Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2016	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 65,044	$ 36,082	$ 32,102
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(4)	(5)	(1)
Defined benefit plans:
Actuarial gain (loss)	6,624	(31,839)	33,379
Prior service costs	21	22	(88)
Postretirement benefits plan:
Actuarial gain (loss)	2,934	(4,318)	3,984
Prior service costs	(2,068)	4,402	(924)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	7,507	(31,738)	36,350
Comprehensive income	72,551	4,344	68,452
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	6,042	4,728	4,427
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated	$ 66,509	$ (384)	$ 64,025