v2.4.0.8
Income taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2013
Dec. 29, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Jan. 01, 2011
Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Date Jan. 01, 2029      
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates  20      
Valuation Allowance, Amount $ 6,535 $ 3,145 $ 4,547 $ 5,880
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Nature of Event Timing 2015-01-01      
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense 85 0    
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
       
Open Tax Year 2006      
Canada Revenue Agency [Member]
       
Open Tax Year 2006      
US | Capital Loss Carryforward [Member]
       
Operating Loss Carryforwards 5,108 11,517    
US | State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
       
Operating Loss Carryforwards 6,576 11,311    
CA | Capital Loss Carryforward [Member]
       
Operating Loss Carryforwards 21,581 28,821    
Other Tax Carryforward, Gross Amount 394 845    
Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] | US
       
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount 71 71    
Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] | CA
       
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount 953 958    
Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] | MA [Member]
       
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount 166 166    
Scientific [Member] | CA
       
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount $ 10,098 $ 10,847