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Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Sep. 27, 2014	Oct. 16, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		46,921,688
Entity Registrant Name	CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001100682
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-27
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 27, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Product revenue	$ 122,816	$ 116,732	$ 380,015	$ 364,877
Service revenue	204,751	175,397	588,099	511,423
Total revenue	327,567	292,129	968,114	876,300
Costs and expenses
Cost of products sold	65,246	70,294	199,423	202,954
Cost of services provided	144,053	121,909	415,976	366,639
Selling, general and administrative	64,476	54,903	196,999	167,021
Amortization of other intangibles	7,620	4,180	18,813	12,892
Operating income	46,172	40,843	136,903	126,794
Other income (expense)
Interest income	376	143	803	476
Interest expense	(2,997)	(2,319)	(9,171)	(18,143)
Other income, net	331	4,059	8,874	6,094
Income from continuing operations, before income taxes	43,882	42,726	137,409	115,221
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	11,582	11,390	36,021	29,331
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	32,300	31,336	101,388	85,890
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	52	(113)	(862)	(1,183)
Net income	32,352	31,223	100,526	84,707
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(316)	(356)	(994)	(978)
Net income attributable to common shareowners	$ 32,036	$ 30,867	$ 99,532	$ 83,729
Basic:
Continuing operations attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)	$ 0.70	$ 0.65	$ 2.15	$ 1.77
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.00	0.00	(0.02)	(0.02)
Net income attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)	0.70	0.64	2.13	1.75
Diluted:
Continuing operations attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)	0.68	0.64	2.11	1.75
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.00	0.00	(0.02)	(0.02)
Net income attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)	$ 0.68	$ 0.64	$ 2.09	$ 1.72

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 32,352	$ 31,223	$ 100,526	$ 84,707
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(31,635)	16,371	(23,751)	(9,653)
Defined benefit plan gains (losses) and prior service costs not yet recognized as components of net periodic pension cost:
Amortization of prior service costs and net gains and losses	291	752	871	2,249
Comprehensive income, before tax	1,008	48,346	77,646	77,303
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income	125	(326)	273	874
Comprehensive income, net of tax	883	48,672	77,373	76,429
Less: comprehensive income related to noncontrolling interests	(712)	(454)	(852)	(1,260)
Comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	$ 171	$ 48,218	$ 76,521	$ 75,169

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 130,747	$ 155,927
Trade receivables, net	275,024	220,630
Inventories	92,695	89,396
Other current assets	106,718	85,847
Current assets of discontinued businesses	835	750
Total current assets	606,019	552,550
Property, plant and equipment, net	671,244	676,182
Goodwill	289,356	230,701
Other intangibles, net	167,545	84,537
Deferred tax asset	21,215	23,671
Other assets	83,873	61,964
Long-term assets of discontinued businesses	3,106	3,151
Total assets	1,842,358	1,632,756
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases	31,917	21,437
Accounts payable	27,547	31,770
Accrued compensation	69,616	58,461
Deferred revenue	66,920	54,177
Accrued liabilities	69,516	56,712
Other current liabilities	15,508	22,546
Current liabilities of discontinued businesses	2,059	1,931
Total current liabilities	283,083	247,034
Long-term debt and capital leases	754,799	642,352
Other long-term liabilities	98,219	70,632
Long-term liabilities of discontinued businesses	7,876	8,080
Total liabilities	1,143,977	968,098
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	24,550	20,581
Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 120,000,000 shares authorized; 83,942,118 issued and 46,766,227 shares outstanding at September 27, 2014 and 82,522,905 issued and 47,553,841 shares outstanding at December 28, 2013	839	825
Additional paid-in capital	2,276,279	2,206,155
Accumulated deficit	(165,941)	(265,473)
Treasury stock, at cost, 37,175,891 shares and 34,969,064 shares at September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively	(1,423,227)	(1,305,880)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(17,654)	5,357
Total shareholders' equity	670,296	640,984
Noncontrolling interests	3,535	3,093
Stockholder's Equity, Including Noncontrolling Interest and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	698,381	664,658
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,842,358	$ 1,632,756

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	120,000,000	120,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	83,942,118	82,522,905
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	46,766,227	47,553,841
Treasury stock, shares	37,175,891	34,969,064

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Cash flows relating to operating activities
Net income	$ 100,526	$ 84,707
Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(862)	(1,183)
Income from continuing operations	101,388	85,890
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	70,435	67,336
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts	1,298	9,124
Stock-based compensation	23,132	18,231
Deferred income taxes	1,140	8,675
Gain on investments in limited partnerships	(7,377)	(4,832)
Other, net	(1,546)	2,336
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables	(40,961)	(22,663)
Inventories	(4,573)	1,445
Other assets	(15,055)	(7,917)
Accounts payable	(1,779)	(7,688)
Accrued compensation	10,795	10,500
Deferred revenue	8,826	(2,289)
Accrued liabilities	13,355	3,285
Taxes payable and prepaid taxes	(3,953)	(9,557)
Other liabilities	(2,842)	(5,326)
Net cash provided by operating activities	152,283	146,550
Cash flows relating to investing activities
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(183,151)	(24,218)
Capital expenditures	(29,907)	(25,319)
Purchases of investments	(18,171)	(15,341)
Proceeds from sale of investments and distributions from investments in limited partnerships	15,964	10,437
Other, net	(1,924)	108
Net cash used in investing activities	(217,189)	(54,333)
Cash flows relating to financing activities
Proceeds from long-term debt and revolving credit agreement	247,920	467,804
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	46,741	58,986
Payments on long-term debt, capital lease obligation and revolving credit agreement	(132,431)	(502,241)
Purchase of treasury stock	(121,985)	(91,703)
Other, net	4,051	(1,176)
Net cash used in financing activities	44,296	(68,330)
Discontinued operations
Net cash used in operating activities	(570)	(1,533)
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	(570)	(1,533)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(4,000)	(1,585)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(25,180)	20,769
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	155,927	109,685
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 130,747	$ 130,454

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - 9 months ended Sep. 27, 2014 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Accumulated (Deficit) Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Treasury Stock	Non-controlling Interest
December 28, 2013 at Dec. 28, 2013	$ 664,658	$ (265,473)	$ 5,357	$ 825	$ 2,206,155	$ (1,305,880)	$ 23,674
Components of comprehensive income, net of tax:
Net income	100,526	99,532					994
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(23,153)		(23,011)				(142)
Comprehensive income, net of tax	77,373						852
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest to fair value	0				(3,559)		3,559
Tax benefit associated with stock issued under employee compensation plans	3,751				3,751
Issuance of stock under employee compensation plans	46,814			14	46,800
Acquisition of treasury shares	(117,347)				0	(117,347)
Stock-based compensation	23,132				23,132
June 28, 2014 at Sep. 27, 2014	$ 698,381	$ (165,941)	$ (17,654)	$ 839	$ 2,276,279	$ (1,423,227)	$ 28,085

Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (the Company) are unaudited, and certain information and footnote disclosures related thereto normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (U.S. GAAP) have been omitted in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared following the same policies and procedures used in the preparation of the audited financial statements and reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to state fairly the Company's financial position and results of operations. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods' financial statements to conform with the current period presentation.

During the quarter ended June 28, 2014, the Company revised its reportable segments to ensure alignment with the Company's view of the business following its acquisition of the contract research organization (CRO) services division of Galapagos N.V. (Early Discovery). The Company reviewed the new and existing markets addressed by the business, the recently revised go-to-market strategy, long-term operating margins, the discrete financial information available to its Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) and considered how its businesses aggregate based on these qualitative and quantitative factors. Based on this review, the Company identified three reportable segments: Research Models and Services (RMS), Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA) and Manufacturing Support (Manufacturing). The Company reported segment results on this basis beginning in the quarter ended June 28, 2014 and retrospectively for all comparable prior periods.

The revised reportable segments are as follows:



Research Models and Services	Discovery and Safety Assessment	Manufacturing Support
Research Models	Discovery Services ⁽¹⁾	Endotoxin and Microbial Detection
Research Model Services ⁽²⁾	Safety Assessment	Avian Vaccine Services
		Biologics Testing Solutions

⁽¹⁾ Discovery Services includes the Early Discovery businesses, which were acquired on April 1, 2014.

⁽²⁾ Research Model Services include Genetically Engineered Models and Services (GEMS), Research Animal Diagnostic Services (RADS), and Insourcing Solutions (IS).

Prior to recasting the reportable segments, the businesses were reported in two segments as follows:



Research Models and Services	Preclinical Services
Research Models ⁽³⁾	Discovery Services
Research Model Services ⁽⁴⁾	Safety Assessment
Endotoxin and Microbial Detection	Biologics Testing Solutions

⁽³⁾ Research Models included Avian Vaccine Services.

⁽⁴⁾Research Model Services included GEMS, RADS, IS and Discovery Research Services.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires that the Company makes estimates and judgments that may affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, impairment of long-lived assets, purchase accounting for acquired businesses, equity investments, income taxes including the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, defined benefit pension plans, contingencies and share-based compensation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Changes in estimates are reflected in reported results in the period in which they become known.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in the 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Consolidation

The Company's condensed consolidated financial statements reflect its financial statements, those of its wholly-owned subsidiaries and those of certain variable interest entities where the Company is the primary beneficiary. For consolidated entities in which the Company owns or is exposed to less than 100% of the economics, the Company records net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in its condensed consolidated statements of income equal to the percentage of the economic or ownership interest retained in such entities by the respective noncontrolling parties. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

In determining whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of an entity and therefore required to consolidate, the Company applies a qualitative approach that determines whether it has both (1) the power to direct the economically significant activities of the entity and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the entity that could potentially be significant to that entity. The Company continuously assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity as changes to existing relationships or future transactions may result in the Company consolidating or deconsolidating certain of its variable interest entities.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." ASU 2014-08 changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company does not expect the impact of the adoption of this standard to be material to its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." The standard requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early adoption is not permitted. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is evaluating the impact the adoption will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure.

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+ Details

Business Acquisitions

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

Early Discovery

On April 1, 2014, the Company acquired Early Discovery consisting of (1) 100% of the shares of the United Kingdom (U.K.) based entities Argenta and BioFocus, and (2) certain Dutch assets. These businesses have formed the core of the Company's Early Discovery business. With this acquisition, the Company has enhanced its position as a full service, early-stage CRO, with integrated in vitro and in vivo capabilities from target discovery through preclinical development. The preliminary purchase price of the acquisition is $191.3 million, including $0.9 million in contingent consideration. The acquisition was funded by cash on hand and borrowings on the Company's revolving credit facility. The purchase price includes payment for estimated working capital, which is subject to final adjustment based on the actual working capital of the acquired business. The businesses are reported in the Company's DSA segment.

The contingent consideration is a one-time payment that could become payable based on the achievement of a revenue target for the twelve-month period following the acquisition. If achieved, the payment would become due in the second quarter of 2015. The aggregate, undiscounted amount of contingent consideration that the Company would pay is €5.0 million ($6.3 million as of September 27, 2014). The Company estimated the fair value of this contingent consideration based on a probability-weighted set of outcomes.

The preliminary purchase price allocation of $183.1 million, net of $8.2 million of cash acquired, is as follows:



	April 1, 2014
	(in thousands)
Current assets (excluding cash)	$	31,257
Property, plant and equipment	21,008
Other long term assets	11,549
Definite-lived intangible assets	104,270
Goodwill	66,330
Current liabilities	(14,299		)
Long term liabilities	(36,973		)
Total purchase price allocation	$	183,142

The purchase price allocations were prepared on a preliminary basis and are subject to change as additional information becomes available concerning the fair value and tax basis of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. During the third quarter of 2014, we recorded measurement period adjustments related to the Early Discovery acquisition that resulted in an immaterial change to the purchase price allocation. Any additional adjustments to the purchase price allocation will be made as soon as practicable but no later than one year from the date of acquisition.

The breakout of definite-lived intangible assets acquired is as follows:



	April 1, 2014		Weighted average amortization life
	(in thousands)
Client relationships	$	94,000	18 years
Backlog	5,700		1 year
Trademark and trade names	1,170		3 years
Leasehold interests	1,000		13 years
Other intangible assets	2,400		19 years
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	104,270

The goodwill resulting from the transaction is primarily attributed to the potential growth in the Company's DSA businesses from customers introduced through the Early Discovery business, the assembled workforce of the acquired businesses and expected cost synergies. The goodwill attributable to Argenta and BioFocus is not deductible for tax purposes. The Company incurred transaction and integration costs in connection with the acquisition of $0.5 million and $5.4 million during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, respectively, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

The following selected unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations are presented as if the Early Discovery acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the period immediately preceding the period of acquisition after giving effect to certain adjustments, including amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of fixed assets of $3.7 million and other one-time costs. These pro forma are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the results of operations had the companies operated as one entity during the periods reported. No effect has been given for synergies, if any, that may have been realized through the acquisition.



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	327,567	$	313,460	$	993,223	$	935,693
Net income	32,036		29,098		101,029		76,705
Earnings per common share
Basic	$	0.70	$	0.61	$	2.16	$	1.60
Diluted	$	0.68	$	0.60	$	2.12	$	1.58

These pro forma results of operations have been prepared for comparative purposes only, and they do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations that actually would have resulted had the acquisition occurred on the date indicated or that may result in the future. Early Discovery revenue and operating loss for the three months ended September 27, 2014 are $23.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Early Discovery revenue and operating loss for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 are $46.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

VivoPath

In June 2014, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of VivoPath, LLC, a discovery service company specializing in the rapid, in vivo compound evaluation of molecules in the therapeutic areas of metabolism, inflammation and oncology. The preliminary purchase price was $2.3 million, including $1.6 million in contingent consideration, and was allocated primarily to the intangible assets acquired. The aggregate, undiscounted amount of contingent consideration that could become payable is a maximum of $2.4 million payable over the next three years based on the achievement of revenue growth targets. The Company estimated the fair value of this contingent consideration based on a probability-weighted set of outcomes. The business is reported in the Company's DSA segment.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4922-128472

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4934-128472

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4926-128472

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1383-128463

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e6996-128479

+ Details

Restructuring and Asset Impairments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring and Contract Termination Costs

RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS

Facilities

RMS Japan

In the second quarter of 2014, the Company committed to a plan to consolidate certain research model operations in Japan. As a result, the Company adjusted the carrying value of certain facilities impacted by the consolidation plan. During the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, the Company recorded $1.3 million and $1.7 million of accelerated depreciation, respectively. Additional accelerated depreciation for 2014 will amount to approximately $1.2 million.

RMS North America

In the first quarter of 2014, the Company committed to a plan to close its research model production facility located in Michigan by the end of 2014 and to reassign the sourcing of research models to other facilities in the United States (U.S.). As a result of these actions, the Company reviewed the long-lived assets of this asset group, consisting of land improvements, building and equipment, for potential impairment based on the undiscounted cash flows of the group and considered the potential redeployment and future utilization of the facility's machinery and equipment. During the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, the Company recorded $0.3 million and $1.3 million of asset impairments and other charges, respectively, as well as $0.3 million and $0.9 million of accelerated depreciation, respectively. Additional accelerated depreciation for 2014 will amount to approximately $0.2 million.

RMS Europe

In 2012, the Company commenced a consolidation of certain research model operations in Europe. As a result, the Company adjusted the carrying value of certain facilities impacted by the consolidation plan to fair value through an asset impairment charge in 2012. During the second quarter of 2014, the Company recorded an additional impairment charge of $0.3 million related to certain facilities and also recorded a gain of $1.1 million on the sale of another facility.

Staffing Reductions

The Company has periodically implemented staffing reductions to improve operating efficiency and profitability at various sites. As a result of these actions, for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, the Company recorded severance and retention charges as shown below. As of September 27, 2014, $2.4 million was included in accrued compensation and $0.9 million in other long-term liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.

The following table rolls forward the Company's severance and retention cost liability:



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	3,823		$	2,917		$	2,782		$	3,636
Expense	574			476			5,363			1,058
Payments/Utilization	(1,117		)	(783		)	(4,865		)	(2,084		)
Balance, end of period	$	3,280		$	2,610		$	3,280		$	2,610

The following table presents severance and retention costs by classification on the income statement:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Severance charges included in cost of revenue	$	367	$	476	$	3,121	$	989
Severance charges included in selling, general and administrative expense	207		—		2,242		69
Total expense	$	574	$	476	$	5,363	$	1,058

The following table presents severance and retention cost by segment:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Research models and services	$	379	$	32	$	3,974	$	301
Discovery and safety assessment	69		398		1,118		711
Manufacturing support	126		46		150		46
Corporate	—		—		121		—
Total expense	$	574	$	476	$	5,363	$	1,058

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

The composition of trade receivables, net is as follows:



	September 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Client receivables	$	229,366		$	190,423
Unbilled revenue	50,670			35,184
Total	280,036			225,607
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(5,012		)	(4,977		)
Trade receivables, net	$	275,024		$	220,630

The composition of inventories is as follows:



	September 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Raw materials and supplies	$	15,583	$	15,028
Work in process	12,053		11,715
Finished products	65,059		62,653
Inventories	$	92,695	$	89,396

The composition of other current assets is as follows:



	September 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Prepaid assets	$	31,466	$	20,058
Deferred tax asset	31,636		29,139
Time deposits	14,577		11,158
Prepaid income tax	25,747		25,247
Restricted cash	3,292		245
Other current assets	$	106,718	$	85,847

The composition of property, plant and equipment, net is as follows:



	September 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Land	$	39,452		$	40,157
Buildings	701,160			694,074
Machinery and equipment	385,222			367,244
Leasehold improvements	40,150			37,959
Furniture and fixtures	23,796			24,013
Vehicles	3,836			3,859
Computer hardware and software	117,889			112,328
Construction in progress ⁽¹⁾	31,862			42,075
Total	1,343,367			1,321,709
Less accumulated depreciation	(672,123		)	(645,527		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	671,244		$	676,182

⁽¹⁾ Includes the leased facility under construction. See Note 8, "Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations."

Depreciation expense for the three months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 was $18.4 million and $22.7 million, respectively. Depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 was $51.6 million and $54.4 million, respectively.

The composition of other assets is as follows:



	September 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Deferred financing costs	$	5,828	$	7,126
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	27,267		26,507
Investments in limited partnerships	23,432		17,911
Other assets	27,346		10,420
Other assets	$	83,873	$	61,964

The composition of other current liabilities is as follows:



	September 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Accrued income taxes	$	13,667	$	18,773
Current deferred tax liability	1,652		1,960
Accrued interest and other	189		1,813
Other current liabilities	$	15,508	$	22,546

The composition of other long-term liabilities is as follows:



	September 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Deferred tax liability	$	30,764	$	14,988
Long-term pension liability	14,822		16,219
Accrued Executive Supplemental Life Insurance Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan	30,559		28,708
Other long-term liabilities	22,074		10,717
Other long-term liabilities	$	98,219	$	70,632

Investments in LPs	9 Months Ended
Investments in LPs	Sep. 27, 2014
Marketable Securities and Equity-Method Affiliates [Abstract]
Marketable Securities and Equity-Method Affiliates	INVESTMENTS IN LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS The Company has invested in several venture capital limited partnerships that invest in start-up companies in the life sciences industry. The Company's total commitment to these entities as of September 27, 2014 was $55.0 million, of which the Company has funded $18.0 million through the third quarter of 2014. During the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, the Company received dividends in cash and in securities totaling $0 and $7.4 million, respectively. The Company's ownership interest in these limited partnerships ranges from 3.8% to 12.1%. These limited partnerships prepare quarterly financial statements following investment company accounting guidelines, whereby investments are adjusted to fair value with resulting gains and losses recorded in earnings. These entities estimate the fair value of non-publicly traded investments based on all available information, including value implied by the pricing of subsequent preferred share offerings and the net present value of future cash flows. The Company accounts for these investments under the equity-method, whereby the Company records its portion of the investment gains and losses as reported in the fund's financial statements on a quarterly lag each reporting period. In addition, the Company adjusts the carrying value of these investments to reflect its estimate of changes to fair value since the fund's financial statements based information from the fund's management team, market prices of known public holdings of the fund and other information. The Company's investments in these limited partnerships are subject to a high degree of volatility and are generally higher risk relative to other investments the Company may hold. The Company reports gains and losses from its limited partnership investments in other income, net. The Company recognized gains (losses) related to these investments of $(0.8) million and $3.5 million for the three months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively. The Company recognized gains related to these investments of $7.4 million and $4.8 million for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively. As of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, these investments had a carrying value of $23.4 million and $17.9 million, respectively, which is reported in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value

FAIR VALUE

Valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value are as follows:


•	Cash equivalents - Valued at quoted market prices determined through third party pricing services.


•	Investments in life insurance policies—Valued at cash surrender value based on fair value of underlying investments.


•	Redeemable noncontrolling interest—Valued primarily using the income approach based on estimated future cash flows of the underlying business based on the Company's projected financial data discounted by a weighted average cost of capital. Significant assumptions include a discount rate of 17.5% and a long-term pretax operating margin of 32%.


•	Contingent consideration—Valued based on a probability-weighting of the future cash flows associated with the potential outcomes.

The fair value hierarchy level is determined by asset and liability class based on the lowest level of significant input. The observability of inputs may change for certain assets or liabilities. This condition could cause an asset or liability to be reclassified between levels. During the periods ended September 27, 2014, there were no transfers between levels.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:



	Fair Value Measurements at September 27, 2014
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1		Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2		Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3		Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Cash equivalents	$	—	$	1,851	$	—	$	1,851
Life insurance policies	—		20,193		—		20,193
Total assets measured at fair value	$	—	$	22,044	$	—	$	22,044

Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—		—		24,550		24,550
Contingent consideration	—		—		2,548		2,548
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	—	$	27,098	$	27,098



	Fair Value Measurements at December 28, 2013
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1		Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2		Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3		Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Cash equivalents	$	—	$	1,851	$	—	$	1,851
Life insurance policies	—		19,534		—		19,534
Total assets measured at fair value	$	—	$	21,385	$	—	$	21,385

Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—		—		20,581		20,581
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	—	$	20,581	$	20,581

The book value of the Company's term and revolving loans, which are variable rate loans carried at amortized cost, approximates fair value based on current market pricing of similar debt. As the fair value is based on significant other observable inputs, including current interest and foreign currency exchange rates, it is deemed to be Level 2.

Concurrent with the acquisition of Vital River in 2013, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with the noncontrolling interest holders that provides it with the right to purchase the remaining 25% of the entity for cash at its then appraised value beginning in January 2016. Additionally, the noncontrolling interest holders were granted the right to require the Company to purchase the remaining 25% of the entity at its then appraised value beginning in January 2016 for cash. These rights are accelerated in certain events. As the noncontrolling interest holders can require the Company to purchase for cash the remaining 25% interest, the Company classifies the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest above the equity section and below liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet and adjusts the carrying amount to fair value each quarter end. Adjustments to fair value, which is deemed to be Level 3 as the fair value is based on unobservable inputs, are recorded through additional paid-in capital.



	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Liability)
	Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	20,581		$	—
Additions	—			8,963
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	523			476
Foreign currency translation	(113		)	233
Change in fair value, included in additional paid-in capital	3,559			4,905
Ending balance	$	24,550		$	14,577

As part of the Company's acquisitions of Early Discovery and VivoPath, it agreed to make cash payments upon the satisfaction of certain future financial measures. The carrying amount of these obligations is adjusted to fair value each quarter end. As the fair value is based on unobservable inputs, it is deemed to be Level 3.



	Contingent Consideration (Liability)
	Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	—	$	—
Additions	2,428		—
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Change in fair value	120		—
Ending balance	$	2,548	$	—

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company's contingent consideration are the probabilities of successful achievement of certain revenue targets and a discount rate. Significant increases or decreases in any of the probabilities of success would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement, respectively. Significant increases or decreases in the discount rate would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement, respectively.

The Company enters into derivative instruments to hedge foreign currency exchange risk to reduce the impact of changes to foreign currency rates on its financial statements. During both three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, the Company recognized $0.7 million of net hedge losses associated with forward currency contracts. During the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, the Company recognized $(0.5) million and $0.3 million of hedge (gains) losses associated with forward currency contracts, respectively. As of September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, there were no open forward currency contracts.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table displays the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangible assets by major class:



	September 27, 2014					December 28, 2013
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization & Impairment Loss			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization & Impairment Loss
	(in thousands)
Backlog	$	8,391	$	(5,309	)	$	2,916	$	(2,507	)
Client relationships	395,221		(243,004		)	311,507		(238,002		)
Trademarks and trade names	6,521		(5,214		)	5,399		(4,997		)
Standard operating procedures	2,748		(1,934		)	2,754		(1,498		)
Other identifiable intangible assets	13,675		(6,988		)	10,432		(4,905		)
Total other intangible assets	$	426,556	$	(262,449	)	$	333,008	$	(251,909	)

Additionally, as of both September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, other intangible assets, net, included $3.4 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets.

The changes in the gross carrying amount and accumulated impairment loss of goodwill are as follows:



				Adjustments to Goodwill
	December 28, 2013			Acquisitions		Transfers			Foreign Exchange			September 27, 2014
	(in thousands)
Research Models and Services
Gross carrying amount	$	83,551		$	—	$	(23,172	)	$	(650	)	$	59,729
Discovery and Safety Assessment
Gross carrying amount	1,152,150			67,244		(8,131		)	(8,160		)	1,203,103
Accumulated impairment loss	(1,005,000		)	—		—			—			(1,005,000		)
Manufacturing Support
Gross carrying amount	—			—		31,303			221			31,524
Total
Gross carrying amount	1,235,701			67,244		—			(8,589		)	1,294,356
Accumulated impairment loss	(1,005,000		)	—		—			—			(1,005,000		)
Goodwill, net	$	230,701										$	289,356

In the second quarter of 2014, the Company revised its reportable segments to align with the view of the business following its Early Discovery acquisition. See Note 1, "Basis of Presentation." As a result of this reorganization, goodwill was allocated from the Company's prior reporting segments to new reporting segments, as shown in the preceding table within "transfers." The allocation was based on the fair value of each business group within its original reporting segment relative to the fair value of that reporting segment. In addition, the Company completed an assessment of any potential goodwill impairment for all reporting units immediately prior to the reallocation and determined that no impairment existed.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block]

LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:



	September 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Term loans	$	388,500		$	409,500
Revolving credit facility	380,914			253,308
Other long-term debt	223			241
Total debt	769,637			663,049
Less: current portion of long-term debt	(31,723		)	(21,241		)
Long-term debt	$	737,914		$	641,808

In 2013, the Company amended and restated its credit agreement creating a $970.0 million agreement ($970M Credit Facility) that provides for a $420.0 million U.S. term loan facility and a $550.0 million multi-currency revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility may be drawn in U.S. Dollars, Euros, Pound Sterling, or Japanese Yen, subject to sub-limits by currency. Under specified circumstances, the Company has the ability to expand the term loan and/or revolving credit facility by up to $350.0 million in the aggregate.

The interest rates applicable to the $970M Credit Facility are variable and are based on an applicable rate plus a spread determined by the Company's leverage ratio. As of September 27, 2014, the interest rate spread for the adjusted LIBOR was 1.250%.

The $970M Credit Facility includes certain customary representations and warranties, events of default, notices of material adverse changes to the Company's business and negative and affirmative covenants. As of September 27, 2014, the Company was compliant with all financial covenants specified in the credit agreement.

At September 27, 2014, the Company had $5.0 million outstanding under letters of credit.

Principal maturities of existing debt for the periods set forth in the table below, are as follows:



Twelve Months Ending	September 27, 2014
	(in thousands)
September 2015	$	31,723
September 2016	42,000
September 2017	63,000
September 2018	632,914
September 2019 and beyond	—
Total	$	769,637

Capital Lease Obligations

The Company acquired a build-to-suit lease as part of its acquisition of Early Discovery. The Company is the deemed owner of the asset during the construction period for accounting purposes due to its involvement during the construction period. The Company capitalized $16.0 million related to this construction at September 27, 2014 along with a corresponding financing obligation of the same amount. See Note 13, "Commitments and Contingencies."

Capital lease obligations amounted to $17.1 million and $0.7 million at September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively.

Equity

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Equity

EQUITY

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 was computed by dividing earnings available to common shareholders for these periods by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the respective periods adjusted for contingently issuable shares, such as unvested restricted stock. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 has been adjusted to include common stock equivalents for the purpose of calculating diluted earnings per share for these periods.

Options to purchase 931,626 and 2,652,660 shares were outstanding in each of the three months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively, but were not included in computing diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, anti-dilutive options outstanding were 785,880 and 2,363,878 shares, respectively. Basic weighted average shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 excluded the weighted average impact of 1,190,400 and 1,107,313 shares, respectively, of non-vested restricted stock awards.

The following table reconciles the numerator and denominator in the computations of the basic and diluted earnings per share.



	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	(in thousands, except share amounts)
Numerator:
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	$	31,984	$	30,980		$	100,394		$	84,912
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	52		(113		)	(862		)	(1,183		)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	32,036	$	30,867		$	99,532		$	83,729

Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding—Basic	46,016,036		47,910,649			46,682,826			47,950,018
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and contingently issuable restricted stock	861,694		530,516			883,008			704,118
Weighted-average shares outstanding—Diluted	46,877,730		48,441,165			47,565,834			48,654,136

Treasury Shares

In July 2010, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a $500.0 million stock repurchase program, and subsequently approved increases to the stock repurchase program of $250.0 million in 2010 and of $250.0 million in 2013 for an aggregate authorization of $1.0 billion. As of September 27, 2014, the Company had $28.5 million remaining on the authorized stock repurchase program. The Company's 2007 Incentive Plan permits the netting of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock awards in order to satisfy individual tax withholding requirements.

Share repurchases for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 were as follows:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands, except share amounts)
Stock Repurchase Program:
Number of shares of common stock repurchased	380,300		1,398,346		2,093,200		1,945,021
Total cost of repurchase	$	20,364	$	65,515	$	110,645	$	88,553

Netted for taxes:
Number of shares of common stock repurchased	199		—		113,627		112,748
Total cost of repurchase	$	11	$	—	$	6,702	$	4,519

Total:
Number of shares of common stock repurchased	380,499		1,398,346		2,206,827		2,057,769
Total cost of repurchase	$	20,375	$	65,515	$	117,347	$	93,072

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, including other comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings, accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and amount of comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
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+ Details

Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

INCOME TAXES

The following table provides a reconciliation of the provision for income taxes on the condensed consolidated statements of income:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	43,882		42,726		137,409		115,221
Effective tax rate	26.4	%	26.7	%	26.2	%	25.5	%
Provision for income taxes	11,582		11,390		36,021		29,331

The Company's overall effective tax rate was 26.4% for the three months ended September 27, 2014 and 26.7% for the three months ended September 28, 2013. The decrease was primarily attributable to a prior year discrete tax cost of $2.0 million related to an ongoing transfer pricing controversy with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) in excess of current year tax costs, associated with tax law changes, including a statutory 25% decrease in the Canadian Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) credit and a decrease in the deductibility of interest expense in France.

The Company's overall effective tax rate was 26.2% and 25.5% for each of the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively. The increase reflects the items above as well as a discrete tax cost of $1.4 million related to the nondeductible transaction costs incurred in 2014 for the acquisition of the Early Discovery businesses and a discrete tax cost of $1.2 million related to the write-off of deferred tax assets as a result of the reorganization of the Company's RMS U.K. entities. These increases were partially offset by an ability to offset the tax on a capital gain from an investment in a limited partnership with the release of an uncertain tax position of $2.1 million in the nine months ended September 27, 2014.

During the third quarter of 2014, the Company's unrecognized tax benefits recorded decreased by $0.5 million to $34.3 million primarily due to the foreign currency translation on pre-acquisition tax positions taken by the newly acquired Early Discovery businesses, offset by a new unrecognized tax benefit related to an ongoing audit in Germany. The amount of unrecognized income tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate decreased by $0.7 million to $32.2 million. The amount of accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits is $1.3 million at the end of the third quarter of 2014. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the Company's unrecognized tax benefits (and a corresponding indemnification asset) will decrease by up to $11.6 million, including $0.5 million of interest expense, over the next twelve-month period as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations on an issue related to the forgiveness of debt and an additional decrease by up to $0.4 million over the next twelve-month period as a result of the settlement of a German audit.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11 “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” The ASU requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of the deferred tax asset for a net operating loss, or similar loss or tax credit carryforward, as opposed to a liability, unless certain circumstances exist. The ASU became effective during the Company's first fiscal quarter and the Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2013-11 retrospectively. The adoption of the ASU decreased net non-current deferred tax assets and decreased the associated long-term tax liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits by $16.1 million and $11.9 million as of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively.

The Company conducts business in a number of tax jurisdictions. As a result, it is subject to tax audits in jurisdictions including the U.S., U.K., Japan, France, Germany, and Canada. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. and international income tax examinations for years before 2010 although carryforward attributes that were generated prior to 2010 may still be adjusted upon examination by taxing authorities if they either have been, or will be, used in a future period. As of September 27, 2014, the statute of limitations has expired for a year which includes an uncertain tax position associated with an acquisition agreement termination fee. However, the Company does not expect the liability associated with this uncertain tax position to decrease until the statute expires on the year in which a carryforward attribute is utilized.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are currently under audit by various tax authorities in Canada, Germany, and France. The Company does not believe that resolution of these controversies will have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

On June 4, 2014, the Quebec government furthered a proposed tax law change on its SR&ED credit that, if passed, would provide a one-time benefit to operating income in the year of enactment and would provide a corresponding increase to the Company's effective tax rate. If passed as proposed, this tax law change would also provide for a reduction in benefit to operating income in 2015 and an additional corresponding increase to the Company's effective tax rate in 2015 and beyond.

In accordance with the Company's policy, the remaining undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries remain indefinitely reinvested as of the end of the third quarter of 2014 as they are required to fund needs outside the U.S. and cannot be repatriated in a manner that is substantially tax free.

The income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income are as follows:



	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to foreign currency translation adjustment	$	—	$	(615	)	$	(105	)	$	42
Income tax expense related to change in unrecognized pension gains, losses and prior service costs	125		289			378			832
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income	$	125	$	(326	)	$	273		$	874

Employee Benefits

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Employee Benefits

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

The following table provides the components of net periodic cost (benefit) for the Company's defined benefit plans for the three-month period ended:



	Pension Benefits						Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Service cost	$	880		$	822		$	190	$	160
Interest cost	3,211			2,762			252		177
Expected return on plan assets	(4,540		)	(3,593		)	—		—
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(166		)	(147		)	159		165
Amortization of net loss	238			671			60		63
Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	(377	)	$	515		$	661	$	565

The following table provides the components of net periodic cost (benefit) for the Company's defined benefit plans for the nine-month period ended:



	Pension Benefits						Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Service cost	$	2,565		$	2,492		569		$	482
Interest cost	9,633			8,334			757		531
Expected return on plan assets	(13,095		)	(10,842		)	—		—
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(484		)	(444		)	489		495
Amortization of net loss	684			2,043			185		189
Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	(697	)	$	1,583		$	2,000	$	1,697

During 2014, the Company expects to contribute $6.5 million to its pension plans.

Stock Plans and Stock-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock Plans and Stock Based Compensation

STOCK PLANS AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company has stock-based compensation plans under which employees and non-employee directors may be granted stock-based awards such as stock options, restricted stock and performance share units.

The following table provides the financial statement line items in which stock-based compensation is reflected:



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Stock-based compensation expense included in:
Cost of revenue	$	1,337		$	1,332		$	4,008		$	4,051
Selling, general and administration	6,914			4,715			19,124			14,180
Stock-based compensation, before income taxes	8,251			6,047			23,132			18,231
Provision for income taxes	(2,943		)	(2,103		)	(8,271		)	(6,422		)
Stock-based compensation, net of tax	$	5,308		$	3,944		$	14,861		$	11,809

Performance Based Stock Award Program

In the first quarters of 2014 and 2013, the Company issued performance share units (PSUs) to certain employees. The number of shares of common stock issued for each PSU is adjusted based on a performance condition linked to the Company's financial performance. Certain awards are further adjusted based on a market condition, which is calculated based on the Company's stock price performance relative to a peer group over the three-year vesting period. The fair value of the market condition is reflected in the fair value of the award at grant date. Each reporting period, the Company records a ratable amount of stock-based compensation for the estimated number of common shares expected to be issued upon the vesting of the PSUs based on the Company's estimated outcome for the performance condition.

During the three months ended March 29, 2014, the Company issued 214,823 PSUs using a fair value per share of $67.82. The maximum amount of common shares to be issued upon vesting of these PSUs is 429,646. During the first quarter of 2013, the Company issued 163,847 PSUs using a fair value per share of $44.47. The maximum amount of common shares to be issued upon vesting of these PSUs is 327,694. During the three months ended June 28, 2014, the Company issued 5,800 PSUs using a fair value per share of $61.25. These 5,800 PSUs are not adjusted based on a market condition and have a maximum amount of common shares to be issued upon vesting of 5,800. For the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, the Company recognized $2.6 million and $6.3 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation related to PSUs granted in 2014 and 2013

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Sep. 27, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Various lawsuits, claims and proceedings of a nature considered normal to the Company's business are pending against it. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such proceedings and litigation currently pending will not materially affect the Company's consolidated financial statements. In early May 2013, the Company commenced an investigation into inaccurate billing with respect to certain government contracts. The Company promptly reported these matters to the relevant government contracting officers, the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Inspector General, and the Department of Justice, and the Company is cooperating with these agencies to ensure the proper repayment and resolution of this matter. The Company identified approximately $1.5 million in excess amounts billed on these contracts since January 1, 2007 and reserved such amount. Because of the early stage of discussions with the government and complex nature of this matter, the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that additional losses may be incurred. However, the Company cannot at this time estimate the potential range of loss beyond the current reserve of $1.5 million. In July 2012, a Mauritius supplier of large animal models submitted an Application for Arbitration with The Permanent Secretariat, The Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Port Louis, Mauritius. The supplier asserted that the Company failed to pay certain invoices and the supplier was therefore permitted to terminate the supply agreement. The Company filed a counterclaim asserting that the supplier had failed to meet its contractual obligations under the supply agreement. The arbitration hearing relating to this contract dispute took place in Mauritius in August 2013 and final arguments were presented in March 2014. In May 2014 and August 2014, the arbitrator issued the final rulings, ordering the Company to pay the supplier (1) the sum of $1.2 million and (2) all of the supplier's arbitration costs, in each case with interest. In September 2014, the Company paid the supplier $1.6 million in accordance with the arbitration ruling. As a result of the Company's April 1, 2014 Early Discovery acquisition, the Company became the obligor for an aggregate of approximately $82.4 million in minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating and capital leases payable over a period of up to 20 years.

Business Segment Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business Segment Information

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

During the quarter ended June 28, 2014, the Company revised its reportable segments to align with its view of the business following its Early Discovery acquisition. See Note 1, "Basis of Presentation." The Company reports segment results on this basis beginning in the quarter ended June 28, 2014 and retrospectively for all comparable prior periods.

The following table presents revenue and other financial information by reportable segment.



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Research Models and Services
Revenue	$	124,021	$	124,236	$	389,636	$	388,868
Gross margin	45,295		39,127		149,392		143,603
Operating income	28,056		23,803		97,734		97,576
Depreciation and amortization	7,277		13,548		20,277		27,642
Capital expenditures	4,110		4,208		11,528		10,417
Discovery and Safety Assessment
Revenue	$	140,862	$	112,627	$	388,614	$	321,908
Gross margin	39,968		33,061		105,084		81,112
Operating income	19,329		18,968		48,840		38,672
Depreciation and amortization	13,340		9,486		33,867		28,269
Capital expenditures	3,436		2,459		11,330		7,315
Manufacturing Support
Revenue	62,684		55,266		189,864		165,524
Gross margin	33,005		27,738		98,239		81,992
Operating income	19,220		16,125		58,091		46,576
Depreciation and amortization	3,513		3,881		10,625		11,424
Capital expenditures	1,463		2,429		5,444		7,587

A reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated operating income is as follows:



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Total segment operating income	$	66,605		$	58,896		$	204,665		$	182,824
Unallocated corporate overhead	(20,433		)	(18,053		)	(67,762		)	(56,030		)
Consolidated operating income	$	46,172		$	40,843		$	136,903		$	126,794

Revenue for each significant product or service area is as follows:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Research models	$	81,705	$	81,366	$	256,501	$	257,582
Research model services	42,316		42,870		133,135		131,286
Total research models and services	124,021		124,236		389,636		388,868
Total discovery and safety assessment	140,862		112,627		388,614		321,908
Endotoxin and Microbial Detection	31,834		28,331		97,879		83,214
Other manufacturing support	30,850		26,935		91,985		82,310
Total manufacturing support	$	62,684	$	55,266	$	189,864	$	165,524
Total revenue	$	327,567	$	292,129	$	968,114	$	876,300

A summary of unallocated corporate overhead consists of the following:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Stock-based compensation expense	$	4,918	$	3,260	$	13,525	$	9,927
Salary, bonus and fringe	5,892		5,636		23,597		18,776
Consulting, audit and professional services	3,053		2,250		8,721		6,578
IT related expenses	1,767		3,002		4,667		8,448
Depreciation expense	1,954		1,570		5,666		4,712
Costs associated with evaluation and integration of acquisitions	580		306		5,256		986
Other general unallocated corporate expenses	2,269		2,029		6,330		6,603
Total unallocated corporate overhead costs	$	20,433	$	18,053	$	67,762	$	56,030

Other general unallocated corporate expenses consist of various departmental costs including those associated with senior executives, corporate accounting, legal, tax, human resources and treasury.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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+ Details

Discontinued Operations

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On March 28, 2011, the Company disposed of its Phase I clinical business though the Company remained the guarantor of a facility lease that runs through January 2021 with remaining lease payments of $10.3 million at September 27, 2014. The lease liability for the Company's obligation under the lease is presented net of estimated sublease income and reflected on the consolidated balance sheet as a liability of discontinued operations.

The consolidated financial statements classify, as discontinued operations, the assets and liabilities, operating results and cash flows, of businesses that are discontinued for all periods presented. Operating results from discontinued operations are as follows:



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Loss from operations of discontinued businesses, before income taxes	$	(38	)	$	(172	)	$	(1,614	)	$	(1,894	)
Benefit for income taxes	90			59			752			711
Income (loss) from operations of discontinued businesses, net of taxes	$	52		$	(113	)	$	(862	)	$	(1,183	)

Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations at September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 consisted of the following:



	September 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Current assets	$	835	$	750
Long-term assets	3,106		3,151
Total assets	$	3,941	$	3,901

Current liabilities	$	2,059	$	1,931
Long-term liabilities	7,876		8,080
Total liabilities	$	9,935	$	10,011

Current and long-term assets include deferred tax assets. Current and long-term liabilities consist primarily of estimated lease payments, less sublease income, for the Phase I facility.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the facts and circumstances leading to the completed or expected disposal, manner and timing of disposal, the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the segment in which the disposal group was reported, and the classification (whether sold or classified as held for sale) and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group. Includes all disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1436-107760

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1474-107760

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1510-107760

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e957-107759

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e1020-107759

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e1012-107759

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=8077374&loc=d3e2443-110228

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391110&loc=d3e2941-110230

+ Details

Subsequent Events (Notes)	9 Months Ended
Subsequent Events (Notes)	Sep. 27, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On October 29, 2014, we acquired ChanTest Corporation (ChanTest), a leading provider of ion channel testing services to the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. We expect that the acquisition will augment our early discovery capabilities, enhancing our ability to support our clients’ target discovery and lead optimization efforts. The preliminary purchase price of the acquisition is $52.0 million in cash and up to an additional $2.0 million in contingent consideration. The purchase price is subject to an adjustment based on the final determined net working capital as of the closing date.

Business Acquisitions (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]

The preliminary purchase price allocation of $183.1 million, net of $8.2 million of cash acquired, is as follows:



	April 1, 2014
	(in thousands)
Current assets (excluding cash)	$	31,257
Property, plant and equipment	21,008
Other long term assets	11,549
Definite-lived intangible assets	104,270
Goodwill	66,330
Current liabilities	(14,299		)
Long term liabilities	(36,973		)
Total purchase price allocation	$	183,142

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]

The breakout of definite-lived intangible assets acquired is as follows:



	April 1, 2014		Weighted average amortization life
	(in thousands)
Client relationships	$	94,000	18 years
Backlog	5,700		1 year
Trademark and trade names	1,170		3 years
Leasehold interests	1,000		13 years
Other intangible assets	2,400		19 years
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	104,270

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]

These pro forma are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the results of operations had the companies operated as one entity during the periods reported. No effect has been given for synergies, if any, that may have been realized through the acquisition.



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	327,567	$	313,460	$	993,223	$	935,693
Net income	32,036		29,098		101,029		76,705
Earnings per common share
Basic	$	0.70	$	0.61	$	2.16	$	1.60
Diluted	$	0.68	$	0.60	$	2.12	$	1.58

Restructuring and Asset Impairments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Schedule of Severance and Retention Costs

The following table rolls forward the Company's severance and retention cost liability:



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	3,823		$	2,917		$	2,782		$	3,636
Expense	574			476			5,363			1,058
Payments/Utilization	(1,117		)	(783		)	(4,865		)	(2,084		)
Balance, end of period	$	3,280		$	2,610		$	3,280		$	2,610

The following table presents severance and retention costs by classification on the income statement:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Severance charges included in cost of revenue	$	367	$	476	$	3,121	$	989
Severance charges included in selling, general and administrative expense	207		—		2,242		69
Total expense	$	574	$	476	$	5,363	$	1,058

The following table presents severance and retention cost by segment:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Research models and services	$	379	$	32	$	3,974	$	301
Discovery and safety assessment	69		398		1,118		711
Manufacturing support	126		46		150		46
Corporate	—		—		121		—
Total expense	$	574	$	476	$	5,363	$	1,058

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]

Composition of Net Trade Receivables

The composition of trade receivables, net is as follows:



	September 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Client receivables	$	229,366		$	190,423
Unbilled revenue	50,670			35,184
Total	280,036			225,607
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(5,012		)	(4,977		)
Trade receivables, net	$	275,024		$	220,630

Composition of Inventories

The composition of inventories is as follows:



	September 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Raw materials and supplies	$	15,583	$	15,028
Work in process	12,053		11,715
Finished products	65,059		62,653
Inventories	$	92,695	$	89,396

Composition of Other Current Assets

The composition of other current assets is as follows:



	September 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Prepaid assets	$	31,466	$	20,058
Deferred tax asset	31,636		29,139
Time deposits	14,577		11,158
Prepaid income tax	25,747		25,247
Restricted cash	3,292		245
Other current assets	$	106,718	$	85,847

Composition of Net Property, Plant and Equipment

The composition of property, plant and equipment, net is as follows:



	September 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Land	$	39,452		$	40,157
Buildings	701,160			694,074
Machinery and equipment	385,222			367,244
Leasehold improvements	40,150			37,959
Furniture and fixtures	23,796			24,013
Vehicles	3,836			3,859
Computer hardware and software	117,889			112,328
Construction in progress ⁽¹⁾	31,862			42,075
Total	1,343,367			1,321,709
Less accumulated depreciation	(672,123		)	(645,527		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	671,244		$	676,182

⁽¹⁾ Includes the leased facility under construction. See Note 8, "Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations."

Composition of Other Assets

The composition of other assets is as follows:



	September 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Deferred financing costs	$	5,828	$	7,126
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	27,267		26,507
Investments in limited partnerships	23,432		17,911
Other assets	27,346		10,420
Other assets	$	83,873	$	61,964

Composition of Current Liabilities

The composition of other current liabilities is as follows:



	September 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Accrued income taxes	$	13,667	$	18,773
Current deferred tax liability	1,652		1,960
Accrued interest and other	189		1,813
Other current liabilities	$	15,508	$	22,546

Composition of Other Long-Term Liabilities

The composition of other long-term liabilities is as follows:



	September 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Deferred tax liability	$	30,764	$	14,988
Long-term pension liability	14,822		16,219
Accrued Executive Supplemental Life Insurance Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan	30,559		28,708
Other long-term liabilities	22,074		10,717
Other long-term liabilities	$	98,219	$	70,632

Fair Value (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:



	Fair Value Measurements at September 27, 2014
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1		Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2		Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3		Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Cash equivalents	$	—	$	1,851	$	—	$	1,851
Life insurance policies	—		20,193		—		20,193
Total assets measured at fair value	$	—	$	22,044	$	—	$	22,044

Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—		—		24,550		24,550
Contingent consideration	—		—		2,548		2,548
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	—	$	27,098	$	27,098



	Fair Value Measurements at December 28, 2013
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1		Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2		Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3		Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Cash equivalents	$	—	$	1,851	$	—	$	1,851
Life insurance policies	—		19,534		—		19,534
Total assets measured at fair value	$	—	$	21,385	$	—	$	21,385

Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—		—		20,581		20,581
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	—	$	20,581	$	20,581

Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

Adjustments to fair value, which is deemed to be Level 3 as the fair value is based on unobservable inputs, are recorded through additional paid-in capital.



	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Liability)
	Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	20,581		$	—
Additions	—			8,963
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	523			476
Foreign currency translation	(113		)	233
Change in fair value, included in additional paid-in capital	3,559			4,905
Ending balance	$	24,550		$	14,577



	Contingent Consideration (Liability)
	Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	—	$	—
Additions	2,428		—
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Change in fair value	120		—
Ending balance	$	2,548	$	—

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets not Subject to Amortization and Other Intangible Assets that Continue to be Subject to Amortization

The following table displays the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangible assets by major class:



	September 27, 2014					December 28, 2013
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization & Impairment Loss			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization & Impairment Loss
	(in thousands)
Backlog	$	8,391	$	(5,309	)	$	2,916	$	(2,507	)
Client relationships	395,221		(243,004		)	311,507		(238,002		)
Trademarks and trade names	6,521		(5,214		)	5,399		(4,997		)
Standard operating procedures	2,748		(1,934		)	2,754		(1,498		)
Other identifiable intangible assets	13,675		(6,988		)	10,432		(4,905		)
Total other intangible assets	$	426,556	$	(262,449	)	$	333,008	$	(251,909	)

Schedule of Changes in the Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Goodwill

The changes in the gross carrying amount and accumulated impairment loss of goodwill are as follows:



				Adjustments to Goodwill
	December 28, 2013			Acquisitions		Transfers			Foreign Exchange			September 27, 2014
	(in thousands)
Research Models and Services
Gross carrying amount	$	83,551		$	—	$	(23,172	)	$	(650	)	$	59,729
Discovery and Safety Assessment
Gross carrying amount	1,152,150			67,244		(8,131		)	(8,160		)	1,203,103
Accumulated impairment loss	(1,005,000		)	—		—			—			(1,005,000		)
Manufacturing Support
Gross carrying amount	—			—		31,303			221			31,524
Total
Gross carrying amount	1,235,701			67,244		—			(8,589		)	1,294,356
Accumulated impairment loss	(1,005,000		)	—		—			—			(1,005,000		)
Goodwill, net	$	230,701										$	289,356

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:



	September 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Term loans	$	388,500		$	409,500
Revolving credit facility	380,914			253,308
Other long-term debt	223			241
Total debt	769,637			663,049
Less: current portion of long-term debt	(31,723		)	(21,241		)
Long-term debt	$	737,914		$	641,808

Schedule of Principal Maturities of Existing Debt Excluding Unamortized Debt Discount

Principal maturities of existing debt for the periods set forth in the table below, are as follows:



Twelve Months Ending	September 27, 2014
	(in thousands)
September 2015	$	31,723
September 2016	42,000
September 2017	63,000
September 2018	632,914
September 2019 and beyond	—
Total	$	769,637

Equity (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Reconciliation of the Numerator and Denominator in the Computations of the Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

The following table reconciles the numerator and denominator in the computations of the basic and diluted earnings per share.



	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	(in thousands, except share amounts)
Numerator:
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	$	31,984	$	30,980		$	100,394		$	84,912
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	52		(113		)	(862		)	(1,183		)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	32,036	$	30,867		$	99,532		$	83,729

Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding—Basic	46,016,036		47,910,649			46,682,826			47,950,018
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and contingently issuable restricted stock	861,694		530,516			883,008			704,118
Weighted-average shares outstanding—Diluted	46,877,730		48,441,165			47,565,834			48,654,136

Schedule of Number of Shares Repurchased and the Total Cost of Repurchase

Share repurchases for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 were as follows:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands, except share amounts)
Stock Repurchase Program:
Number of shares of common stock repurchased	380,300		1,398,346		2,093,200		1,945,021
Total cost of repurchase	$	20,364	$	65,515	$	110,645	$	88,553

Netted for taxes:
Number of shares of common stock repurchased	199		—		113,627		112,748
Total cost of repurchase	$	11	$	—	$	6,702	$	4,519

Total:
Number of shares of common stock repurchased	380,499		1,398,346		2,206,827		2,057,769
Total cost of repurchase	$	20,375	$	65,515	$	117,347	$	93,072

Income Taxes (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Provision for Income Taxes on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

The following table provides a reconciliation of the provision for income taxes on the condensed consolidated statements of income:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	43,882		42,726		137,409		115,221
Effective tax rate	26.4	%	26.7	%	26.2	%	25.5	%
Provision for income taxes	11,582		11,390		36,021		29,331

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

The income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income are as follows:



	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to foreign currency translation adjustment	$	—	$	(615	)	$	(105	)	$	42
Income tax expense related to change in unrecognized pension gains, losses and prior service costs	125		289			378			832
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income	$	125	$	(326	)	$	273		$	874

Employee Benefits (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Defined Benefit Plans

The following table provides the components of net periodic cost (benefit) for the Company's defined benefit plans for the three-month period ended:



	Pension Benefits						Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Service cost	$	880		$	822		$	190	$	160
Interest cost	3,211			2,762			252		177
Expected return on plan assets	(4,540		)	(3,593		)	—		—
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(166		)	(147		)	159		165
Amortization of net loss	238			671			60		63
Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	(377	)	$	515		$	661	$	565

The following table provides the components of net periodic cost (benefit) for the Company's defined benefit plans for the nine-month period ended:



	Pension Benefits						Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Service cost	$	2,565		$	2,492		569		$	482
Interest cost	9,633			8,334			757		531
Expected return on plan assets	(13,095		)	(10,842		)	—		—
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(484		)	(444		)	489		495
Amortization of net loss	684			2,043			185		189
Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	(697	)	$	1,583		$	2,000	$	1,697

Stock Plans and Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense

The following table provides the financial statement line items in which stock-based compensation is reflected:



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Stock-based compensation expense included in:
Cost of revenue	$	1,337		$	1,332		$	4,008		$	4,051
Selling, general and administration	6,914			4,715			19,124			14,180
Stock-based compensation, before income taxes	8,251			6,047			23,132			18,231
Provision for income taxes	(2,943		)	(2,103		)	(8,271		)	(6,422		)
Stock-based compensation, net of tax	$	5,308		$	3,944		$	14,861		$	11,809

Business Segment Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Sales and Other Financial Information by Business Segment

The following table presents revenue and other financial information by reportable segment.



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Research Models and Services
Revenue	$	124,021	$	124,236	$	389,636	$	388,868
Gross margin	45,295		39,127		149,392		143,603
Operating income	28,056		23,803		97,734		97,576
Depreciation and amortization	7,277		13,548		20,277		27,642
Capital expenditures	4,110		4,208		11,528		10,417
Discovery and Safety Assessment
Revenue	$	140,862	$	112,627	$	388,614	$	321,908
Gross margin	39,968		33,061		105,084		81,112
Operating income	19,329		18,968		48,840		38,672
Depreciation and amortization	13,340		9,486		33,867		28,269
Capital expenditures	3,436		2,459		11,330		7,315
Manufacturing Support
Revenue	62,684		55,266		189,864		165,524
Gross margin	33,005		27,738		98,239		81,992
Operating income	19,220		16,125		58,091		46,576
Depreciation and amortization	3,513		3,881		10,625		11,424
Capital expenditures	1,463		2,429		5,444		7,587

Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income to Consolidated Operating Income

A reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated operating income is as follows:



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Total segment operating income	$	66,605		$	58,896		$	204,665		$	182,824
Unallocated corporate overhead	(20,433		)	(18,053		)	(67,762		)	(56,030		)
Consolidated operating income	$	46,172		$	40,843		$	136,903		$	126,794

Schedule of Net Sales for Each Significant Service Area

Revenue for each significant product or service area is as follows:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Research models	$	81,705	$	81,366	$	256,501	$	257,582
Research model services	42,316		42,870		133,135		131,286
Total research models and services	124,021		124,236		389,636		388,868
Total discovery and safety assessment	140,862		112,627		388,614		321,908
Endotoxin and Microbial Detection	31,834		28,331		97,879		83,214
Other manufacturing support	30,850		26,935		91,985		82,310
Total manufacturing support	$	62,684	$	55,266	$	189,864	$	165,524
Total revenue	$	327,567	$	292,129	$	968,114	$	876,300

Summary of Unallocated Corporate Overhead

A summary of unallocated corporate overhead consists of the following:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Stock-based compensation expense	$	4,918	$	3,260	$	13,525	$	9,927
Salary, bonus and fringe	5,892		5,636		23,597		18,776
Consulting, audit and professional services	3,053		2,250		8,721		6,578
IT related expenses	1,767		3,002		4,667		8,448
Depreciation expense	1,954		1,570		5,666		4,712
Costs associated with evaluation and integration of acquisitions	580		306		5,256		986
Other general unallocated corporate expenses	2,269		2,029		6,330		6,603
Total unallocated corporate overhead costs	$	20,433	$	18,053	$	67,762	$	56,030

Business Acquisitions Business Acquisition (Details)
€ in Thousands, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

USD ($)

Sep. 27, 2014

USD ($)

Sep. 28, 2013

USD ($)

Sep. 27, 2014

EUR (€)

Sep. 27, 2014

USD ($)

Jun. 16, 2014

USD ($)

Apr. 01, 2014

USD ($)

Dec. 28, 2013

USD ($)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual

$ 23,329

$ 46,842

Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Operating Income of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual

-429

-390

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]

The breakout of definite-lived intangible assets acquired is as follows:



	April 1, 2014		Weighted average amortization life
	(in thousands)
Client relationships	$	94,000	18 years
Backlog	5,700		1 year
Trademark and trade names	1,170		3 years
Leasehold interests	1,000		13 years
Other intangible assets	2,400		19 years
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	104,270

Goodwill

$ 289,356

$ 230,701

Transaction Costs

$ 492

$ 5,371

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

$ 183,151

$ 24,218

Early Discovery UK [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets

$ 31,257

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment

21,008

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets

11,549

Goodwill

66,330

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities

(14,299)

Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price

191,349

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

$ 1,000

Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired

100.00%

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

€ 5,000

$ 6,000

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred

183,137

Cash Acquired from Acquisition

8,212

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities

$ (36,973)

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles

$ 104,270

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

183,142

VivoPath [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price

$ 2,267

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

$ 1,567

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

$ 2,400

Customer Relationships [Member] | Early Discovery UK [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

18 years

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]

94000

Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Early Discovery UK [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

19 years

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]

2400

Above Market Leases [Member] | Early Discovery UK [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

13 years

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]

1000

Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] | Early Discovery UK [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

3 years

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]

1170

Order or Production Backlog [Member] | Early Discovery UK [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

1 year

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]

5700

Restructuring and Asset Impairments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2014
Severance and Retention Costs
Balance, beginning of period				$ 2,782	$ 3,636
Expense	$ 574	$ 476		5,363	1,058
Payments for Restructuring	(1,117)	(783)		(4,865)	(2,084)
Balance, end of period	3,280	2,610		3,280	2,610
Severance and retention costs, current						$ 2,354
Severance and retention costs, noncurrent						$ 926
Severance and retention costs	574	476		5,363	1,058
Research Models and Services [Member]
Severance and Retention Costs
Severance and retention costs	379	32		3,974	301
Preclinical Services [Member]
Severance and Retention Costs
Severance and retention costs	69	398		1,118	711
Manufacturing Support [Member]
Severance and Retention Costs
Severance and retention costs	126	46		150	46
Corporate [Member]
Severance and Retention Costs
Severance and retention costs	0	0		121	0
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Severance and Retention Costs
Severance and retention costs	207	0		2,242	69
Cost of Sales [Member]
Severance and Retention Costs
Severance and retention costs	367	$ 476		3,121	$ 989
RMS Japan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accelerated depreciation estimate	1,287			1,727
Portage, MI [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	307			1,291
Accelerated depreciation estimate	293			$ 876
RMS Europe [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	312
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	$ 1,107
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accelerated depreciation estimate			$ 210
Scenario, Forecast [Member] \| RMS Japan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accelerated depreciation estimate			$ 1,225

Business Acquisitions Proforma (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	$ 23,329		$ 46,842
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustments [Table Text Block]	3651000
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Operating Income of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	-429		-390
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue	$ 327,567	$ 313,460	$ 993,223	$ 935,693
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)	$ 32,036	$ 29,098	$ 101,029	$ 76,705
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 700.00	$ 610.00	$ 2,160.00	$ 1,600.00
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 680.00	$ 600.00	$ 2,120.00	$ 1,580.00

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Composition of trade receivables
Client receivables	$ 229,366	$ 190,423
Unbilled revenue	50,670	35,184
Total	280,036	225,607
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(5,012)	(4,977)
Net trade receivables	275,024	220,630
Composition of inventories
Raw materials and supplies	15,583	15,028
Work in process	12,053	11,715
Finished products	65,059	62,653
Inventories	92,695	89,396
Composition of other current assets
Prepaid assets	31,466	20,058
Deferred tax asset	31,636	29,139
Time Deposits, at Carrying Value	(14,577)	(11,158)
Prepaid income tax	25,747	25,247
Restricted cash	3,292	245
Other current assets	106,718	85,847
Composition of other assets
Deferred financing costs	5,828	7,126
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	27,267	26,507
Equity Method Investments	23,432	17,911
Other assets	27,346	10,420
Other assets	83,873	61,964
Composition of other current liabilities
Accrued income taxes	13,667	18,773
Current deferred tax liability	1,652	1,960
Accrued intereset and other	189	1,813
Other current liabilities	15,508	22,546
Composition of other long-term liabilities
Deferred tax liability	30,764	14,988
Long-term pension liability	14,822	16,219
Accrued Executive Supplemental Life Insurance Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan	30,559	28,708
Other long-term liabilities	22,074	10,717
Other long-term liabilities	$ 98,219	$ 70,632

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Long-lived Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
Net property, plant and equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	$ 1,343,367		$ 1,343,367		$ 1,321,709
Less accumulated depreciation	(672,123)		(672,123)		(645,527)
Net property, plant and equipment	671,244		671,244		676,182
Depreciation expense	18,422	$ 22,736	51,622	$ 54,444
Land [Member]
Net property, plant and equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	39,452		39,452		40,157
Buildings [Member]
Net property, plant and equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	701,160		701,160		694,074
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Net property, plant and equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	385,222		385,222		367,244
Leashold Improvements [Member]
Net property, plant and equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	40,150		40,150		37,959
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Net property, plant and equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	23,796		23,796		24,013
Vehicles [Member]
Net property, plant and equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	3,836		3,836		3,859
Computer Hardware and Software [Member]
Net property, plant and equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	117,889		117,889		112,328
Construction in Progress [Member]
Net property, plant and equipment
Gross property, plant and equipment	$ 31,862		$ 31,862		$ 42,075

Investments in LPs (Investments in Limited Partnerships) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Limited partnership, committed contribution	$ 55,000		$ 55,000
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	17,957		17,957
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions	0		7,438
Income (loss) from investments in limited partnerships	(803)	$ 3,527	7,377	$ 4,832
Equity method affiliates, carrying value	$ 23,432		$ 23,432		$ 17,911
Ownership percentage low range [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Limited partnership, ownership (as a percentage)	3.80%		3.80%
Ownership percentage high range [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Limited partnership, ownership (as a percentage)	12.10%		12.10%

Fair Value (Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Jan. 04, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners						25.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	17.50%
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 1,851		$ 1,851		$ 1,851
Fair value of life policies	20,193		20,193		19,534
Total assets measured at fair value	22,044		22,044		21,385
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Fair Value	24,550		24,550		20,581
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	2,548		2,548
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$ 27,098		27,098		20,581
Fair Value Inputs, Long-term Pre-tax Operating Margin, Percent	32.00%
Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Hedge gains recorded		$ (472)	669	$ 289
Outstanding forward contract, fair value	$ 0		0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Fair value of life policies	0		0		0
Total assets measured at fair value	0		0		0
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Fair Value	0		0		0
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	0		0		0
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,851		1,851		1,851
Fair value of life policies	20,193		20,193		19,534
Total assets measured at fair value	22,044		22,044		21,385
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Fair Value	0		0		0
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	0		0		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Fair value of life policies	0		0		0
Total assets measured at fair value	0		0		0
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Fair Value	24,550		24,550
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	2,548		2,548
Total liabilities measured at fair value	27,098		27,098		20,581
Non-controlling Interest
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings			523	476
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	$ 24,550	$ 14,577	24,550	14,577			$ 0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases			0	8,963
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			(113)	233
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3			$ 3,559	$ 4,905
Non-controlling Interest \| Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Fair Value					$ 20,581

Fair Value Level 3 Reconciliation Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Fair Value	$ 24,550		$ 20,581
Contingent Consideration [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	2,548	$ 0	0	$ 0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	120	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases	2,428	0
Non-controlling Interest
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	24,550	14,577		$ 0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	523	476
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(113)	233
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3	3,559	4,905
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases	0	$ 8,963
Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Fair Value	$ 24,550
Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member] \| Non-controlling Interest
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Fair Value			$ 20,581

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, Gross Carrying Amount	$ 1,294,356	$ 1,235,701
Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Amount	426,556	333,008
Other intangible assets subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization & Impairment Loss	(262,449)	(251,909)
Backlog [Member]
Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Amount	8,391	2,916
Other intangible assets subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization & Impairment Loss	(5,309)	(2,507)
Client Relationships [Member]
Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Amount	395,221	311,507
Other intangible assets subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization & Impairment Loss	(243,004)	(238,002)
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Amount	6,521	5,399
Other intangible assets subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization & Impairment Loss	(5,214)	(4,997)
Standard Operating Procedures [Member]
Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Amount	2,748	2,754
Other intangible assets subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization & Impairment Loss	(1,934)	(1,498)
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Amount	13,675	10,432
Other intangible assets subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization & Impairment Loss	(6,988)	(4,905)
Research Models [Member]
Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets not subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Amount	$ 3,438	$ 3,438

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Changes in gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of goodwill
Gross carrying amount, balance at the beginning of the period	$ 1,235,701
Gross carrying amount, acquired during the period	67,244
Goodwill, Transfers	0
Gross carrying amount, foreign exchange/impairment	8,589
Accumulated impairment loss, balance at the beginning of the period	1,005,000
Goodwill	289,356	$ 230,701
Research Models and Services [Member]
Changes in gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of goodwill
Gross carrying amount, balance at the beginning of the period	83,551
Gross carrying amount, acquired during the period	0
Goodwill, Transfers	(23,172)
Gross carrying amount, foreign exchange/impairment	650
Preclinical Services [Member]
Changes in gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of goodwill
Gross carrying amount, balance at the beginning of the period	1,152,150
Gross carrying amount, acquired during the period	67,244
Goodwill, Transfers	(8,131)
Gross carrying amount, foreign exchange/impairment	8,160
Accumulated impairment loss, balance at the beginning of the period	1,005,000
Manufacturing Support [Member]
Changes in gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of goodwill
Gross carrying amount, balance at the beginning of the period	0
Gross carrying amount, acquired during the period	0
Goodwill, Transfers	31,303
Gross carrying amount, foreign exchange/impairment	$ (221)

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Debt Instrument
Maximum borrowing capacity, Term Loan and Line of Credit	$ 970,000
Maximum borrowing capacity, Line of Credit	550,000
Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Capacity Available Increase	350,000
Secured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent	420,000
Principal	769,637
Total debt	769,637	$ 663,049
Less: current portion of long-term debt	(31,723)	(21,241)
Long-term debt	$ 737,914	641,808
Convertible Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
Term loan facilities
Debt Instrument
Total debt	$ 388,500	409,500
Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument
Total debt	380,914	253,308
Other long-term debt
Debt Instrument
Total debt	$ 223	$ 241

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Additional Disclosures) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent	$ 420,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity, Line of Credit	550,000,000
Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Capacity Available Increase	350,000,000
Outstanding under letters of credit	5,009,000
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	737,914,000	$ 641,808,000
Capital lease obligations	17,080,000	$ 740,000
Principal maturities of existing debt excluding unamortized debt discount
March 2015	31,723,000
March 2016	42,000,000
March 2017	63,000,000
March 2018	632,914,000
March 2019	0
Total	769,637,000
Early Discovery UK [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Construction in Progress, Gross	$ 16,049,000

Equity (Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2010	Sep. 27, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 25, 2010
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 500,000					$ 1,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Increase (Decrease)								$ 250,000	$ 250,000
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations for purposes of calculating earnings per share		$ 31,984		$ 30,980		100,394	$ 84,912
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		52		(113)		(862)	(1,183)
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic		$ 32,036		$ 30,867		$ 99,532	$ 83,729
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding-Basic (in shares)		46,016,036		47,910,649		46,682,826	47,950,018
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and contingently issued restricted stock (in shares)		861,694		530,516		883,008	704,118
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted		46,877,730		48,441,165		47,565,834	48,654,136
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)		$ 0.70		$ 0.65		$ 2.15	$ 1.77
Basic earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)		0.00		0.00		(0.02)	(0.02)
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)		0.68		0.64		2.11	1.75
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)		$ 0.00		$ 0.00		$ (0.02)	$ (0.02)
Convertible Debt [Member]
Effect of dilutive securities:
Interest rate on debt (as a percent)								2.25%
Stock options [Member]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount (in shares)		931,626		2,652,660		785,880	2,363,878
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount (in shares)			1,190,400		1,107,313

Equity (Treasury Stock) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Equity (Treasury Stock) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2010	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 25, 2010
Treasury Shares
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 500,000			$ 1,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Increase (Decrease)						$ 250,000	$ 250,000
Number of shares of common stock repurchased (in shares)		380,499	1,398,346	2,206,827	2,057,769
Total cost of repurchase of treasury shares		$ 20,375	$ 65,515	$ 117,347	$ 93,072
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount				$ 28,500
2007 Incentive Plan
Treasury Shares
Number of shares of common stock repurchased (in shares)		199	0	113,627	112,748
Total cost of repurchase of treasury shares		$ 11	$ 0	$ 6,702	$ 4,519
Open market repurchases [Member]
Treasury Shares
Number of shares of common stock repurchased (in shares)		380,300	1,398,346	2,093,200	1,945,021
Total cost of repurchase of treasury shares		$ 20,364	$ 65,515	$ 110,645	$ 88,553

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic	$ 43,882	$ 42,726	$ 137,409	$ 115,221
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
Income from continuing operations, before income taxes	$ 43,882	$ 42,726	$ 137,409	$ 115,221
Effective tax rate (as a percentage)	26.40%	26.70%	26.20%	25.50%
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 11,582	$ 11,390	$ 36,021	$ 29,331
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Other, Amount			$ 2,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Research, Percent			25.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Amount			$ 1,406
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Income tax expense (beneffit) related to foreign currency translation adjustments	0	(615)	(105)	42
Income tax expense related to the change in unrecognized pension gains, losses and prior service costs	125	289	378	832
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income	125	$ (326)	273	$ 874
Income Tax Uncertainties [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)	462
Interest related to unrecognized income tax benefits	1,300		1,300
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits, that if recognized would impact the effective tax rate	(678)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	34,300		34,300
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate favorably, if recognized	32,200		32,200
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	11,600		11,600
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Interest Expense	500		500
unrecognized tax benefit (settlement of audit)	400		400
Effect on Unrecognized Tax Benefits of adoption of ASU 2013-11	$ 16,100		16,100		$ 11,865
UNITED STATES
Income Tax Uncertainties [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)			2,142
Deferred tax asset write-off [Domain]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Amount			$ 1,220

Employee Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Employee Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]
Employee benefits
Service cost	$ 880	$ 822	$ 2,565	$ 2,492
Interest cost	3,211	2,762	9,633	8,334
Expected return on plan assets	(4,540)	(3,593)	(13,095)	(10,842)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(166)	(147)	(484)	(444)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	238	671	684	2,043
Net periodic benefit cost	(377)	515	(697)	1,583
Expected contributions during the current fiscal year			6,477
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]
Employee benefits
Service cost	190	160	569	482
Interest cost	252	177	757	531
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	159	165	489	495
Amortization of net loss (gain)	60	63	185	189
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 661	$ 565	$ 2,000	$ 1,697

Stock Plans and Stock-Based Compensation Stock Based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 8,251	$ 6,047	$ 23,132	$ 18,231
Provision for income taxes	(2,943)	(2,103)	(8,271)	(6,422)
Net income attributable to common shareowners	5,308	3,944	14,861	11,809
Cost of Sales [Member]
Stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation expense	1,337	1,332	4,008	4,051
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation expense	6,914	4,715	19,124	14,180
Performance Based Stock Award Program [Member]
Stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 2,608	$ 563	$ 6,262	$ 1,455

Stock Plans and Stock-Based Compensation Performance Based Stock Award Program (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Restricted Stock and Performance Units, Additional Disclosure
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 8,251		$ 6,047	$ 23,132	$ 18,231
2013 PSU [Member]
Restricted Stock and Performance Units, Additional Disclosure
Max PSU Shares		327,694
Granted (in dollars per share)					$ 44.47
Granted (in shares)					164,000
2014 PSU [Member]
Restricted Stock and Performance Units, Additional Disclosure
Max PSU Shares		430,000
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 60	$ 70
Granted (in shares)	6,000	215,000
Performance Based Stock Award Program [Member]
Restricted Stock and Performance Units, Additional Disclosure
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 2,608		$ 563	$ 6,262	$ 1,455

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014
Government billing [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss	$ 1,500	$ 1,500
Supplier arbitration [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss	$ 1,200	$ 1,200
Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Terms	1600
Early Discovery UK [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Capital Leases, Remaining Period of Future Minimum Payments Due		20 years
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due			$ 82,410

Business Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Business segment information
Revenues	$ 327,567	$ 292,129	$ 968,114	$ 876,300
Operating income	46,172	40,843	136,903	126,794
Depreciation and amortization			70,435	67,336
Capital expenditures			29,907	25,319
Unallocated corporate overhead
Stock-based compensation expense	8,251	6,047	23,132	18,231
Depreciation expense	18,422	22,736	51,622	54,444
Research Models [Member]
Business segment information
Revenues	81,705	81,366	256,501	257,582
Research Model Services [Member]
Business segment information
Revenues	42,316	42,870	133,135	131,286
Research Models and Services [Member]
Business segment information
Revenues	124,021	124,236	389,636	388,868
Other Products [Member]
Business segment information
Revenues	30,850	26,935	91,985	82,310
Manufacturing Support [Member]
Business segment information
Revenues	62,684	55,266	189,864	165,524
Total Segments [Member]
Business segment information
Operating income	66,605	58,896	204,665	182,824
Research Models and Services [Member]
Business segment information
Gross margin	45,295	39,127	149,392	143,603
Operating income	28,056	23,803	97,734	97,576
Depreciation and amortization	7,277	13,548	20,277	27,642
Capital expenditures	4,110	4,208	11,528	10,417
Revenue	124,021	124,236	389,636	388,868
Preclinical Services [Member]
Business segment information
Revenues	140,862	112,627	388,614	321,908
Gross margin	39,968	33,061	105,084	81,112
Operating income	19,329	18,968	48,840	38,672
Depreciation and amortization	13,340	9,486	33,867	28,269
Capital expenditures	3,436	2,459	11,330	7,315
Revenue	140,862	112,627	388,614	321,908
Manufacturing Support [Member]
Business segment information
Revenues	62,684	55,266	189,864	165,524
Gross margin	33,005	27,738	98,239	81,992
Operating income	19,220	16,125	58,091	46,576
Depreciation and amortization	3,513	3,881	10,625	11,424
Capital expenditures	1,463	2,429	5,444	7,587
Unallocated Corporate Overhead [Member]
Business segment information
Operating income	(20,433)	(18,053)	(67,762)	(56,030)
Unallocated corporate overhead
Stock-based compensation expense	4,918	3,260	13,525	9,927
Audit, tax and related expenses	3,053	2,250	8,721	6,578
Salary and bonus	5,892	5,636	23,597	18,776
Information Technology and Data Processing	1,767	3,002	4,667	8,448
Depreciation expense	1,954	1,570	5,666	4,712
Acquisition Costs, Period Cost	580	306	5,256	986
Other general unallocated corporate expenses	2,269	2,029	6,330	6,603
Total unallocated corporate overhead costs	20,433	18,053	67,762	56,030
Endotoxoin and Microbial Detection [Member]
Business segment information
Revenues	$ 31,834	$ 28,331	$ 97,879	$ 83,214

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
Operating results from discontinued operations
Income (loss) from operatoins of discontinued businesses, before income taxes			$ (1,614)	$ (1,894)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			752	711
Income (loss) from operations of discontinued businesses, net of taxes	$ 52	$ (113)	(862)	$ (1,183)
Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations
Current assets	835		835		$ 750
Long-term assets	3,106		3,106		3,151
Current liabilities	2,059		2,059		1,931
Long-term liabilities	7,876		$ 7,876		8,080
Phase I Clinical [Member]
Operating results from discontinued operations
Facility lease payments			10334
Income (loss) from operatoins of discontinued businesses, before income taxes	(38)	(172)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	90	59
Income (loss) from operations of discontinued businesses, net of taxes	52	$ (113)
Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations
Total assets	3,941		$ 3,941		3,901
Total liabilities	$ 9,935		$ 9,935		$ 10,011

Subsequent Events (Details) - Subsequent Event Business Combination Contingent Consideration [Member] $ in Millions	Oct. 29, 2014 USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event, Description	$ 52
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 2

Label	Element	Value
Restructuring Reserve	us-gaap_RestructuringReserve	$ 2,917,000
Restructuring Reserve	us-gaap_RestructuringReserve	3,823,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss	(1,005,000,000)
Manufacturing Support [Member]
Goodwill, Gross	us-gaap_GoodwillGross	31,524,000
Research Models and Services [Member]
Goodwill, Gross	us-gaap_GoodwillGross	59,729,000
Discovery and Safety Assessment [Member]
Goodwill, Gross	us-gaap_GoodwillGross	1,203,103,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss	$ (1,005,000,000)