Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 52,863	$ 54,835
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $348 and $337, respectively	48,421	38,847
Income taxes receivable	22,588	22,707
Inventories	53,431	51,539
Deferred tax assets	5,468	5,335
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,859	5,385
Assets of discontinued operations	27,396	35,663
Total current assets	215,026	214,311
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	32,630	35,955
Deferred tax assets	1,613	814
Other assets	6,510	7,048
Intangible assets, net	41,470	45,797
Goodwill	44,578	44,578
Total assets	341,827	348,503
Current Liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	10,000	10,000
Accounts payable	19,630	12,532
Income taxes payable	2,214	1,835
Deferred revenue	895	852
Deferred tax liabilities	111	109
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	19,309	18,927
Liabilities of discontinued operations	9,688	14,806
Total current liabilities	61,847	59,061
Long-term debt	37,500	58,000
Deferred tax liabilities	8,989	8,722
Income taxes payable	9,019	8,057
Other liabilities	5,381	5,303
Total liabilities	122,736	139,143
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)
Stockholders' Equity:
Common shares, no par value; Authorized shares: unlimited; Issued and outstanding: 33,710 and 33,478, respectively	423,856	423,856
Additional paid-in capital	21,361	17,931
Accumulated deficit	(224,040)	(227,760)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,488)	(5,024)
Total GSI Group Inc. stockholders' equity	218,689	209,003
Noncontrolling interest	402	357
Total stockholders' equity	219,091	209,360
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 341,827	$ 348,503