NET INCOME PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 27, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 28, 2012

Dec. 28, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 28, 2012

Dec. 30, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

$14,511

$18,952

$12,537

($1,076)

$7,415

'

$14,347

$10,337

$1,530

$44,924

$33,629

$30,791

Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,166,000

39,548,000

41,961,000

Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and non-vested restricted stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

336,000

364,000

341,000

Weighted average number of common shares used in diluted net income per common share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,502,000

39,862,000

42,322,000

Net income per common share:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic (in dollars per share)

$0.36

$0.47

$0.31

($0.03)

$0.19

'

$0.36

$0.26

$0.04

$1.12

$0.85

$0.73

Diluted (in dollars per share)

$0.36

$0.47

$0.31

($0.03)

$0.19

'

$0.36

$0.26

$0.04

$1.11

$0.84

$0.73

Anti-dilutive shares

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

'

'

'

100,000

700,000

1,000,000

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS2

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013		Dec. 28, 2012		Dec. 30, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Balance as of December 28, 2012	$2,033		$2,818	[1]	'
Current-period other comprehensive loss	-785	[1]	175		-263
Balance as of December 27, 2013	2,818	[1]	'		'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Balance as of December 28, 2012	2,100		'		'
Current-period other comprehensive loss	-689		'		'
Balance as of December 27, 2013	2,818		'		'
Unrealized loss on marketable securities	'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Balance as of December 28, 2012	-100	[2]	'		'
Current-period other comprehensive loss	-96	[2]	'		'
Balance as of December 27, 2013	$0	[2]	'		'
[1]	The tax impact of the components of other comprehensive income (loss) was immaterial.
[2]	Consists of deferred compensation plan accounts, which are comprised of mutual funds, and available-for-sale securities, which are comprised of certificates of deposits.

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA2

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'	'
Interest	$1.10	$0.70	$0.80
Income taxes	15.6	21.3	16.1
Property, plant and equipment on account that was not yet paid	$0.50	$1.60	'

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_DATA_UNAUD2

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue from services	$448,952	$451,169	$422,310	$346,498	$344,615	$379,467	$354,261	$311,187	$1,668,929	$1,389,530	$1,316,013
Cost of services	328,689	327,641	310,437	259,859	250,231	274,237	260,725	231,952	1,226,626	1,017,145	968,967
Gross profit	120,263	123,528	111,873	86,639	94,384	105,230	93,536	79,235	442,303	372,385	347,046
Selling, general and administrative expenses	93,710	90,767	89,339	88,432	79,217	77,634	71,526	72,082	362,248	300,459	282,828
Depreciation and amortization	5,339	4,771	5,203	5,159	4,733	4,660	4,729	4,768	20,472	18,890	16,384
Income from operations	21,214	27,990	17,331	-6,952	10,434	22,936	17,281	2,385	59,583	53,036	47,834
Interest expense	-329	-350	-336	-233	-230	-266	-244	-391	-1,248	-1,131	-1,207
Interest and other income	515	766	611	710	714	675	656	655	2,602	2,700	2,697
Interest and other income, net	186	416	275	477	484	409	412	264	1,354	1,569	1,490
Income (loss) before tax expense	21,400	28,406	17,606	-6,475	10,918	23,345	17,693	2,649	60,937	54,605	49,324
Income tax expense	6,889	9,454	5,069	-5,399	3,503	8,998	7,356	1,119	16,013	20,976	18,533
Net income	$14,511	$18,952	$12,537	($1,076)	$7,415	$14,347	$10,337	$1,530	$44,924	$33,629	$30,791
Net income per common share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.36	$0.47	$0.31	($0.03)	$0.19	$0.36	$0.26	$0.04	$1.12	$0.85	$0.73
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.36	$0.47	$0.31	($0.03)	$0.19	$0.36	$0.26	$0.04	$1.11	$0.84	$0.73

FINANCIAL_STATEMENT_SCHEDULES_

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts	'	'	'
Activity in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of the year	$5	$5.80	$6.40
Charged to expense	12.1	7	6.6
Write-offs	-11.4	-7.8	-7.2
Balance, end of year	5.7	5	5.8
Allowance for insurance receivable	'	'	'
Activity in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of the year	5.6	7.3	7.6
Charged to expense	0.1	-1.7	-0.3
Balance, end of year	5.7	5.6	7.3
Income tax valuation allowance	'	'	'
Activity in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of the year	0.6	0.5	0.7
Charged to expense	0.2	0.1	-0.2
Balance, end of year	$0.80	$0.60	$0.50