Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 23, 2012	Jun. 24, 2012	Mar. 25, 2012	Dec. 25, 2011	Sep. 25, 2011	Jun. 26, 2011	Mar. 27, 2011	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 25, 2011	Dec. 26, 2010
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic (loss) earnings from continuing operations attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. available to common stockholders									$ (137,917)	$ (65,404)	$ 19,405
Basic (loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax expense (benefit) of $247, ($378), and $5,134									(7,959)	(1,165)	8,325
Diluted (loss) earnings from continuing operations attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. available to common stockholders									(137,917)	(65,404)	19,405
Diluted (loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax expense (benefit) of $247, ($378), and $5,134									(7,959)	(1,165)	8,325
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding									40,476	40,070	39,483
Shares issuable under deferred compensation agreements									524	462	452
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding									41,000	40,532	39,935
Common shares assumed upon exercise of stock options and awards									0	0	505
Shares issuable under deferred compensation arrangements									0	0	5
Dilutive weighted average number of common shares outstanding									41,000	40,532	40,445
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations (US$ per share)	$ (0.76)	$ (0.10)	$ (2.24)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.35)	$ (1.27)	$ 0.23	$ (0.22)	$ (3.36)	$ (1.61)	$ 0.48
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax									$ (0.20)	$ (0.03)	$ 0.21
Basic (loss) earnings attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share (US$ per share)	$ (0.86)	$ (0.13)	$ (2.30)	$ (0.27)	$ (0.47)	$ (1.20)	$ 0.24	$ (0.22)	$ (3.56)	$ (1.64)	$ 0.69
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations (US$ per share)	$ (0.76)	$ (0.10)	$ (2.24)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.35)	$ (1.27)	$ 0.23	$ (0.22)	$ (3.36)	$ (1.61)	$ 0.48
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax									$ (0.20)	$ (0.03)	$ 0.21
Diluted (loss) earnings attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share (US$ per share)	$ (0.86)	$ (0.13)	$ (2.30)	$ (0.27)	$ (0.47)	$ (1.20)	$ 0.24	$ (0.22)	$ (3.56)	$ (1.64)	$ 0.69
Discontinued operations, tax expense (benefit) - basic									247	(378)	5,134
Discontinued operations, tax expense (benefit) - diluted									$ 247	$ (378)	$ 5,134