Note 6 - Exit and Disposal Activities (Details Textual) - Transition of Production from the Broadway Plant [Member] - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Apr. 02, 2017
Restructuring and Related Costs, Incurred Cost, Total	$ 509,000	$ 998,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost, Per Share	$ 0.03	$ 0.05
Restructuring Charges, Total	$ 509,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	582,000
Sypris Electronics [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	582,000
Equipment Relocation Costs [Member]
Restructuring Charges, Total	68,000	$ 371,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	60,000
Facility Closing [Member]
Restructuring Charges, Total	441,000
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Charges, Total	(13,000)	$ 627,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	$ 0