Goodwill	9 Months Ended
Oct. 02, 2011
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	(4) Goodwill Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of December 31 or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would warrant such a review. The December 31, 2010 review of goodwill indicated that goodwill was not impaired. During the third fiscal quarter of 2011, based on a combination of factors, including declines in revenues within the Electronics Group, declines in the overall government defense market and a decline in the Company's market value of equity, the Company concluded that there were sufficient indicators to require Sypris to perform an interim goodwill impairment analysis. The Company assesses recoverability using a discounted cash flow analysis. The analysis is based upon available information regarding expected future cash flows of each reporting unit discounted at rates consistent with the cost of capital specific to the reporting unit. A growth rate is used to calculate the terminal value of the reporting unit and is added to the present value of the forecasted cash flows. The growth rate is the expected rate at which a reporting unit's cash flow is projected to grow beyond the period covered by the long-range plan. The cash flow analysis requires significant judgment in our evaluation of the business and establishing an appropriate discount rate and terminal value to apply in the calculation. In selecting these and other assumptions for each business, we consider historical performance, forecasted operating results, expected changes in product mix, general market conditions and industry considerations specific to the business. We make significant assumptions and estimates about the extent and timing of future cash flows, growth rates and discount rates. The cash flows are estimated over a future period of time, which makes those estimates and assumptions inherently subject to a high degree of potential uncertainty. The sum of the calculated fair values of each reporting unit is then reconciled and compared to our total market capitalization, allowing for a reasonable control premium. If the discounted cash flow analysis yields a fair value estimate less than the reporting unit's carrying value, we proceed to step two of the impairment process. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit's fair value to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. As a result of the first step of the goodwill impairment analysis performed as of October 2, 2011, the fair value estimate for the Electronics Group, which is the only remaining reporting unit with goodwill, exceeded its carrying value by approximately 9%. Therefore the second step was not necessary. Key assumptions used to determine the fair value estimate of our Electronics Group during the fourth quarter were the expected after-tax cash flows for the period from 2012 to 2014, which include projected improvements in operating margins, a terminal growth rate of 3.0% and a weighted average cost of capital of 16.0%. The terminal rate is consistent with the prior year growth rate of 3.0%. Our analysis included a comparison of our market capitalization to the fair value of the entire enterprise. These and other estimates and assumptions are impacted by economic conditions and expectations of management and may change in the future based on period-specific facts and circumstances We believe that the assumptions and estimates used to determine the fair values of our reporting unit were reasonable. However, different assumptions could materially affect the results. If the Electronics Group's future cash flows are different than those projected by management, future impairment charges may be required. The Company will continue to monitor the performance of the Electronics Group, the performance of the overall aerospace and defense industry and the Company's market capitalization.

Goodwill

9 Months Ended

Oct. 02, 2011

(4) Goodwill

Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of December 31 or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would warrant such a review. The December 31, 2010 review of goodwill indicated that goodwill was not impaired. During the third fiscal quarter of 2011, based on a combination of factors, including declines in revenues within the Electronics Group, declines in the overall government defense market and a decline in the Company's market value of equity, the Company concluded that there were sufficient indicators to require Sypris to perform an interim goodwill impairment analysis.

The Company assesses recoverability using a discounted cash flow analysis. The analysis is based upon available information regarding expected future cash flows of each reporting unit discounted at rates consistent with the cost of capital specific to the reporting unit. A growth rate is used to calculate the terminal value of the reporting unit and is added to the present value of the forecasted cash flows. The growth rate is the expected rate at which a reporting unit's cash flow is projected to grow beyond the period covered by the long-range plan. The cash flow analysis requires significant judgment in our evaluation of the business and establishing an appropriate discount rate and terminal value to apply in the calculation. In selecting these and other assumptions for each business, we consider historical performance, forecasted operating results, expected changes in product mix, general market conditions and industry considerations specific to the business. We make significant assumptions and estimates about the extent and timing of future cash flows, growth rates and discount rates. The cash flows are estimated over a future period of time, which makes those estimates and assumptions inherently subject to a high degree of potential uncertainty. The sum of the calculated fair values of each reporting unit is then reconciled and compared to our total market capitalization, allowing for a reasonable control premium. If the discounted cash flow analysis yields a fair value estimate less than the reporting unit's carrying value, we proceed to step two of the impairment process. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit's fair value to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit.

As a result of the first step of the goodwill impairment analysis performed as of October 2, 2011, the fair value estimate for the Electronics Group, which is the only remaining reporting unit with goodwill, exceeded its carrying value by approximately 9%. Therefore the second step was not necessary. Key assumptions used to determine the fair value estimate of our Electronics Group during the fourth quarter were the expected after-tax cash flows for the period from 2012 to 2014, which include projected improvements in operating margins, a terminal growth rate of 3.0% and a weighted average cost of capital of 16.0%. The terminal rate is consistent with the prior year growth rate of 3.0%. Our analysis included a comparison of our market capitalization to the fair value of the entire enterprise. These and other estimates and assumptions are impacted by economic conditions and expectations of management and may change in the future based on period-specific facts and circumstances

We believe that the assumptions and estimates used to determine the fair values of our reporting unit were reasonable. However, different assumptions could materially affect the results. If the Electronics Group's future cash flows are different than those projected by management, future impairment charges may be required. The Company will continue to monitor the performance of the Electronics Group, the performance of the overall aerospace and defense industry and the Company's market capitalization.