Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Note 23. Subsequent Events Internal Redesign and Restructuring of Global Operations On April 10, 2012, the Board of Directors of Polymer Group, Inc. (the “Company”) approved an internal redesign and restructuring of global operations for the purposes of realigning and repositioning the Company to consolidate the benefits of its global footprint, align resources and capabilities with future growth opportunities and provide for a more efficient structure to serve existing markets. The Company anticipates that these actions, when fully implemented, will result in pre-tax cost savings of approximately $9.0 million to $10.5 million on an annualized basis. The cost reductions are expected to be achieved primarily from a reduction in the Company’s global salaried workforce. The Company expects the substantial majority of the restructuring activities to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2012. The restructuring constitutes a plan of termination described under ASC 420 which will result in material charges. Total pre-tax restructuring costs are expected to be within a range of $6.8 million to $9.7 million. The portion of the estimated restructuring charges related to employee termination expenses is expected to be approximately $5.5 million to $8.0 million. The remaining costs of $1.3 million to $1.7 million are expected to consist primarily of consultant fees and other miscellaneous costs. Approximately $6.0 million to $9.0 million of these restructuring charges are expected to require future cash expenditures.

Subsequent Events

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Note 23. Subsequent Events

Internal Redesign and Restructuring of Global Operations

On April 10, 2012, the Board of Directors of Polymer Group, Inc. (the “Company”) approved an internal redesign and restructuring of global operations for the purposes of realigning and repositioning the Company to consolidate the benefits of its global footprint, align resources and capabilities with future growth opportunities and provide for a more efficient structure to serve existing markets.

The Company anticipates that these actions, when fully implemented, will result in pre-tax cost savings of approximately $9.0 million to $10.5 million on an annualized basis. The cost reductions are expected to be achieved primarily from a reduction in the Company’s global salaried workforce. The Company expects the substantial majority of the restructuring activities to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2012.

The restructuring constitutes a plan of termination described under ASC 420 which will result in material charges. Total pre-tax restructuring costs are expected to be within a range of $6.8 million to $9.7 million. The portion of the estimated restructuring charges related to employee termination expenses is expected to be approximately $5.5 million to $8.0 million. The remaining costs of $1.3 million to $1.7 million are expected to consist primarily of consultant fees and other miscellaneous costs. Approximately $6.0 million to $9.0 million of these restructuring charges are expected to require future cash expenditures.