v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Feb. 29, 2012
Jul. 02, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 8-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2011    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Registrant Name SunOpta Inc.    
Entity Central Index Key 0000351834    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Public Float     $ 474,237,087
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding   65,801,558