Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 6,460	$ 6,840
Restricted Cash	6,495	6,595
Accounts receivable	120,680	113,314
Inventories	249,407	255,738
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19,862	20,538
Current income taxes recoverable	676	1,814
Deferred income taxes	3,178	2,653
Assets, Current, Total	406,758	407,492
Investments	12,350	33,845
Property, Plant and Equipment	155,141	140,579
Goodwill	57,022	57,414
Intangible Assets	49,788	52,885
Deferred income taxes	12,565	12,879
Other assets	1,234	2,216
Assets, Total	694,858	707,310
Current liabilities
Bank indebtedness	142,977	131,061
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	113,459	128,544
Customer and other deposits	9,127	4,734
Income taxes payable	3,358	4,125
Other current liabilities	2,873	2,660
Current portion of long-term debt	6,393	6,925
Current portion of long-term liabilities	689	1,471
Liabilities, Current, Total	278,876	279,520
Long-term debt	46,122	51,273
Long-term liabilities	4,949	5,544
Deferred income taxes	28,944	27,438
Liabilities, Total	358,891	363,775
Sunopta Inc Shareholders Equity [Abstract]
Common shares	184,742	183,027
Additional paid in capital	17,912	16,855
Retained earnings	114,576	124,732
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,057	1,537
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Total	318,287	326,151
Non-controlling interest	17,680	17,384
Total equity	335,967	343,535
Liabilities and Equity, Total	$ 694,858	$ 707,310