v2.4.0.8
Earnings per share (Table) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2013
Dec. 29, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share Abstract      
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent $ (8,164) $ 22,968 $ 16,230
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (360) 1,256 (10,934)
Earnings (loss) attributable to SunOpta Inc. $ (8,524) $ 24,224 $ 5,296
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]      
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic 66,288,147 65,897,969 65,644,372
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted 67,832,125 66,611,397 66,583,149
Earnings (loss) per share - basic      
from continuing operations basic $ (0.12) $ 0.35 $ 0.25
from discontinued operations basic $ (0.01) $ 0.02 $ (0.17)
Earnings Per Share Total $ (0.13) $ 0.37 $ 0.08
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted      
from continuing operations diluted $ (0.12) $ 0.34 $ 0.24
from discontinued operations diluted $ (0.01) $ 0.02 $ (0.16)
Earnings Per Share Diluted Total $ (0.13) $ 0.36 $ 0.08
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount 0 2,045,200 1,355,700
Options Held [Member]
     
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]      
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Including Options and Restrictive Stock Units 1,165,133 551,723 705,332
Warrant [Member]
     
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]      
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Including Options and Restrictive Stock Units 378,845 161,705 233,445