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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