v2.4.0.8

Business acquisition Babco (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 28, 2013 | Dec. 29, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Feb. 10, 2012 Babco [Member] | Dec. 28, 2013 Babco [Member] | Dec. 28, 2013 Babco [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition |  |  |  | Feb. 10, 2012 |  |
Finite Lived Intangible Asset Useful Life |  |  |  | 15 years |  |
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Potential Cash Payment |  |  |  |  | $ 1,300 |
Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Payments Term |  |  |  | 5 years |  |
Fair Value Inputs Long Term Revenue Growth Rate |  |  |  |  |  | 2.50%
Fair Value Inputs Discount Rate |  |  |  |  |  | 18.00%
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount |  |  |  |  | 990 |
Revenues | 1,181,929 | 1,091,064 | 1,019,871 |  |  |
Earnings attributable to SunOpta Inc. | $ (8,524) | $ 24,224 | $ 5,296 |  |  |

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