Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 23, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 23, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic loss from continuing operations attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. available to common stockholders	$ (4,167)	$ (47,593)	$ (107,689)	$ (45,641)
Diluted loss from continuing operations attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. available to common stockholders	$ (4,167)	$ (47,593)	$ (107,689)	$ (45,641)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	40,521	40,134	40,415	40,038
Shares issuable under deferred compensation agreements	546	471	531	455
Basic weighted- average number of common shares outstanding	41,067	40,605	40,946	40,493
Common shares assumed upon exercise of stock options and awards	0	0	0	0
Shares issuable under deferred compensation arrangements	0	0	0	0
Dilutive weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	41,067	40,605	40,946	40,493
Basic loss attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share:
Loss from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.1)	$ (1.17)	$ (2.63)	$ (1.13)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.07)	$ (0.04)
Basic loss attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share	$ (0.13)	$ (1.2)	$ (2.7)	$ (1.17)
Diluted loss attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share:
Loss from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.1)	$ (1.17)	$ (2.63)	$ (1.13)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.07)	$ (0.04)
Diluted loss attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share	$ (0.13)	$ (1.2)	$ (2.7)	$ (1.17)