TrueBlue (TBI) 10-Q 29 Apr 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015	Apr. 13, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	27-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	TBI
Entity Registrant Name	TrueBlue, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	768899
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-13
Entity Well-Known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		41,941,221

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$17,779	$19,666
Marketable securities	0	1,500
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,629 and $7,603	290,746	359,903
Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets	15,803	18,778
Income tax receivable	10,438	10,516
Deferred income taxes	7,700	5,444
Total current assets	342,466	415,807
Property and equipment, net	58,591	61,392
Restricted cash and investments	172,039	168,426
Goodwill	241,855	241,855
Intangible assets, net	131,409	136,560
Other assets, net	41,111	42,631
Total assets	987,471	1,066,671
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	53,769	50,256
Accrued wages and benefits	65,693	69,692
Current portion of workers' compensation claims reserve	61,784	64,556
Other current liabilities	2,582	2,726
Total current liabilities	183,828	187,230
Workers’ compensation claims reserve, less current portion	181,214	178,283
Long-term debt, less current portion	110,817	199,383
Deferred income taxes	21,726	19,768
Other long-term liabilities	14,444	12,673
Total liabilities	512,029	597,337
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; 41,939 and 41,530 shares issued and outstanding	1	1
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	-374	871
Retained earnings	475,815	468,462
Total shareholders’ equity	475,442	469,334
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$987,471	$1,066,671

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$6,629	$7,603
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	41,939,000	41,530,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	41,939,000	41,530,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS & COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015		Mar. 28, 2014
Revenue from services	$573,315		$396,063
Cost of services	443,479		296,504
Gross profit	129,836		99,559
Selling, general and administrative expenses	111,593		91,982
Depreciation and amortization	10,520		5,161
Income from operations	7,723		2,416
Interest expense	-1,166		-263
Interest and other income	632		607
Interest and other income (expense), net	-534		344
Income before tax expense	7,189		2,760
Income tax expense	1,473		1,104
Net income	5,716		1,656
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.14		$0.04
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.14		$0.04
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	41,031		40,572
Diluted (in shares)	41,362		40,891
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	-1,412		-245
Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax	167		48
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-1,245	[1]	-197
Comprehensive income	$4,471		$1,459
[1]	The tax impact on foreign currency translation adjustment and unrealized gain on marketable securities was de minimis for the period ending March 27, 2015.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$5,716	$1,656
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	10,520	5,161
Provision for doubtful accounts	1,745	3,487
Stock-based compensation	3,389	2,876
Deferred income taxes	-299	-1,433
Other operating activities	-316	-435
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	67,411	9,949
Income taxes	943	3,567
Other assets	4,496	-331
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	4,369	-3,307
Accrued wages and benefits	-3,999	1,380
Workers’ compensation claims reserve	159	261
Other liabilities	1,626	664
Net cash provided by operating activities	95,760	23,495
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-3,458	-2,091
Purchases of marketable securities	0	-25,057
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	1,500	9,450
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	-8,215	-1,491
Maturities of restricted investments	4,288	4,215
Net cash used in investing activities	-5,885	-14,974
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from stock option exercises and employee stock purchase plans	411	602
Common stock repurchases for taxes upon vesting of restricted stock	-3,026	-2,474
Net change in revolving credit facility	-88,000	0
Payments on debt and other liabilities	-566	-567
Other	865	973
Net cash used in financing activities	-90,316	-1,466
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-1,446	-240
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-1,887	6,815
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	19,666	122,003
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$17,779	$128,818

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Financial statement preparation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements (“financial statements”) of TrueBlue, Inc. (the "Company," "we," "us," "our," and "TrueBlue") are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures usually found in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The financial statements reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to fairly state the financial statements for the interim periods presented. We follow the same accounting policies for preparing both quarterly and annual financial statements.
	These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2014. The results of operations for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year or for any other fiscal period.
	Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
	In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new accounting guidance intended to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. The guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with the presentation for debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs is not affected. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 (Q1 2016 for TrueBlue), including interim periods within those annual periods and must be applied on a retrospective basis with early adoption permitted. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement. The new standard provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 (Q1 2016 for TrueBlue). Early adoption is permitted and may be applied retrospectively or prospectively to arrangements entered into, or materially modified, after the effective date. We are evaluating the impact, if any, that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that sets forth a five-step revenue recognition model, which supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific revenue recognition guidance. The underlying principle of the new standard is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. The standard also requires more detailed disclosures and provides additional guidance for transactions that were not addressed completely in the prior accounting guidance. The ASU provides two methods of initial adoption: retrospective for all periods presented, or through a cumulative adjustment in the year of adoption. It is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (Q1 2017 for TrueBlue), including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is not permitted. We have not yet determined which method of adoption will be applied and are currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
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 may consist of certificates of deposit ("CDs"), and commercial paper, and restricted investments, which 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 A1/P1 or higher for short-term securities and A- or higher for long-term securities, 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 have no Level 3 assets or liabilities.
	The carrying values of our accounts receivable, accounts payable and other accrued expenses, and accrued wages and benefits approximate 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. We hold long-term debt with variable interest rates that approximate fair value. For additional information, see Note 8: Long-term Debt.
	The following tables present the fair value and hierarchy for our financial assets (in thousands):
		March 27, 2015
		Carrying Value		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	17,779	$	17,779	$	17,779	$	—	$	—
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)	75,427		75,427		75,427		—		—
	Other restricted assets (3)	11,261		11,261		11,261		—		—
	Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity	85,351		86,945		—		86,945		—
		December 26, 2014
		Carrying Value		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	19,666	$	19,666	$	19,666	$	—	$	—
	Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale (2)	1,500		1,500		—		1,500
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)	68,359		68,359		68,359		—		—
	Other restricted assets (3)	9,972		9,972		9,972		—		—
	Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity	90,095		91,066		—		91,066		—
	-1	Cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents consist of money market funds, deposits, and investments with original maturities of three months or less.
	-2	At March 27, 2015 we held no marketable securities. At December 26, 2014, all our marketable securities, which consisted of CDs, had stated maturities of less than one year.
	-3	Other restricted assets primarily consist of deferred compensation plan accounts, which are comprised of mutual funds.

MARKETABLE_SECURITIES

MARKETABLE SECURITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
MARKETABLE SECURITIES	MARKETABLE SECURITIES
	We held no marketable securities as of March 27, 2015.
	As of December 26, 2014, the amortized cost and fair value of our marketable securities, which were all CDs with stated maturities of less than one year, were $1.5 million. Gross unrealized gains and losses were de minimis for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2014.

RESTRICTED_CASH_AND_INVESTMENT

RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
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, and asset-backed securities. The majority of our collateral obligations are held in a trust at the Bank of New York Mellon ("Trust"). Our investments have not resulted in any other-than-temporary impairments.
	The following is a summary our restricted cash and investments (in thousands):
		March 27,		December 26,
		2015		2014
	Cash collateral held by insurance carriers	$	22,497	$	22,639
	Cash and cash equivalents held in Trust	51,066		43,856
	Investments held in Trust	85,351		90,095
	Cash collateral backing letters of credit	1,864		1,864
	Other (1)	11,261		9,972
	Total restricted cash and investments	$	172,039	$	168,426
	-1	Primarily consists of 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 thousands):
		March 27, 2015
		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized Loss			Fair Value
	Municipal debt securities	$	49,353	$	1,002	$	(22	)	$	50,333
	Corporate debt securities	26,646		469		(22		)	27,093
	Asset-backed securities	9,352		167		—			9,519
		$	85,351	$	1,638	$	(44	)	$	86,945
		December 26, 2014
		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized Loss			Fair Value
	Municipal debt securities	$	52,406	$	882	$	(92	)	$	53,196
	Corporate debt securities	27,715		179		(144		)	27,750
	Asset-backed securities	9,974		157		(11		)	10,120
		$	90,095	$	1,218	$	(247	)	$	91,066
	The amortized cost and fair value by contractual maturity of our held-to-maturity investments are as follows (in thousands):
		March 27, 2015
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	8,649	$	8,691
	Due after one year through five years	40,368		40,906
	Due after five years through ten years	36,334		37,348
		$	85,351	$	86,945
	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. We have no significant concentrations of counterparties in our held-to-maturity investment portfolio.

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_NET

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
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 thousands):
		March 27,			December 26,
		2015			2014
	Buildings and land	$	30,769		$	30,381
	Computers and software	117,000			115,419
	Furniture and equipment	11,629			11,690
	Construction in progress	5,001			5,415
		164,399			162,905
	Less accumulated depreciation	(105,808		)	(101,513		)
		$	58,591		$	61,392
	Capitalized software costs, net of accumulated depreciation, were $28.7 million and $30.2 million as of March 27, 2015 and December 26, 2014, 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 $5.4 million and $3.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2015 and March 28, 2014, respectively.

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Goodwill
	The following table reflects goodwill at March 27, 2015 and December 26, 2014 (in thousands):
		Legacy TrueBlue			Unallocated Goodwill (1)			Total Company
	Balance at December 26, 2014
	Goodwill before impairment	$	128,449		$	159,616		$	288,065
	Accumulated impairment loss	(46,210		)	—			(46,210		)
	Goodwill, net	82,239			159,616			241,855
	Balance at March 27, 2015
	Goodwill before impairment	128,449			159,616			288,065
	Accumulated impairment loss	(46,210		)	—			(46,210		)
	Goodwill, net	$	82,239		$	159,616		$	241,855
	-1	Management is still determining the allocation of our goodwill acquired to our new reportable segments, which will be finalized in Q2 2015. See Note 16: Segment Information, for additional details.
	Intangible assets
	The following table presents our purchased finite-lived intangible assets (in thousands):
		March 27, 2015									December 26, 2014
		Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount			Amount					Amount
	Finite-lived intangible assets (1):
	Customer relationships	$	123,940		$	(26,316	)	$	97,624		$	123,940	$	(22,195	)	$	101,745
	Trade name/trademarks	4,422			(3,090		)	1,332			4,422		(2,878		)	1,544
	Non-compete agreements	1,800			(907		)	893			1,800		(817		)	983
	Technologies	18,300			(2,940		)	15,360			18,300		(2,212		)	16,088
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	148,462		$	(33,253	)	$	115,209		$	148,462	$	(28,102	)	$	120,360
	-1	Excludes assets that are fully amortized.
	Amortization of our finite-lived intangible assets was $5.2 million and $1.5 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2015 and March 28, 2014, respectively.
	The following table provides the estimated future amortization of finite-lived intangible assets as of March 27, 2015 (in thousands):
	Remainder of 2015	$	13,836
	2016	18,186
	2017	16,157
	2018	14,638
	2019	11,942
	Thereafter	40,450
	Total future amortization	$	115,209
	We also held indefinite-lived trade name/trademarks of $16.2 million as of March 27, 2015 and December 26, 2014.
	We did not perform an interim impairment test of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as we noted no significant indicators of impairment as of March 27, 2015.

WORKERS_COMPENSATION_INSURANCE

WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE AND RESERVES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
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.
	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 discount rate was 1.6% and 1.7% at March 27, 2015 and December 26, 2014, respectively. Payments made against self-insured claims are made over a weighted average period of approximately 4.5 years at March 27, 2015.
	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 thousands):
		March 27,		December 26,
		2015		2014
	Undiscounted workers’ compensation reserve	$	257,177	$	256,220
	Less discount on workers' compensation reserve	14,179		13,381
	Workers' compensation reserve, net of discount	242,998		242,839
	Less current portion	61,784		64,556
	Long-term portion	$	181,214	$	178,283
	Payments made against self-insured claims were $16.8 million and $13.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2015 and March 28, 2014, respectively.
	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. The claim payments are made and the corresponding reimbursements from our insurance carriers are received over an estimated weighted average period of approximately 14.7 years. The discounted workers’ compensation reserve for excess claims was $41.3 million and $42.6 million as of March 27, 2015 and December 26, 2014, respectively. The discounted receivables from insurance companies, net of valuation allowance, were $37.4 million and $38.7 million as of March 27, 2015 and December 26, 2014, respectively, and are included in Other assets, net on 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 consists primarily of changes in self-insurance reserves net of changes in discount, monopolistic jurisdictions’ premiums, insurance premiums, and other miscellaneous expenses. Workers’ compensation expense of $21.5 million and $15.9 million was recorded in Cost of services for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2015 and March 28, 2014, respectively.

LONGTERM_DEBT_Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	LONG-TERM DEBT
	The components of our borrowings were as follows (in thousands):
		March 27, 2015		December 26, 2014
	Revolving Credit Facility	$	83,995	$	171,994
	Term Loan	29,089		29,656
	Total debt	113,084		201,650
	Less current portion	2,267		2,267
	Long-term debt	$	110,817	$	199,383
	Second amended and restated credit agreement
	Effective June 30, 2014, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement for a secured revolving credit facility of $300.0 million with Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, HSBC and PNC Capital Markets LLC ("Revolving Credit Facility") in connection with our acquisition of Seaton. The Revolving Credit Facility, which matures June 30, 2019, amended and restated our previous credit facility, and replaced the Seaton credit facility.
	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 90% of our eligible billed accounts receivable, plus 85% of our eligible unbilled accounts receivable limited to 15% of all our eligible receivables, plus the value of our Tacoma headquarters office building. The real estate lending limit is $17.4 million, and is reduced quarterly by $0.4 million. As of March 27, 2015, the Tacoma headquarters office building liquidation value totaled $16.6 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. Each borrowing has a stated maturity of 90 days or less. At March 27, 2015, $240.9 million was available under the Revolving Credit Facility, $84.0 million was utilized as a draw on the facility, and $5.0 million was utilized by outstanding standby letters of credit, leaving $151.9 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 an excess liquidity of $37.5 million. Excess liquidity is an amount equal to the unused borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility plus certain unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities. We are required to satisfy a fixed charge coverage ratio in the event we do not meet that requirement. The additional amount available to borrow at March 27, 2015 was $151.9 million and the amount of cash, cash equivalents and certain marketable securities under control agreements was $15.1 million for a total of $167.0 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) plus an applicable spread between 1.25% and 2.00%. Alternatively, at our option, we may pay interest based upon a base rate plus an applicable spread between 0.25% and 1.00%. The applicable spread is determined by certain liquidity to debt ratios. The base rate is the greater of the prime rate (as announced by Bank of America), the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, or the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1.00%. Until April 1, 2015, the applicable spread on LIBOR was 1.75% and the applicable spread on the base rate was 0.75%. As of March 27, 2015, the interest rate was 2.00%.
	A fee of 0.375% is applied against the Revolving Credit Facility's unused borrowing capacity when utilization is less than 25%, or 0.25% when utilization is greater than or equal to 25%. 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 guaranteed by TrueBlue and material U.S. domestic subsidiaries, and are secured by a pledge of substantially all of the assets of TrueBlue and material U.S. domestic subsidiaries. The Revolving Credit Facility has variable rate interest and approximates fair value as of March 27, 2015 and December 26, 2014.
	Term loan agreement
	On February 4, 2013, we entered into an unsecured Term Loan Agreement (“Term Loan”) with Synovus Bank in the principal amount of $34.0 million. The Term Loan has a five-year maturity with fixed monthly principal payments, which total $2.3 million annually based on a loan amortization term of 15 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 Term Loan by five consecutive one-year extensions. At March 27, 2015, the interest rate for the Term Loan was 1.67%.
	At March 27, 2015 and December 26, 2014, the remaining balance of the Term Loan was $29.1 million and $29.7 million, respectively, of which $2.3 million is current and is included in Other current liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Term Loan has variable rate interest and approximates fair value as of March 27, 2015 and December 26, 2014.
	Our obligations under the Term Loan may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Term Loan, which includes customary events of default, as well as cross-defaults related to indebtedness under our Revolving Credit Facility and other Term Loan specific defaults. The Term Loan contains customary negative covenants applicable to the Company and our subsidiaries such as indebtedness, certain dispositions of property, the imposition of restrictions on payments under the Term Loan, and other Term Loan specific covenants. We are currently in compliance with all covenants related to the Term Loan.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	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.
	We have provided our insurance carriers and certain states with commitments in the form and amounts listed below (in thousands):
		March 27,		December 26,
		2015		2014
	Cash collateral held by insurance carriers	$	22,497	$	22,639
	Cash and cash equivalents held in Trust	51,066		43,856
	Investments held in Trust	85,351		90,095
	Letters of credit (1)	6,787		6,513
	Surety bonds (2)	16,861		16,861
	Total collateral commitments	$	182,562	$	179,964
	-1	We have agreements with certain financial institutions to issue letters of credit as collateral. We had $1.9 million of restricted cash collateralizing our letters of credit at March 27, 2015 and December 26, 2014.
	-2	Our surety bonds are issued by independent insurance companies on our behalf and bear annual fees based on a percentage of the bond, which are 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.
	Legal contingencies and developments
	We are involved in various proceedings arising in the normal course of conducting business. We believe the liabilities included in our financial statements reflect the probable loss that can be reasonably estimated. The resolution of those proceedings is not expected to have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
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.
	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.
	Restricted and unrestricted stock awards and performance share units
	Under the Incentive Plan, restricted stock awards are granted to executive officers and key employees and vest annually over three or four years. Unrestricted stock awards granted to our Board of Directors vest 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. 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 awards and performance share units activity for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2015, was as follows (shares in thousands):
		Shares		Weighted- average grant-date price
	Non-vested at beginning of period	1,547		$	20.03
	Granted	455		$	21.77
	Vested	(495	)	$	17.02
	Forfeited	(241	)	$	14.02
	Non-vested at the end of the period	1,266		$	22.29
	As of March 27, 2015, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock was approximately $12.9 million, which is estimated to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.89 years. As of March 27, 2015, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to performance share units was approximately $5.2 million which is estimated to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.07 years.
	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 to ten years from the date of grant. Stock option activity was de minimis for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2015.
	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.
	During the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2015 and March 28, 2014, participants purchased approximately 20,000 and 17,000 shares from the plan, for cash proceeds of $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
	Stock-based compensation expense
	Total stock-based compensation expense, which is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, was $3.4 million and $2.9 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2015 and March 28, 2014, respectively.

DEFINED_CONTRIBUTION_PLANS

DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
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 non-qualified plans was $11.3 million and $10.1 million as of March 27, 2015 and December 26, 2014, 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.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES
	Our tax provision or benefit from income taxes for interim periods is determined using an estimate of our annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items, if any, that are taken into account in the relevant period. Each quarter we update our estimate of the annual effective tax rate, and if our estimated tax rate changes, we make a cumulative adjustment. Our quarterly tax provision, and our quarterly estimate of our annual effective tax rate, is subject to variation due to several factors, including variability in accurately predicting our pre-tax and taxable income and loss and the mix of jurisdictions to which they relate, audit developments, changes in law, regulations and administrative practices, and relative changes of expenses or losses for which tax benefits are not recognized. Additionally, our effective tax rate can be more or less volatile based on the amount of pre-tax income. For example, the impact of discrete items, tax credits, and non-deductible expenses on our effective tax rate is greater when our pre-tax income is lower.
	Our effective tax rate on earnings for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2015 was 20.5% compared to 40.0% for the same period in 2014. During the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2015, we recognized $1.3 million of discrete tax benefits from prior year federal and state hiring credits. These hiring credits include the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit ("WOTC") and the California Enterprise Zone Tax Credit.
	Our effective tax rate on earnings for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2014, was 40.0% compared to 83.4% on losses, for the same period in 2013. The principal difference between the statutory federal income tax rate of 35.0% and our effective income tax rate of 40.0%, results from state income taxes, certain non-deductible expenses, and the WOTC earned in 2014 for prior year hires.
	As of March 27, 2015 and December 26, 2014, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $2.1 million and $2.0 million recorded in accordance with current accounting guidance on uncertain tax positions.

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE

NET INCOME PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
NET INCOME PER SHARE	NET INCOME PER SHARE
	Diluted common shares were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Thirteen weeks ended
		March 27, 2015		March 28, 2014
	Net income	$	5,716	$	1,656
	Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share	41,031		40,572
	Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and non-vested restricted stock	331		319
	Weighted average number of common shares used in diluted net income per common share	41,362		40,891
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.14	$	0.04
	Diluted	$	0.14	$	0.04
	Anti-dilutive shares	266		—
	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, performance share units, and shares issued under the employee stock purchase plan, 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.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is reflected as a net increase (decrease) to shareholders’ equity. Changes in the balance of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the years presented were as follows (in thousands):
		Foreign currency translation adjustment			Unrealized gain on marketable securities (1)		Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
	Balance at beginning of period	$	848		$	23	$	871
	Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (2)	(1,412		)	167		(1,245		)
	Balance at end of period	$	(564	)	$	190	$	(374	)
	-1	Consists of deferred compensation plan accounts, which includes mutual funds.
	-2	The tax impact on foreign currency translation adjustment and unrealized gain on marketable securities was de minimis for the period ending March 27, 2015.
	There were no material reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the fiscal period presented.

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
	Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information (in thousands):
		Thirteen weeks ended
		27-Mar-15		28-Mar-14
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Interest	$	1,137	$	254
	Income taxes	$	565	$	913
	As of March 27, 2015 and March 28, 2014 we had acquired $0.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of property, plant and equipment on account that was not yet paid. These are considered non-cash investing items.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Our operating segments are based on the organizational structure for which financial results are regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker, our Chief Executive Officer, to determine resource allocation and assess performance. Our service lines are our operating segments. Our reportable segments are described below:
	Our Staffing Services segment provides temporary staffing through the following service lines:
	•	Labor Ready: On-demand general labor;
	•	Spartan Staffing: Skilled manufacturing and logistics labor;
	•	CLP Resources: Skilled trades for commercial, industrial, and energy construction as well as building and plant maintenance;
	•	PlaneTechs: Skilled mechanics and technicians to the aviation and transportation industries;
	•	Centerline Drivers: Temporary and dedicated drivers to the transportation and distribution industries; and
	•	Staff Management On-premise Staffing: Exclusive recruitment and on-premise management of a facility's contingent industrial workforce.
	Our Managed Services segment provides high-volume permanent employee recruitment process outsourcing and management of outsourced labor service providers through the following service lines:
	•	PeopleScout and hrX: Outsourced recruitment of permanent employees on behalf of clients; and
	•	Staff Management: Management of multiple third party staffing vendors on behalf of clients.
	We have two measures of segment performance; revenue from services and income from operations. Income from operations for each segment includes net sales to third parties, related cost of sales, and operating expenses directly attributable to the segment. Costs excluded from segment income from operations include various corporate general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization expense, interest income (expense), other income (expense), and income taxes. Asset information by reportable segment is not presented, since we do not manage the performance of our segments on a balance sheet basis. There are no material internal revenue transactions between our reporting segments.
	Revenue from services and income from operations associated with our segments were as follows (in thousands):
		Thirteen weeks ended
		March 27, 2015			March 28, 2014
	Revenue from services
	Staffing Services	$	549,712		$	396,063
	Managed Services	23,603			—
	Total Company	$	573,315		$	396,063
	Income from operations
	Staffing Services	$	24,229		$	15,545
	Managed Services	3,478			—
	Depreciation and amortization	(10,520		)	(5,161		)
	Corporate unallocated	(9,464		)	(7,968		)
	Total Company	7,723			2,416
	Interest and other income (expense), net	(534		)	344
	Income before tax expense	$	7,189		$	2,760

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
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.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Financial statement preparation	Financial statement preparation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements (“financial statements”) of TrueBlue, Inc. (the "Company," "we," "us," "our," and "TrueBlue") are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures usually found in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The financial statements reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to fairly state the financial statements for the interim periods presented. We follow the same accounting policies for preparing both quarterly and annual financial statements.
	These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2014. The results of operations for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year or for any other fiscal period.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted	Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
	In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new accounting guidance intended to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. The guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with the presentation for debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs is not affected. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 (Q1 2016 for TrueBlue), including interim periods within those annual periods and must be applied on a retrospective basis with early adoption permitted. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement. The new standard provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 (Q1 2016 for TrueBlue). Early adoption is permitted and may be applied retrospectively or prospectively to arrangements entered into, or materially modified, after the effective date. We are evaluating the impact, if any, that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that sets forth a five-step revenue recognition model, which supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific revenue recognition guidance. The underlying principle of the new standard is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. The standard also requires more detailed disclosures and provides additional guidance for transactions that were not addressed completely in the prior accounting guidance. The ASU provides two methods of initial adoption: retrospective for all periods presented, or through a cumulative adjustment in the year of adoption. It is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (Q1 2017 for TrueBlue), including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is not permitted. We have not yet determined which method of adoption will be applied and are currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT_Fair_Va

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT Fair Value Measurement (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
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 may consist of certificates of deposit ("CDs"), and commercial paper, and restricted investments, which 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 A1/P1 or higher for short-term securities and A- or higher for long-term securities, 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 have no Level 3 assets or liabilities.
	The carrying values of our accounts receivable, accounts payable and other accrued expenses, and accrued wages and benefits approximate 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. We hold long-term debt with variable interest rates that approximate fair value. For additional information, see Note 8: Long-term Debt.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
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 thousands):
		March 27, 2015
		Carrying Value		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	17,779	$	17,779	$	17,779	$	—	$	—
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)	75,427		75,427		75,427		—		—
	Other restricted assets (3)	11,261		11,261		11,261		—		—
	Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity	85,351		86,945		—		86,945		—
		December 26, 2014
		Carrying Value		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	19,666	$	19,666	$	19,666	$	—	$	—
	Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale (2)	1,500		1,500		—		1,500
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)	68,359		68,359		68,359		—		—
	Other restricted assets (3)	9,972		9,972		9,972		—		—
	Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity	90,095		91,066		—		91,066		—
	-1	Cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents consist of money market funds, deposits, and investments with original maturities of three months or less.
	-2	At March 27, 2015 we held no marketable securities. At December 26, 2014, all our marketable securities, which consisted of CDs, had stated maturities of less than one year.
	-3	Other restricted assets primarily consist of deferred compensation plan accounts, which are comprised of mutual funds.

RESTRICTED_CASH_AND_INVESTMENT1

RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of restricted cash and investments	The following is a summary our restricted cash and investments (in thousands):
		March 27,		December 26,
		2015		2014
	Cash collateral held by insurance carriers	$	22,497	$	22,639
	Cash and cash equivalents held in Trust	51,066		43,856
	Investments held in Trust	85,351		90,095
	Cash collateral backing letters of credit	1,864		1,864
	Other (1)	11,261		9,972
	Total restricted cash and investments	$	172,039	$	168,426
	-1	Primarily consists of 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 thousands):
		March 27, 2015
		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized Loss			Fair Value
	Municipal debt securities	$	49,353	$	1,002	$	(22	)	$	50,333
	Corporate debt securities	26,646		469		(22		)	27,093
	Asset-backed securities	9,352		167		—			9,519
		$	85,351	$	1,638	$	(44	)	$	86,945
		December 26, 2014
		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized Loss			Fair Value
	Municipal debt securities	$	52,406	$	882	$	(92	)	$	53,196
	Corporate debt securities	27,715		179		(144		)	27,750
	Asset-backed securities	9,974		157		(11		)	10,120
		$	90,095	$	1,218	$	(247	)	$	91,066
Schedule of held-to-maturity investments by contractual maturity	The amortized cost and fair value by contractual maturity of our held-to-maturity investments are as follows (in thousands):
		March 27, 2015
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	8,649	$	8,691
	Due after one year through five years	40,368		40,906
	Due after five years through ten years	36,334		37,348
		$	85,351	$	86,945

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_NET_Tab

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of property and equipment	Property and equipment are stated at cost and consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 27,			December 26,
		2015			2014
	Buildings and land	$	30,769		$	30,381
	Computers and software	117,000			115,419
	Furniture and equipment	11,629			11,690
	Construction in progress	5,001			5,415
		164,399			162,905
	Less accumulated depreciation	(105,808		)	(101,513		)
		$	58,591		$	61,392

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS1

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The following table reflects goodwill at March 27, 2015 and December 26, 2014 (in thousands):
		Legacy TrueBlue			Unallocated Goodwill (1)			Total Company
	Balance at December 26, 2014
	Goodwill before impairment	$	128,449		$	159,616		$	288,065
	Accumulated impairment loss	(46,210		)	—			(46,210		)
	Goodwill, net	82,239			159,616			241,855
	Balance at March 27, 2015
	Goodwill before impairment	128,449			159,616			288,065
	Accumulated impairment loss	(46,210		)	—			(46,210		)
	Goodwill, net	$	82,239		$	159,616		$	241,855
	-1	Management is still determining the allocation of our goodwill acquired to our new reportable segments, which will be finalized in Q2 2015. See Note 16: Segment Information, for additional details.
Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets	The following table presents our purchased finite-lived intangible assets (in thousands):
		March 27, 2015									December 26, 2014
		Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount			Amount					Amount
	Finite-lived intangible assets (1):
	Customer relationships	$	123,940		$	(26,316	)	$	97,624		$	123,940	$	(22,195	)	$	101,745
	Trade name/trademarks	4,422			(3,090		)	1,332			4,422		(2,878		)	1,544
	Non-compete agreements	1,800			(907		)	893			1,800		(817		)	983
	Technologies	18,300			(2,940		)	15,360			18,300		(2,212		)	16,088
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	148,462		$	(33,253	)	$	115,209		$	148,462	$	(28,102	)	$	120,360
	-1	Excludes assets that are fully amortized.
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 March 27, 2015 (in thousands):
	Remainder of 2015	$	13,836
	2016	18,186
	2017	16,157
	2018	14,638
	2019	11,942
	Thereafter	40,450
	Total future amortization	$	115,209

WORKERS_COMPENSATION_INSURANCE1

WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE AND RESERVES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Workers' Compensation Insurance and Reserves [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 thousands):
		March 27,		December 26,
		2015		2014
	Undiscounted workers’ compensation reserve	$	257,177	$	256,220
	Less discount on workers' compensation reserve	14,179		13,381
	Workers' compensation reserve, net of discount	242,998		242,839
	Less current portion	61,784		64,556
	Long-term portion	$	181,214	$	178,283

LONGTERM_DEBT_Tables

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	The components of our borrowings were as follows (in thousands):
		March 27, 2015		December 26, 2014
	Revolving Credit Facility	$	83,995	$	171,994
	Term Loan	29,089		29,656
	Total debt	113,084		201,650
	Less current portion	2,267		2,267
	Long-term debt	$	110,817	$	199,383

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
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 thousands):
		March 27,		December 26,
		2015		2014
	Cash collateral held by insurance carriers	$	22,497	$	22,639
	Cash and cash equivalents held in Trust	51,066		43,856
	Investments held in Trust	85,351		90,095
	Letters of credit (1)	6,787		6,513
	Surety bonds (2)	16,861		16,861
	Total collateral commitments	$	182,562	$	179,964
	-1	We have agreements with certain financial institutions to issue letters of credit as collateral. We had $1.9 million of restricted cash collateralizing our letters of credit at March 27, 2015 and December 26, 2014.
	-2	Our surety bonds are issued by independent insurance companies on our behalf and bear annual fees based on a percentage of the bond, which are 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.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of restricted and unrestricted stock and performance share units activity	Restricted and unrestricted stock awards and performance share units activity for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2015, was as follows (shares in thousands):
		Shares		Weighted- average grant-date price
	Non-vested at beginning of period	1,547		$	20.03
	Granted	455		$	21.77
	Vested	(495	)	$	17.02
	Forfeited	(241	)	$	14.02
	Non-vested at the end of the period	1,266		$	22.29

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE_Tables

NET INCOME PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of adjusted net income and diluted common shares	Diluted common shares were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Thirteen weeks ended
		March 27, 2015		March 28, 2014
	Net income	$	5,716	$	1,656
	Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share	41,031		40,572
	Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and non-vested restricted stock	331		319
	Weighted average number of common shares used in diluted net income per common share	41,362		40,891
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.14	$	0.04
	Diluted	$	0.14	$	0.04
	Anti-dilutive shares	266		—

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Changes in the balance of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the years presented were as follows (in thousands):
		Foreign currency translation adjustment			Unrealized gain on marketable securities (1)		Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
	Balance at beginning of period	$	848		$	23	$	871
	Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (2)	(1,412		)	167		(1,245		)
	Balance at end of period	$	(564	)	$	190	$	(374	)
	-1	Consists of deferred compensation plan accounts, which includes mutual funds.
	-2	The tax impact on foreign currency translation adjustment and unrealized gain on marketable securities was de minimis for the period ending March 27, 2015.

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA1

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Schedule of supplemental cash flow information	Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information (in thousands):
		Thirteen weeks ended
		27-Mar-15		28-Mar-14
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Interest	$	1,137	$	254
	Income taxes	$	565	$	913

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Information	Revenue from services and income from operations associated with our segments were as follows (in thousands):
		Thirteen weeks ended
		March 27, 2015			March 28, 2014
	Revenue from services
	Staffing Services	$	549,712		$	396,063
	Managed Services	23,603			—
	Total Company	$	573,315		$	396,063
	Income from operations
	Staffing Services	$	24,229		$	15,545
	Managed Services	3,478			—
	Depreciation and amortization	(10,520		)	(5,161		)
	Corporate unallocated	(9,464		)	(7,968		)
	Total Company	7,723			2,416
	Interest and other income (expense), net	(534		)	344
	Income before tax expense	$	7,189		$	2,760

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT_Details

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015		Dec. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]
Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity	$86,945		$91,066
Certificate of deposits
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]
Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale			1,500
Carrying Value
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	17,779	[1]	19,666	[1]
Carrying Value | Restricted Assets
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	75,427	[1]	68,359	[1]
Other restricted assets	11,261	[2]	9,972	[2]
Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity	85,351		90,095
Total Fair Value
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	17,779	[1]	19,666	[1]
Total Fair Value | Certificate of deposits
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]
Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale			1,500	[3]
Total Fair Value | Restricted Assets
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	75,427	[1]	68,359	[1]
Other restricted assets	11,261	[2]	9,972	[2]
Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity	86,945		91,066
Level 1
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	17,779	[1]	19,666	[1]
Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale			0	[3]
Level 1 | Restricted Assets
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	75,427	[1]	68,359	[1]
Other restricted assets	11,261	[2]	9,972	[2]
Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity	0		0
Level 2
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	[1]	0	[1]
Level 2 | Restricted Assets
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	0	[1]	0	[1]
Other restricted assets	0	[2]	0	[2]
Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity	86,945		91,066
Level 3
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	[1]	0	[1]
Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale				[3]
Level 3 | Restricted Assets
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	0	[1]	0	[1]
Other restricted assets	0	[2]	0	[2]
Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity	$0		$0
[1]	Cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents consist of money market funds, deposits, and investments with original maturities of three months or less.
[2]	Other restricted assets primarily consist of deferred compensation plan accounts, which are comprised of mutual funds.
[3]	At March 27, 2015 we held no marketable securities. At December 26, 2014, all our marketable securities, which consisted of CDs, had stated maturities of less than one year.

MARKETABLE_SECURITIES_Availabl

MARKETABLE SECURITIES - Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (Certificate of deposits, USD $)	Dec. 26, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	$1,500,000
Due in one year [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$1,500,000

RESTRICTED_CASH_AND_INVESTMENT2

RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015		Dec. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Restricted Cash and Investments [Line Items]
Cash collateral held by insurance carriers	$22,497		$22,639
Cash and cash equivalents held in Trust	51,066		43,856
Investments held in Trust	85,351		90,095
Cash collateral backing letters of credit	1,864		1,864
Other	11,261	[1]	9,972	[1]
Restricted cash and investments	172,039		168,426
Held-to-maturity Securities, Reconciliation to Fair Value [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	85,351		90,095
Gross Unrealized Gain	1,638		1,218
Gross Unrealized Loss	-44		-247
Fair Value	86,945		91,066
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Amortized Cost [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	85,351		90,095
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value	86,945		91,066
Municipal debt securities
Restricted Cash and Investments [Line Items]
Investments held in Trust	49,353		52,406
Held-to-maturity Securities, Reconciliation to Fair Value [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	49,353		52,406
Gross Unrealized Gain	1,002		882
Gross Unrealized Loss	-22		-92
Fair Value	50,333		53,196
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Amortized Cost [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	49,353		52,406
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value	50,333		53,196
Corporate debt securities
Restricted Cash and Investments [Line Items]
Investments held in Trust	26,646		27,715
Held-to-maturity Securities, Reconciliation to Fair Value [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	26,646		27,715
Gross Unrealized Gain	469		179
Gross Unrealized Loss	-22		-144
Fair Value	27,093		27,750
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Amortized Cost [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	26,646		27,715
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value	27,093		27,750
Asset-backed securities
Restricted Cash and Investments [Line Items]
Investments held in Trust	9,352		9,974
Held-to-maturity Securities, Reconciliation to Fair Value [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	9,352		9,974
Gross Unrealized Gain	167		157
Gross Unrealized Loss	0		-11
Fair Value	9,519		10,120
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Amortized Cost [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	9,352		9,974
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value	9,519		10,120
Restricted Cash and Investments
Restricted Cash and Investments [Line Items]
Investments held in Trust	85,351
Held-to-maturity Securities, Reconciliation to Fair Value [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	85,351
Fair Value	86,945
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Amortized Cost [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	8,649
Due after one year through five years	40,368
Due after five years through ten years	36,334
Amortized Cost	85,351
Held-to-maturity Securities, Investment Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	8,691
Due after one year through five years	40,906
Due after five years through ten years	37,348
Fair Value	$86,945
[1]	Primarily consists of deferred compensation plan accounts, which are comprised of mutual funds.

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_NET_Det

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Property and equipment, gross	$164,399	$162,905
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-105,808	-101,513
Property and equipment, net	58,591	61,392
Buildings and land
Property and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Property and equipment, gross	30,769	30,381
Computers and software
Property and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Property and equipment, gross	117,000	115,419
Furniture and equipment
Property and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Property and equipment, gross	11,629	11,690
Construction in progress
Property and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Property and equipment, gross	$5,001	$5,415

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_NET_NAR

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET (NARRATIVE) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 26, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capitalized computer software, net	$28.70		$30.20
Depreciation expense	$5.40	$3.70

Changes_in_Carrying_Amount_of_

- Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015		Dec. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill before impairment	$288,065		$288,065
Accumulated impairment loss	-46,210		-46,210
Goodwill, net	241,855		241,855
Legacy TrueBlue
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill before impairment	128,449		128,449
Accumulated impairment loss	-46,210		-46,210
Goodwill, net	82,239		82,239
Unallocated Goodwill
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill before impairment	159,616	[1]	159,616	[1]
Accumulated impairment loss	0	[1]	0	[1]
Goodwill, net	$159,616	[1]	$159,616	[1]
[1]	Management is still determining the allocation of our goodwill acquired to our new reportable segments, which will be finalized in Q2 2015. See Note 16: Segment Information, for additional details.

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015		Dec. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortizable intangible assets (1):
Gross Carrying Amount	$148,462	[1]	$148,462	[1]
Accumulated Amortization	-33,253	[1]	-28,102	[1]
Net Carrying Amount	115,209	[1]	120,360	[1]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2015	13,836
2016	18,186
2017	16,157
2018	14,638
2019	11,942
Thereafter	40,450
Net Carrying Amount	115,209	[1]	120,360	[1]
Customer relationships
Amortizable intangible assets (1):
Gross Carrying Amount	123,940	[1]	123,940	[1]
Accumulated Amortization	-26,316	[1]	-22,195	[1]
Net Carrying Amount	97,624	[1]	101,745	[1]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Net Carrying Amount	97,624	[1]	101,745	[1]
Trade name/trademarks
Amortizable intangible assets (1):
Gross Carrying Amount	4,422	[1]	4,422	[1]
Accumulated Amortization	-3,090	[1]	-2,878	[1]
Net Carrying Amount	1,332	[1]	1,544	[1]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Net Carrying Amount	1,332	[1]	1,544	[1]
Non-compete agreements
Amortizable intangible assets (1):
Gross Carrying Amount	1,800	[1]	1,800	[1]
Accumulated Amortization	-907	[1]	-817	[1]
Net Carrying Amount	893	[1]	983	[1]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Net Carrying Amount	893	[1]	983	[1]
Technologies
Amortizable intangible assets (1):
Gross Carrying Amount	18,300	[1]	18,300	[1]
Accumulated Amortization	-2,940	[1]	-2,212	[1]
Net Carrying Amount	15,360	[1]	16,088	[1]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Net Carrying Amount	$15,360	[1]	$16,088	[1]
[1]	Excludes assets that are fully amortized

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Narrative Finite Intangibles (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$5.20	$1.50

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS4

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Narrative Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Details) (Trademarks and Trade Names [Member], USD $)	Dec. 26, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived trade name/trademarks	$16.20

WORKERS_COMPENSATION_INSURANCE2

WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE AND RESERVES - Reconciliation of Workers' Compensation Claims Reserve (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Workers' Compensation Deductible Limit [Line Items]
Undiscounted workers’ compensation reserve	$257,177	$256,220
Less discount on workers' compensation reserve	14,179	13,381
Workers' compensation reserve, net of discount	242,998	242,839
Less current portion	61,784	64,556
Long-term portion	$181,214	$178,283

WORKERS_COMPENSATION_INSURANCE3

WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE AND RESERVES - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 26, 2014
Workers' Compensation Deductible Limit [Line Items]
Workers' compensation claim deductible limit	$2
Weighted average period - claim payments below deductible limit	4 years 6 months
Payments made against self-insured claims	16.8	13.7
Weighted average period - claim payments and receivables above deductible limit	14 years 8 months
Excess claims	41.3		42.6
Workers' compensation claim receivables net of valuation allowance	37.4		38.7
Workers' compensation expense	$21.50	$15.90
Below limit
Workers' Compensation Deductible Limit [Line Items]
Weighted average rate	1.60%	1.70%

LONGTERM_DEBT_Summary_of_longt

LONG-TERM DEBT Summary of long-term debt (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$113,084	$201,650
Long-term debt, less current portion	110,817	199,383
Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	83,995	171,994
Synovus Bank [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	29,089	29,656
Long-term debt, current maturities	$2,267	$2,267

LONGTERM_DEBT_Revolving_Credit

LONG-TERM DEBT Revolving Credit Facility Narrative (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2014
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$113,084,000	$201,650,000
Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term debt		83,995,000	171,994,000
Revolving Credit Facility, interest rate description	one-month
Revolving Credit Facility, interest rate at period end		2.00%
Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility, maximum borrowing capacity	300,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility, current borrowing capacity		240,900,000
Revolving Credit Facility, amount outstanding		5,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility, utilization rate	25.00%
Percent of Eligible Billed Accounts Receivable [Member] [Member] | Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility Borrowing Limits, Percent of Accounts Receivable	90.00%
Percent of Eligible Accounts Receivable [Member] | Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility Borrowing Limits, Percent of Accounts Receivable	15.00%
Percent of Eligible Unbilled Accounts Receivable [Member] [Member] | Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility Borrowing Limits, Percent of Accounts Receivable	85.00%
Liquidation Value of Tacoma Headquarters Office Building [Member] | Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility Borrowing Limits, Liquidation Value Requirement, Pledged Real Estate		17,400,000
Revolving Credit Facility Borrowing Limits, Quarterly Reduction, Liquidation Value of Pledged Real Estate		400,000
Revolving Credit Facility Borrowing Limits, Liquidation Value of Pledged Real Estate		16,600,000
Revolving Credit Facility, Liquidity Requirement Component [Member] | Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility, remaining borrowing capacity		151,900,000
Revolving Credit Facility, cash and cash equivalents under control agreements		15,100,000
Revolving Credit Facility, total liquidity		167,000,000
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility, additional base rate	1.00%
Letters of Credit, additional basis rate	0.13%
Base rate [Member] | Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility, additional base rate	0.50%
Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility, Liquidity Requirement Component [Member] | Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility, liquidity requirement	37,500,000
Minimum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, basis spread on variable rate	1.25%
Minimum [Member] | Base rate [Member] | Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, basis spread on variable rate	0.25%
Maximum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, basis spread on variable rate	2.00%
Maximum | Base rate [Member] | Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
Less than 25% utilization [Member] | Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage	0.38%
Greater than or equal to 25% utilization [Member] | Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage	0.25%
October 1, 2014 [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility, additional base rate		1.75%
October 1, 2014 [Member] | Base rate [Member] | Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility, additional base rate		0.75%

LONGTERM_DEBT_Term_Loan_Agreem

LONG-TERM DEBT Term Loan Agreement (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Feb. 04, 2013	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2014
	extension
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$113,084,000	$201,650,000
Synovus Bank [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, face amount	34,000,000
Debt Instrument, term	5 years
Debt Instrument, periodic payment, principal	2,300,000
Debt Instrument, amortization term	15 years
Term Loan, interest rate description	one-month
Debt Instrument, number of extensions available to company	5
Debt Instrument, extension period	1 year
Debt Instrument, interest rate at period end		1.67%
Long-term debt		29,089,000	29,656,000
Long-term debt, current maturities		$2,267,000	$2,267,000
Synovus Bank [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, basis spread on variable rate	1.50%

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Workers' Compensation Commitments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015		Dec. 26, 2014
Workers' Compensation Commitments [Line Items]
Cash collateral held by insurance carriers	$22,497		$22,639
Cash and cash equivalents held in Trust	51,066		43,856
Investments held in Trust	85,351		90,095
Letters of credit	6,787	[1]	6,513	[1]
Surety bonds	16,861	[2]	16,861	[2]
Total collateral commitments	182,562		179,964
Cash collateral backing letters of credit	$1,864		$1,864
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]	We have agreements with certain financial institutions to issue letters of credit as collateral. We had $1.9 million of restricted cash collateralizing our letters of credit at March 27, 2015 and December 26, 2014.
[2]	Our surety bonds are issued by independent insurance companies on our behalf and bear annual fees based on a percentage of the bond, which are 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.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Restri

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Restricted and Unrestricted Stock and Performance Share Units (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2014	31-May-13
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)	1,547,000
Granted (in shares)	455,000
Vested (in shares)	-495,000
Forfeited (in shares)	-241,000
Non-vested at the end of the period (in shares)	1,266,000
Share-based Compensation by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Granted (in dollars per share)	$21.77
Vested (in dollars per share)	$17.02
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$14.02
Non-vested at end of the period (in dollars per share)	$22.29	$20.03
Number of common stock shares represented by each performance share	1
Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options	$12.90
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period for recognition	1 year 10 months 20 days
Performance shares
Share-based Compensation by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Vesting period	3 years
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options	$5.20
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period for recognition	2 years 0 months 25 days
Minimum | Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Vesting period	3 years
Maximum | Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Vesting period	4 years
Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Shares authorized for issuance (in shares)			7,950,000

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Stock_

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Stock Option (Details) (Stock option)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Option expiration period	10 years
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Option expiration period	7 years

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Employ

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Details) (Employee stock purchase plan, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
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 During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	20,000	17,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Excluding Stock Options	$0.40	$0.30

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Stockb

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Stock-based compensation expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$3.40	$2.90

DEFINED_CONTRIBUTION_PLANS_Det

DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred compensation liability, current and noncurrent	$11.30	$10.10

INCOME_TAXES_Narrative_Details

INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 26, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	20.50%	40.00%	83.40%
Discrete tax benefits	$1.30
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent		35.00%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$2.10			$2

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE_Details

NET INCOME PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$5,716	$1,656
Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income per common share	41,031	40,572
Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and non-vested restricted stock	331	319
Weighted average number of common shares used in diluted net income per common share	41,362	40,891
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.14	$0.04
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.14	$0.04
Anti-dilutive shares	266	0

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015		Mar. 28, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	($1,412)		($245)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax	167		48
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	871
Current-period other comprehensive income	-1,245	[1]	-197
Balance at end of period	-374
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	-1,412	[1]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	848
Balance at end of period	-564
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax	167	[1],[2]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	23
Balance at end of period	$190
[1]	The tax impact on foreign currency translation adjustment and unrealized gain on marketable securities was de minimis for the period ending March 27, 2015.
[2]	Consists of deferred compensation plan accounts, which includes mutual funds.

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA2

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$1,137,000	$254,000
Income taxes	565,000	913,000
Property, plant and equipment on account that was not yet paid	$200,000	$900,000

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Details

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$573,315	$396,063
Depreciation and amortization	-10,520	-5,161
Income from operations	7,723	2,416
Interest and other income (expense), net	-534	344
Income before tax expense	7,189	2,760
Corporate Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from operations	-9,464	-7,968
Staffing Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	549,712	396,063
Income from operations	24,229	15,545
Managed Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	23,603	0
Income from operations	$3,478	$0