Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 55,758	$ 54,835
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $415 and $337, respectively	44,089	38,847
Income taxes receivable	22,579	22,707
Inventories	53,713	51,539
Deferred tax assets	5,310	5,335
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,545	5,385
Assets of discontinued operations	30,911	35,663
Total current assets	217,905	214,311
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	33,107	35,955
Deferred tax assets	880	814
Other assets	6,526	7,048
Intangible assets, net	42,903	45,797
Goodwill	44,578	44,578
Total assets	345,899	348,503
Current Liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	10,000	10,000
Accounts payable	19,114	12,532
Income taxes payable	2,290	1,835
Deferred revenue	1,074	852
Deferred tax liabilities	108	109
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	19,939	18,927
Liabilities of discontinued operations	9,549	14,806
Total current liabilities	62,074	59,061
Long-term debt	43,000	58,000
Deferred tax liabilities	8,773	8,722
Income taxes payable	8,217	8,057
Other liabilities	5,555	5,303
Total liabilities	127,619	139,143
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)
Stockholders' Equity:
Common shares, no par value; Authorized shares: unlimited; Issued and outstanding: 33,694 and 33,478, respectively	423,856	423,856
Additional paid-in capital	20,225	17,931
Accumulated deficit	(221,506)	(227,760)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(4,678)	(5,024)
Total GSI Group Inc. stockholders' equity	217,897	209,003
Noncontrolling interest	383	357
Total stockholders' equity	218,280	209,360
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 345,899	$ 348,503