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Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2014	Jan. 30, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
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-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 27, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		47,326,257
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 2,472,525,191

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Service revenue	$ 797,765	$ 689,166	$ 661,586
Product revenue	499,897	476,362	467,944
Total revenue	1,297,662	1,165,528	1,129,530
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services provided	558,578	497,876	479,742
Cost of products sold	266,424	272,750	257,707
Selling, general and administrative	269,033	225,695	208,248
Amortization of intangible assets	25,957	17,806	18,068
Operating income	177,670	151,401	165,765
Other income (expense):
Interest income	1,154	730	589
Interest expense	(11,950)	(20,969)	(33,342)
Other income (expense), net	10,721	7,165	(3,266)
Income from continuing operations, before income taxes	177,595	138,327	129,746
Provision for income taxes	47,671	32,911	27,628
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	129,924	105,416	102,118
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(1,726)	(1,265)	(4,252)
Net income	128,198	104,151	97,866
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,500)	(1,323)	(571)
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Excluding Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	$ 127,343	$ 103,464	$ 97,866
Basic:
Continuing operations attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)	$ 2.76	$ 2.18	$ 2.12
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.04)	(0.03)	(0.09)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)	2.72	2.15	2.03
Diluted:
Continuing operations attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)	2.70	2.15	2.10
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.04)	(0.03)	(0.09)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)	$ 2.66	$ 2.12	$ 2.01

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Net income	$ 128,198	$ 104,151	$ 97,866
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(48,955)	(15,322)	5,318
Unrealized gains on marketable securities	0	0	921
Prior service cost and (losses) gains for the period	(42,236)	19,293	(8,634)
Amortization of prior service costs and net gains and losses	(1,234)	(3,017)	(2,772)
Comprehensive income, net of income taxes	48,138	103,334	99,920
Less: Comprehensive income related to noncontrolling interests	1,044	1,752	615
Comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	47,094	101,582	99,305
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Comprehensive income, before income taxes	38,241	111,139	98,243
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (Note 8)	$ (9,897)	$ 7,805	$ (1,677)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 160,023	$ 155,927
Trade receivables, net	257,991	220,630
Inventories	89,043	89,396
Other current assets	99,841	86,597
Total current assets	606,898	552,550
Property, plant and equipment, net	676,797	676,182
Goodwill	321,077	230,701
Other intangible assets, net	178,875	84,537
Deferred tax asset	23,193	26,822
Other assets	78,352	61,964
Total assets	1,885,192	1,632,756
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases	31,904	21,437
Accounts payable	33,815	31,770
Accrued compensation	71,569	58,461
Deferred revenue	78,124	54,177
Accrued liabilities	67,380	56,712
Other current liabilities	11,079	22,546
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	2,299	1,931
Total current liabilities	296,170	247,034
Long-term debt and capital leases	745,958	642,352
Other long-term liabilities	130,361	70,632
Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations	8,357	8,080
Total liabilities	1,180,846	968,098
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	28,419	20,581
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 120,000 shares authorized; 84,503 shares issued and 47,327 shares outstanding at December 27, 2014 and 82,523 shares issued and 47,554 shares outstanding at December 28, 2013	845	825
Additional paid-in capital	2,307,640	2,206,155
Accumulated deficit	(138,775)	(265,473)
Treasury stock, at cost, 37,176 shares and 34,969 shares at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively	(1,423,260)	(1,305,880)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(74,247)	5,357
Total equity attributable to common shareholders	672,203	640,984
Noncontrolling interests	3,724	3,093
Total equity and redeemable noncontrolling interest	704,346	664,658
Total liabilities, equity and redeemable noncontrolling interest	$ 1,885,192	$ 1,632,756

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Balance Sheets Parenthetical - $ / shares	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value 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 or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	120,000,000	120,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	84,503,000	82,523,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	47,326,000	47,554,000
Treasury Stock, Shares	37,176,000	34,969,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Cash flows relating to operating activities
Net income	$ 128,198	$ 104,151	$ 97,866
Less: Loss from discontinued operations	(1,726)	(1,265)	(4,252)
Income from continuing operations	129,924	105,416	102,118
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	96,445	96,636	81,275
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts	1,725	9,561	17,622
Impairment charges	582	4,202	3,548
Stock-based compensation	31,035	24,542	21,855
Deferred income taxes	7,060	(846)	1,311
(Gain) loss on investments in limited partnerships	(9,301)	(5,864)	618
Other, net	(1,564)	755	5,519
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables	(28,088)	(19,492)	(16,266)
Inventories	(2,956)	(1,571)	785
Other assets	(5,145)	2,421	(117)
Accounts payable	4,599	(7,080)	(3,257)
Accrued compensation	13,631	11,926	4,612
Deferred revenue	22,244	(3,297)	(915)
Accrued liabilities	8,284	759	(7,050)
Taxes payable and prepaid taxes	(7,090)	(3,054)	2,331
Other liabilities	(9,253)	(5,969)	(5,983)
Net cash provided by operating activities	252,132	209,045	208,006
Cash flows relating to investing activities
Acquisition of businesses and assets, net of cash acquired	(234,267)	(29,218)	(16,861)
Capital expenditures	(56,925)	(39,154)	(47,534)
Purchases of investments	(26,648)	(17,566)	(18,537)
Proceeds from sale of investments and distributions from investments in limited partnerships	21,000	11,584	25,156
Other, net	(1,150)	307	2,786
Net cash used in investing activities	(297,990)	(74,047)	(54,990)
Cash flows relating to financing activities
Proceeds from long-term debt and revolving credit agreement	298,920	511,804	74,116
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	73,688	93,789	18,359
Payments on long-term debt, capital lease obligations and revolving credit agreement	(194,536)	(523,304)	(140,347)
Purchase of treasury stock	(122,018)	(165,932)	(64,189)
Other, net	5,360	(594)	940
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	61,414	(84,237)	(111,121)
Discontinued operations
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations	(1,081)	(1,906)	(106)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(10,379)	(2,613)	(1,009)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	4,096	46,242	40,780
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	155,927	109,685	68,905
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	160,023	155,927	109,685
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes	29,704	19,139	17,032
Cash paid for interest	10,199	12,029	15,145
Capitalized interest	1,032	243	467
Additions to property, plant and equipment, net	4,355	6,960	2,778
Assets acquired under capital lease	$ 18,690	$ 0	$ 69

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash paid for income taxes	$ 29,704	$ 19,139	$ 17,032
Cash paid for interest	10,199	12,029	15,145
Capitalized interest	1,032	243	467
Additions to property, plant and equipment, net	4,355	6,960	2,778
Assets acquired under capital lease	$ 18,690	$ 0	$ 69

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total Equity Attributable to Common Shareholders [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest at Dec. 29, 2012		$ 0
Common Stock, Shares, Issued at Dec. 29, 2012	79,608
Treasury Stock, Shares at Dec. 29, 2012	31,388
Balance at Dec. 29, 2012	$ 603,200		$ 796	$ 2,097,316	$ (368,301)	$ 6,603	$ (1,135,609)	$ 600,805	$ 2,395
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	97,866	0
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Excluding Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	97,866				97,295			97,295	571
Components of comprehensive income, net of tax:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,054	0				2,010		2,010	44
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	99,920	0
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	99,920							99,305	615
Deferred Tax Expense from Stock Options Exercised	$ 125			125				125
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Period Increase (Decrease)	1,134
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised	$ 18,426		11	18,415				18,426
Number of shares of common stock repurchased (in shares)	1,790
Acquisition of treasury shares	$ 64,489						64,489	64,489
Stock-based compensation	$ 21,855			21,855				21,855
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest at Dec. 31, 2011		0
Common Stock, Shares, Issued at Dec. 31, 2011	78,474
Treasury Stock, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011	29,598
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 527,363		785	2,056,921	(465,596)	4,593	(1,071,120)	525,583	1,780
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest at Dec. 28, 2013	$ 20,581	20,581
Common Stock, Shares, Issued at Dec. 28, 2013	82,523
Treasury Stock, Shares at Dec. 28, 2013	34,969
Balance at Dec. 28, 2013	$ 644,077		825	2,206,155	(265,473)	5,357	(1,305,880)	640,984	3,093
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	104,151	687
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Excluding Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	103,464				102,828			102,828	636
Components of comprehensive income, net of tax:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(1,184)	367				(1,246)		(1,246)	62
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	103,334	1,054
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	102,280							101,582	698
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Acquired		8,963
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Carrying Value		10,564
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest to fair value				(10,564)
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value	(10,564)							(10,564)
Deferred Tax Expense from Stock Options Exercised	$ 1,069			1,069				1,069
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Period Increase (Decrease)	2,915
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised	$ 93,821		29	93,792				93,821
Number of shares of common stock repurchased (in shares)	3,581
Acquisition of treasury shares	$ 170,271						170,271	170,271
Stock-based compensation	$ 24,542			24,542				24,542
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest at Dec. 29, 2012		0
Common Stock, Shares, Issued at Dec. 29, 2012	79,608
Treasury Stock, Shares at Dec. 29, 2012	31,388
Balance at Dec. 29, 2012	$ 603,200		796	2,097,316	(368,301)	6,603	(1,135,609)	600,805	2,395
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest at Dec. 27, 2014	$ 28,419	28,419
Common Stock, Shares, Issued at Dec. 27, 2014	84,503
Treasury Stock, Shares at Dec. 27, 2014	37,176
Balance at Dec. 27, 2014	$ 675,927		845	2,307,640	(138,775)	(74,247)	(1,423,260)	672,203	3,724
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	128,198	855
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Excluding Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	127,343				126,698			126,698	645
Components of comprehensive income, net of tax:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(79,618)	(442)				(79,604)		(79,604)	(14)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	48,138	413
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	47,725							47,094	631
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Carrying Value		7,425
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest to fair value				(7,425)
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value	(7,425)							(7,425)
Deferred Tax Expense from Stock Options Exercised	$ 4,301			4,301				4,301
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Period Increase (Decrease)	1,980
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised	$ 73,594		20	73,574				73,594
Number of shares of common stock repurchased (in shares)	2,207
Acquisition of treasury shares	$ 117,380						117,380	117,380
Stock-based compensation	31,035			31,035				31,035
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest at Dec. 28, 2013	$ 20,581	$ 20,581
Common Stock, Shares, Issued at Dec. 28, 2013	82,523
Treasury Stock, Shares at Dec. 28, 2013	34,969
Balance at Dec. 28, 2013	$ 644,077		$ 825	$ 2,206,155	$ (265,473)	$ 5,357	$ (1,305,880)	$ 640,984	$ 3,093

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of Business

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (the Company), together with its subsidiaries, is a full service, early-stage contract research organization (CRO). The Company has built upon its core competency of laboratory animal medicine and science (research model technologies) to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, that are able to support its clients from target identification through preclinical development. The Company also provides a suite of products and services to support its clients’ manufacturing activities.

Principles of Consolidation

The Company's consolidated financial statements reflect its financial statements and those of its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. 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 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.

The Company's fiscal year is the twelve-month period ending the last Saturday in December.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year statements to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications have no impact on period reported net income or cash flow.

Segment Reporting

During the quarter ended June 28, 2014, following its acquisition of the CRO services division of Galapagos N.V. (Argenta and BioFocus), the Company revised its reportable segments to ensure alignment with the Company's view of the business. The Company reviewed the new and existing markets addressed by the business, the recently revised go-to-market strategy, long-term operating margins, and the discrete financial information available to its Chief Operating Decision Maker, 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 for the current period 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 ⁽²⁾	Endotoxin and Microbial Detection (EMD)
Research Model Services ⁽¹⁾	Safety Assessment	Avian Vaccine Services
		Biologics Testing Solutions

⁽¹⁾ Research Model Services includes Genetically Engineered Models and Services (GEMS), Research Animal Diagnostic Services (RADS), and Insourcing Solutions (IS).

⁽²⁾ Discovery Services includes both the In Vivo Discovery business, and the Early Discovery business. Early Discovery includes Argenta and BioFocus, which were acquired in April 2014, and ChanTest Corporation (ChanTest), which was acquired in October 2014.

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. As part of the segment revisions, the former Discovery Research Services was folded into the Company’s Discovery Services business, previously located under the Preclinical Services segment.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (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, judgments and methodologies. 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.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include money market funds and time deposits with remaining maturities at the purchase date of three months or less.

Trade Receivables, Net

The Company records trade receivables net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established based on historical collection information, a review of major client accounts receivable balances and current economic conditions in the geographies in which it operates. Amounts determined to be uncollectible are charged or written off against the allowance.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments and trade receivables. The Company places cash and cash equivalents and investments in various financial institutions with high credit rating and limits the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution. Trade receivables are primarily from clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as academic and government institutions. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables, which are typically unsecured, are limited due to the wide variety of customers using the Company's products and services as well as their dispersion across many geographic areas. No single client accounted for more than 5% of revenue or trade receivables for any period presented.

Fair Value Measurements

The accounting standard for fair value measurements defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and requires detailed disclosures about fair value measurements. Under this standard, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company has certain financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value which have been classified as Level 1, 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy:


•	Level 1 - Fair values are determined utilizing quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access;


•	Level 2 - Fair values are determined by utilizing quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in active markets or other market observable inputs such as interest rates, yield curves and foreign currency spot rates;


•	Level 3 - Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

The fair value hierarchy level is determined by asset or 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.

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.


•	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.


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

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined on the average cost method for the small model business and first-in-first-out for the Company's large model and EMD businesses. For the small model business, cost includes direct materials such as feed and bedding, costs of personnel directly involved in the care of the models, and an allocation of facility overhead. For the large model business, cost is primarily the external cost paid to acquire the model. Certain businesses value inventory based on standard costs, which are periodically compared to and adjusted to actual costs. Inventory costs are charged to cost of revenue in the period the products are sold to an external party. The Company analyzes its inventory levels on a quarterly basis and writes down inventory that is determined to be damaged, obsolete or otherwise unmarketable, with a corresponding charge to cost of products sold.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment, including improvements that significantly add to productive capacity or extend useful life, are carried at cost and are subject to review for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The cost of normal, recurring, or periodic repairs and maintenance activities related to property, plant and equipment is expensed as incurred. In addition, the Company capitalizes certain internal use computer software development costs.

Interest costs incurred during the construction of major capital projects are capitalized until the underlying asset is ready for its intended use, at which point the interest costs are amortized as depreciation expense over the life of the underlying asset.

The Company generally depreciates the cost of its property, plant and equipment using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets as follows:



	Estimated useful lives
	(in years)
Land	Indefinite
Buildings	20 - 40
Machinery and equipment	3 - 20
Furniture and fixtures	5 - 10
Computer hardware and software	3 - 8
Vehicles	3 - 5
Leasehold improvements	Lesser of useful life or lease term

When the Company disposes of property, plant and equipment, it removes the associated cost and accumulated depreciation from the related accounts on its consolidated balance sheet and includes any resulting gain or loss in its consolidated statement of income.

Business Combinations

The Company accounts for acquisitions as business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The Company allocates the amounts that it pays for each acquisition to the assets it acquires and liabilities it assumes based on their fair values at the dates of acquisition, including identifiable intangible assets. The Company bases the fair value of identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination on detailed valuations that use information and assumptions determined by management and which consider management's best estimates of inputs and assumptions that a market participant would use.

Contingent Consideration

The consideration for the Company’s acquisitions often includes future payments that are contingent upon the occurrence of a particular event. The Company records an obligation for such contingent payments at fair value on the acquisition date. The Company estimates the fair value of contingent consideration obligations through valuation models that incorporate probability adjusted assumptions related to the achievement of the milestones and thus likelihood of making related payments. The Company revalues these contingent consideration obligations each reporting period. Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations are recognized within our consolidated statements of income as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations can result from changes to one or multiple inputs, including adjustments to the discount rates and changed in the assumed probabilities of successful achievement of certain financial targets.

Discount rates in the Company’s valuation models represent a measure of the credit risk associated with settling the liability. The period over which the Company discounts its contingent obligations is typically based on when the contingent payments would be triggered. These fair value measurements are based on significant inputs not observable in the market. See Note 5, "Fair Value," in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible net assets when accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Goodwill is not amortized, but reviewed for impairment on an annual basis, during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of the Company's reporting units below their carrying amounts.

The Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step impairment test. If the Company elects this option and believes, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that the carrying value of goodwill is not recoverable, the quantitative two-step impairment test is required; otherwise, no further testing is required. Alternatively, the Company may elect to not first assess qualitative factors and immediately perform the quantitative two-step impairment test. In the first step, the Company compares the fair value of its reporting units to their carrying values. If the carrying values of the net assets assigned to the reporting units exceed the fair values of the reporting units, then the second step of the impairment test is performed in order to determine the implied fair value of the Company’s goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then the Company would record an impairment loss equal to the difference.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets to be held and used, including property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets or asset group may not be recoverable.

Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. In the event that such cash flows are not expected to be sufficient to recover the carrying amount of the assets, the assets are written-down to their fair values.

Long-lived assets to be disposed of are carried at fair value less costs to sell.

Limited Partnerships

The Company invests in several venture capital limited partnerships that invest in start-up companies primarily in the life sciences industry. Our ownership interest in these limited partnerships ranges from 3.8% to 12.0%. As of December 27, 2014, the total commitment to these entities was $65.0 million, of which $19.6 million has been funded. Due to the percentage of ownership, the Company accounts for such investments under the equity method of accounting, whereby its portion of the investment gains and losses, as reported in the fund's financial statements on a quarterly lag each reporting period, is recorded in other income, net. 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. During the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized gains (losses) related to these investments of $9.3 million, $5.9 million, $(0.6) million, respectively. The Company received distributions of $7.4 million in 2014. No distributions were made to the Company in 2013 or 2012.

Life Insurance Contracts

Investments in life insurance contracts are recorded at cash surrender value. The initial investment at the transaction price is recognized and remeasured based on fair value of underlying investments or contractual value each reporting period. Investments in and redemptions of these life insurance contracts are reported as cash flows from investing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company held 40 and 30 contracts, respectively, with a face value of $68.2 million and $67.5 million, respectively.

Restructuring and Contract Termination Costs

The Company makes estimates and judgments regarding the amount and timing of our restructuring expense and liability, including current and future period termination benefits, lease termination costs, and other exit costs to be incurred when related actions take place. The Company also assesses the recoverability of certain long-lived assets employed in the business and, in certain instances, shortens the expected useful life of the assets based on changes in their expected use. When the Company determines that the useful lives of assets are shorter than we had originally estimated, it records additional depreciation to reflect the assets’ new shorter useful lives. Severance and other related costs and asset-related charges are reflected within the Company’s consolidated statement of income as a component of cost of revenue or selling, general and administrative expenses.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company grants stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance share units (PSUs) to employees and stock options and restricted stock to non-employee directors under stock-based compensation plans. Stock-based compensation is recognized as an expense in the consolidated financial statements based on the grant date fair value, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period.

For stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units that vest based on service conditions, the Company uses the straight-line method to allocate compensation expense to reporting periods. The Company records the expense for PSU grants subject to performance and/or market conditions using the accelerated attribution method over the remaining service period when management determines that achievement of the milestone is probable. Management evaluates when the achievement of a performance-based milestone is probable based on the relative satisfaction of the performance conditions as of the reporting date.

The fair value of stock options granted is calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the fair value of PSUs is estimated using a lattice model with a Monte Carlo simulation, both of which require the use of subjective assumptions including volatility and expected term, among others. The expected volatility assumption is typically determined using the historical volatility of the Company's common stock over the expected life of the stock-based award. The expected term is determined using historical option exercise activity. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units is based on the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following conditions are satisfied: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been provided, the price to the customer is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured.

Service revenue is generally evidenced by client contracts, which range in duration from a few weeks to a few years and typically take the form of an agreed upon rate per unit or fixed fee arrangements. Such contracts typically do not contain acceptance provisions based upon the achievement of certain study or laboratory testing results. Revenue of agreed upon rate per unit contracts is recognized as services are performed, based upon rates specified in the contract. In cases where performance spans reporting periods, revenue of fixed fee contracts is recognized as services are performed, measured on the ratio of outputs or performance obligations completed to the total contractual outputs or performance obligations to be provided. Changes in estimated effort to complete the fixed fee contract are reflected in the period in which the change becomes known. Changes in scope of work are common, especially under long-term contracts, and generally result in a change in contract value. Once the client has agreed to the changes in scope and renegotiated pricing terms, the contract value is amended and revenue is typically recognized as described above.

Billing schedules and payment terms are generally negotiated on a contract-by-contract basis. Payments received in excess of revenue recognized are recorded as deferred revenue. As the contracted services are subsequently performed and the associated revenue is recognized, the deferred revenue balance is reduced by the amount of revenue recognized during the period. In other cases, services may be provided and revenue is recognized before the client is invoiced. In these cases, revenue recognized will exceed amounts billed and the difference, representing amounts which are currently unbillable to the customer pursuant to contractual terms, is recorded as an unbilled receivable. Once the client is invoiced, the unbilled receivable is reduced for the amount billed, and a corresponding trade receivable is recorded.

Most contracts are terminable by the client, either immediately or upon notice. These contracts often require payment to the Company of expenses to wind down the project, fees earned to date or, in some cases, a termination fee. Such payments are included in revenues when earned.

The Company recognizes product revenue net of allowances for estimated returns, rebates and discounts when title and risk of loss pass to customers. When the Company sells equipment with specified acceptance criteria, it assesses its ability to meet the acceptance criteria in order to determine the timing of revenue recognition. The Company would defer revenue until completion of customer acceptance testing if it is not able to demonstrate the ability to meet such acceptance criteria.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. For the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, advertising costs totaled $1.3 million, $1.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes includes federal, state, local and foreign taxes. Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statements carrying amounts and their respective tax basis. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences are expected to be settled. The Company evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets and establishes a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions using a “more-likely-than-not” threshold for recognizing and resolving uncertain tax positions. The Company evaluates uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis and considers various factors, including, but not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the effective settlement of matters subject to audit, information obtained during in process audit activities and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. The Company also accrues for potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Translation of Foreign Currencies

The functional currency for each foreign subsidiary is their local currency. For the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries that transact in a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are translated at current rates of exchange at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the average foreign exchange rates for the period. Adjustments resulting from the translation of the financial statements of our foreign operations into U.S. dollars are excluded from the determination of net income and are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of equity.

Pension and Other Retiree Benefit Plans

The Company recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans as an asset or liability. This amount is defined as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation. The Company measures plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of its fiscal year end.

The key assumptions used to calculate benefit obligations and related pension costs include expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount rate, and expected future rate of compensation increases. In addition, the Company's actuaries utilize other assumptions such as withdrawal and mortality rates. Assumptions are determined based on the Company's data and appropriate market indicators, and evaluated each year as of the plan's measurement date.

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested, or to be invested, to provide for the benefits included in the projected benefit obligations. In determining the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the Company considers the relative weighting of plan assets, the historical performance of total plan assets and individual asset classes and economic and other indicators of future performance.

The discount rate reflects the rate the Company would have to pay to purchase high-quality investments that would provide cash sufficient to settle its current pension obligations. In the fiscal year 2014, the Company selected the discount rate based on a cash-flow matching analysis using Towers Watson’s proprietary Bond:Link tool. Prior to the fiscal year 2014, the Company employed a cash-flow matching methodology, which used the spot yield curve underlying the Citigroup Index. The refined estimation technique permits the Company to more closely match cash flows to the expected payments to participants than would be possible with the previously used yield curve model. This refinement reduced the Company's benefit obligations as of December 27, 2014 by $5.5 million.

The rate of compensation increase reflects the expected annual salary increases for the plan participants based on historical experience and the current employee compensation strategy.

The Company is required to recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise but were not previously required to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. Other comprehensive income is adjusted as these amounts are later recognized in income as components of net periodic benefit cost.

In the fiscal year 2014, for the U.S. plans, the Company adopted new mortality tables (RP-2014) and a new mortality improvement scale (MP-2014), which increased the Company’s benefit obligations by $6.0 million as of December 27, 2014. The Company previously used the RP-2000 mortality tables with mortality improvements projected using Scale AA to 2021 for annuitants and to 2029 for non-annuitants. In addition, for the U.K. plans, the mortality table was updated to S2 Series (SAPS) using the CMI 2013 core projection with a 1.25% per annum long-term mortality improvement. This update increased the Company’s benefit obligations by $1.9 million as of December 27, 2014. Prior to the fiscal year 2014, the Company used the S1 Series (SAPS) mortality table and the CMI 2009 core projection with a 1.25% per annum long-term improvement. The new mortality information reflects improved life expectancies and an expectation that the trend will continue.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Except where the result would be antidilutive to income from continuing operations, diluted earnings per share is computed using the treasury stock method, assuming the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, or PSUs, as well as their related income tax effects.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Losses 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 of 2014 and the Company adopted its provisions 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 $16.2 million and $11.9 million as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively.

In April 2014, the FASB issued 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.

Business Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Acquisitions

2. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

ChanTest

In October 2014, the Company acquired ChanTest, a leading provider of ion channel testing services to the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. The acquisition augments the Company's early discovery capabilities and enhances the Company's ability to support clients' target discovery and lead optimization efforts. The preliminary purchase price of the acquisition was $59.3 million, including $0.3 million in contingent consideration. The aggregate, undiscounted amount of contingent consideration that could become payable is a maximum of $2.0 million. The Company estimated the fair value of this contingent consideration based on a probability-weighted set of outcomes. The purchase price is subject to an adjustment based on the final determined net working capital as of the closing date. The business is reported in the Company's DSA reportable segment as part of the Company's Early Discovery business.

The preliminary purchase price allocation of $52.1 million, net of $7.2 million in cash acquired, is as follows:



	October 29, 2014
	(in thousands)
Current assets (excluding cash)	4,648
Property, plant and equipment	1,579
Definite-lived intangible assets	23,920
Goodwill	34,927
Current liabilities	(3,515		)
Long-term liabilities	(9,486		)
Total purchase price allocation	$	52,073

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



	October 29, 2014		Weighted average amortization life
	(in thousands)		(in years)
Client relationships	$	19,000	13
Other intangible assets	4,920		9
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	23,920

The definite-lived intangibles are largely attributed to the expected cash flows related to client relationships existing at the acquisition closing date. The goodwill resulting from the transaction is primarily attributed to the potential growth of the business and is not deductible for tax purposes. The Company incurred transaction and integration costs in connection with the acquisition of $1.1 million during the fiscal year 2014, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

VivoPath

In June 2014, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of VivoPath LLC (VivoPath), 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 reportable segment as part of the Company's In Vivo Discovery business.

Argenta and BioFocus

On April 1, 2014, the Company acquired (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 was $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 reportable segment as part of the Company's Early Discovery business.

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 ($6.1 million as of December 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, was 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 fiscal year 2014, the Company recorded measurement period adjustments related to the Argenta and BioFocus 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 was as follows:



	April 1, 2014		Weighted average amortization life
	(in thousands)		(in years)
Client relationships	$	94,000	18
Backlog	5,700		1
Trademark and trade names	1,170		3
Leasehold interests	1,000		13
Other intangible assets	2,400		19
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 Argenta and BioFocus, 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 $5.3 million during the fiscal year 2014 , which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

The following selected pro forma consolidated results of operations are presented as if the Argenta and BioFocus 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 consolidated results of operations 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.



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue	$	1,322,771	$	1,249,649	$	1,215,263
Net income	$	128,195	98,508		85,902
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	2.75	$	2.06	$	1.79
Diluted	$	2.70	$	2.03	$	1.77

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. Argenta and BioFocus revenue and operating income for the fiscal year 2014 are $71.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively.

EMD Singapore

In October 2013, the Company acquired 100% of an EMD products and service provider located in Singapore for $4.9 million in cash. The financial results of the acquired entity are included in the Manufacturing reportable segment as part of the Company's EMD business.

The purchase price allocation is as follows:



	October 4, 2013
	(in thousands)
Current assets (excluding cash)	$	300
Property, plant and equipment	154
Definite-lived intangible assets	1,885
Goodwill	2,659
Current liabilities	(64		)
Total purchase price allocation	$	4,934

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



	October 4, 2013		Weighted average amortization life
	(in thousands)		(in years)
Client relationships	$	1,870	8
Other intangible assets	15		2
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	1,885

Vital River

In January 2013, the Company acquired a 75% ownership interest of Vital River, a commercial provider of research models and related services in China, for $24.2 million, net of $2.7 million of cash acquired. Vital River's financial results are included in the RMS reportable segment.

The purchase price allocation is as follows:



	January 4, 2013
	(in thousands)
Current assets (excluding cash)	$	3,092
Property, plant and equipment	10,468
Other long-term assets	2,242
Definite-lived intangible assets	16,954
Goodwill	16,989
Current liabilities	(11,303		)
Long-term liabilities	(5,260		)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	(8,963		)
Total purchase price allocation	$	24,219

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



	January 4, 2013		Weighted average amortization life
	(in thousands)		(in years)
Client relationships	$	14,741	12
Reacquired rights	2,053		1
Other intangible assets	160		3
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	16,954

The definite-lived intangibles are largely attributed to the expected cash flows related to client relationships existing at the acquisition closing date. In addition, the Company reacquired a right previously granted to the entity related to a royalty agreement for the distribution of products in China. The goodwill resulting from the transaction is primarily attributed to the potential growth of the business in China and is not deductible for tax purposes.

Concurrent with the acquisition, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with the noncontrolling interest holders that provide the Company 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 purchase the remaining 25% interest, the noncontrolling interest is classified in the mezzanine section of the consolidated balance sheet, which is above the equity section and below liabilities. The acquisition-date fair value of the noncontrolling interest was determined based on the fair value of the consideration exchanged for the 75% of Vital River. Subsequent to the acquisition, the noncontrolling interest carrying amount is adjusted to the fair value each quarter using an income approach. The income approach uses estimated future cash flows based on projected financial data discounted by a rate which considers the Company's weighted average cost of capital and the specific risks of achieving these cash flows. Adjustments to fair value are recorded through additional paid-in capital.

Accugenix

In August 2012, the Company acquired 100% of Accugenix Inc. (Accugenix) for $18.4 million in cash. Accugenix is a global provider of cGMP-compliant contract microbial identification testing. The acquisition strengthens the EMD portfolio of products and services by providing state-of-the-art microbial detection services for the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device manufacturing industries. Accugenix is based in the U.S. and is included in the Manufacturing reportable segment as part of the Company's EMD business.

The purchase price allocation of $16.9 million, net of $1.5 million of cash acquired is as follows:



	August 24, 2012
	(in thousands)
Current assets (excluding cash)	$	2,162
Property, plant and equipment	549
Definite-lived intangible assets	8,400
Goodwill	10,361
Current liabilities	(911		)
Long-term liabilities	(3,700		)
Total purchase price allocation	$	16,861

The definite-lived intangible assets acquired are as follows:



	August 24, 2012		Weighted average amortization life
	(in thousands)		(in years)
Client relationships	$	1,500	13
Propriety database	4,100		11
Standard operating procedures	2,500		4
Trademarks	300		12
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	8,400

The definite-lived intangibles are largely attributed to a proprietary database of thousands of species of organisms and the methods and technology to provide accurate, timely and cost-effective microbial identification services. The goodwill resulting from the transaction is primarily attributed to the potential for growth of the Company's global EMD products and services business through the increased competitive advantage and market penetration provided by the services offered by Accugenix. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

- 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).

+ References

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+ Details

Restructuring and Asset Impairments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Impairment of Long Lived Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Table Text Block]

Staff Reductions

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



	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	2,782		$	3,636		$	3,374
Expense	7,792			3,223			2,576
Payments/Utilization	(7,908		)	(4,077		)	(2,314		)
Balance, end of period	$	2,666		$	2,782		$	3,636

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



	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Severance charges included in cost of sales	$	3,342	$	1,477	$	1,203
Severance charges included in selling, general and administrative	4,450		1,746		1,373
Total expense	$	7,792	$	3,223	$	2,576

As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, $2.2 million and $1.5 million of severance and retention costs liability, respectively, was included in accrued compensation and $0.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively, was included in other long-term liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

The following table presents severance and retention cost by reportable segment:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Research models and services	$	4,593	$	1,429	$	1,015
Discovery and safety assessment	2,912		1,625		1,494
Manufacturing support	166		169		67
Corporate	121		—		—
Total expense	$	7,792	$	3,223	$	2,576

Supplemental Balance Sheet (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

4. SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

The composition of trade receivables, net is as follows:



	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Client receivables	$	219,118		$	190,423
Unbilled revenue	43,780			35,184
Total	262,898			225,607
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(4,907		)	(4,977		)
Trade receivables, net	$	257,991		$	220,630

Provisions to the allowance for doubtful accounts in the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $0.5 million, $1.3 million, and $0.9 million, respectively. Write offs against the allowance for doubtful accounts were insignificant in all periods presented.

The composition of inventories is as follows:



	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Raw materials and supplies	$	15,416	$	15,028
Work in process	11,802		11,715
Finished products	61,825		62,653
Inventories	$	89,043	$	89,396

The composition of other current assets is as follows:



	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Prepaid assets	$	26,900	$	20,058
Deferred tax asset	27,644		29,889
Time deposits	16,167		11,158
Prepaid income tax	26,287		25,247
Restricted cash	2,552		245
Other	291		—
Other current assets	$	99,841	$	86,597

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



	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Land	$	40,314		$	40,157
Buildings	682,495			694,074
Machinery and equipment	384,713			367,244
Leasehold improvements	37,270			37,959
Furniture and fixtures	22,577			24,013
Vehicles	3,967			3,859
Computer hardware and software	119,474			112,328
Construction in progress ⁽¹⁾	40,970			42,075
Total	1,331,780			1,321,709
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(654,983		)	(645,527		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	676,797		$	676,182

⁽¹⁾ Includes the leased facility under construction. See Note 7, "Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations."

Depreciation expense in the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $70.5 million, $78.8 million and $63.2 million, respectively.

The composition of other assets is as follows:



	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Deferred financing costs	$	5,401	$	7,126
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	27,603		26,507
Investment in limited partnerships	27,047		17,911
Other assets	18,301		10,420
Other assets	$	78,352	$	61,964

The composition of other current liabilities is as follows:



	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Accrued income taxes	$	9,362	$	18,773
Current deferred tax liability	1,484		1,960
Accrued interest and other	233		1,813
Other current liabilities	$	11,079	$	22,546

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



	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Deferred tax liability	$	30,816	$	14,988
Long-term pension liability	45,135		16,219
Accrued Executive Supplemental Life Insurance Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan	33,007		28,708
Other long-term liabilities	21,403		10,717
Other long-term liabilities	$	130,361	$	70,632

Fair Value (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value

5. FAIR VALUE

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



	December 27, 2014
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(in thousands)
Cash equivalents	$	—	$	1,934	$	—	$	1,934
Life insurance policies	—		20,520		—		20,520
Total assets measured at fair value	—		22,454		—		22,454

Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—		—		28,419		28,419
Contingent consideration	—		—		2,828		2,828
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	—	$	31,247	$	31,247



	December 28, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(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

During the fiscal years 2014 and 2013, there were no transfers between fair value levels.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

The following table provides a rollforward of the fair value of the Company's redeemable noncontrolling interest related to the acquisition of Vital River in January 2013. See Note 2, "Business Acquisitions."



	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	20,581		$	—
Additions	—			8,963
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	855			687
Foreign currency translation	(442		)	367
Change in fair value included in additional paid-in capital	7,425			10,564
Ending balance	$	28,419		$	20,581

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s redeemable noncontrolling interest are the estimated future cash flows based on projected financial data and discount rate of 18.5%. Significant changes in the timing or amounts of the estimated future cash flows would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. Significant increases or decreases in the discount rate would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement, respectively.

Contingent Consideration

The following table provides a rollforward of the contingent consideration related to the acquisition of Argenta, BioFocus, VivoPath and ChanTest. See Note 2, "Business Acquisitions."



	December 27, 2014
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	—
Additions	2,678
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Change in fair value	150
Ending balance	$	2,828

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company's contingent consideration are the probabilities of successful achievement of certain financial 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.

Debt Instruments

The book value of the Company's term and revolving loans, which are variable rate loans carried at amortized cost, approximates their 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.

- 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

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

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



				Adjustments to Goodwill							Adjustments to Goodwill
	December 29, 2012			Acquisitions		Foreign Exchange		December 28, 2013			Acquisitions		Transfers		Foreign Exchange		December 27, 2014
	(in thousands)
Research Models and Services
Gross carrying amount	$	63,139		$	19,647	$	765	$	83,551		$	—	(23,172	)	(1,183	)	59,196
Discovery and Safety Assessment
Gross carrying amount	1,150,470			—		1,680		1,152,150			102,171		(9,196	)	(10,823	)	1,234,302
Accumulated impairment loss	(1,005,000		)	—		—		(1,005,000		)	—		—		—		(1,005,000	)
Manufacturing Support
Gross carrying amount	—			—		—		—					32,368		211		32,579
Total
Gross carrying amount	1,213,609							1,235,701									1,326,077
Accumulated impairment loss	(1,005,000		)					(1,005,000		)							(1,005,000	)
Goodwill	$	208,609						$	230,701								321,077

In the second quarter of 2014, the Company revised its reportable segments to align with the view of the business following its acquisition of Argenta and BioFocus. See Note 1, "Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies." As a result of this reorganization, goodwill was allocated from the Company's prior reportable segments to new reportable 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 unit relative to the fair value of that reporting unit. 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.

Based on the Company's step one goodwill impairment test for the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded the reporting unit's book value and, therefore, goodwill was not impaired.

Other Intangible Assets

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



	December 27, 2014							December 28, 2013
	Gross		Accumulated amortization			Net		Gross		Accumulated amortization			Net
	(in thousands)
Backlog	$	8,728	$	(6,636	)	$	2,092	$	2,916	$	(2,507	)	$	409
Client relationships	379,339		(217,938		)	161,401		311,507		(238,002		)	73,505
Trademarks and trade names	6,603		(5,314		)	1,289		5,399		(4,997		)	402
Standard operating procedures	2,309		(1,642		)	667		2,754		(1,498		)	1,256
Other identifiable intangible assets	16,334		(6,346		)	9,988		10,432		(4,905		)	5,527
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	413,313	$	(237,876	)	$	175,437	$	333,008	$	(251,909	)	$	81,099

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

Amortization expense of definite-lived intangible assets for the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $26.0 million, $17.8 million and $18.1 million, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets for each of the next five fiscal years is expected to be as follows:



Fiscal Year	Amortization Expense
	(in thousands)
2015	$	21,116
2016	20,355
2017	18,501
2018	17,312
2019	14,306

- 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

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

7. LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:



	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Term loans	$	378,000		$	409,500
Revolving credit facility	375,536			253,308
Other long-term debt	214			241
Total debt	753,750			663,049
Less: current portion of long-term debt	(31,714		)	(21,241		)
Long-term debt	$	722,036		$	641,808

In 2013, the Company amended and restated its credit agreement creating a $970 million agreement ($970M Credit Facility) that provides for a $420 million U.S. term loan facility and a $550 million multi-currency revolving credit facility. Under specified circumstances, the Company has the ability to expand the term loan and/or revolving credit facility by up to $350 million in the aggregate.

The $420 million U.S. term loan facility matures in quarterly installments through maturity on May 29, 2018. The $550 million multi-currency revolving credit facility also matures on May 29, 2018 and requires no scheduled payment before this date. 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 both December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the weighted average interest rate on the Company's debt was 1.42%.

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 December 27, 2014, the Company was compliant with all financial covenants. These covenants include (1) maintenance of a ratio of consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) less capital expenditures to consolidated cash interest expense, for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, of no less than 3.5 to 1.0 as well as (2) maintenance of a ratio of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, of no more than 3.25 to 1.0. The Company's obligations under the credit agreement are collateralized by substantially all of the Company's assets.

At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company had $5.0 million and $4.9 million, respectively, outstanding under letters of credit.

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



Fiscal Year	Principal
	(in thousands)
2015	$	31,714
2016	47,250
2017	68,250
2018	606,536
Total	$	753,750

Build-to-suit Lease

The Company acquired a built-to-suit lease as part of its acquisition of Argenta and BioFocus. In accordance with accounting guidance applicable to entities involved with the construction of an asset that will be leased when the construction is completed, the Company is considered the owner, for accounting purposes, of this property during the construction period. Accordingly, the Company records an asset along with a corresponding financing obligation on its consolidated balance sheet for the amount of total project costs incurred related to the construction in progress for this building through completion of the construction period. Upon completion of the buildings, the Company will assess and determine if the assets and corresponding liabilities should be derecognized. As of December 27, 2014, cost incurred in relation to the construction of these buildings totaled $23.1 million. As of December 27, 2014, minimum rental commitments under this lease for each of the next five fiscal years and total thereafter are as follows:



Fiscal Year	Minimum lease payments
	(in thousands)
2015	$	2,031
2016	2,707
2017	2,707
2018	2,707
2019	2,707
Thereafter	55,762
Total	$	68,621

Capital Lease Obligations

Capital lease obligations amounted to $1.0 million and $0.7 million at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively.

Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Equity

8. EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

Earnings Per Share

The following table illustrates the numerator and denominator in the computations of the basic and diluted earnings per share:



				Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Numerator:
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	$	128,424		$	104,093		$	101,547
Loss from discontinued businesses, net of income taxes	(1,726		)	(1,265		)	(4,252		)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	126,698		$	102,828		$	97,295
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding—Basic	46,627			47,740			47,912
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and contingently issued restricted stock	931			749			494
Weighted-average shares outstanding—Diluted	47,558			48,489			48,406

Options to purchase approximately 645,000 shares, 2,289,000 shares and 4,591,000 shares were outstanding at December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively, but were not included in computing diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Basic weighted average shares outstanding for the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 excluded the weighted average impact of approximately 1,188,000 shares, 1,097,000 shares, and 935,000 shares, respectively, of non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards.

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, $250.0 million in 2013 and $150 million in 2014 for an aggregate authorization of $1,150.0 million. The company repurchased approximately 2,093,000 shares for $110.6 million, approximately 3,468,000 shares for $165.7 million and approximately 1,706,000 shares for $61.4 million in the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of December 27, 2014, the Company had $178.5 million remaining on the authorized stock repurchase program. In addition, 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. The number of shares of common stock netted for taxes was insignificant in each of the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Changes to each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax, are as follows:



	Translation Adjustment			Pension Gains(Losses) and Prior Service (Cost) Credit Not Yet Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs			Total
	(in thousands)
December 29, 2012	$	44,057		$	(37,454	)	$	6,603
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(15,751		)	19,293			3,542
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			3,017			3,017
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(15,751		)	22,310			6,559
Income tax benefit (expense)	197			(8,002		)	(7,805		)
December 28, 2013	28,503			(23,146		)	5,357
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(48,499		)	(42,236		)	(90,735		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			1,234			1,234
Net current period other comprehensive loss	(48,499		)	(41,002		)	(89,501		)
Income tax benefit	105			9,792			9,897
December 27, 2014	$	(19,891	)	$	(54,356	)	$	(74,247	)

Warrants

Separately and concurrently with the pricing of the senior convertible debentures in June 2006, the Company issued warrants for approximately 7,200,000 shares of its common stock. The warrants give the holders the right to receive, for no additional consideration, cash or shares, at the Company's option, with a value equal to the appreciation in the price of its shares above $59.63 and expire between September 13, 2013 and January 22, 2014 over 90 equal increments. As of December 28, 2013, warrants for approximately 1,271,000 shares were outstanding and none were subsequently exercised. As of December 27, 2014, no warrants were outstanding.

Non Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

The Company has investments in several entities, whose financial results are consolidated in the Company's financial statements, as it has the ability to exercise control over these entities. The interests of the respective noncontrolling parties in these entities have been recorded as noncontrolling interests.

Reedemable Noncontrolling Interest

The Company's redeemable noncontrolling interest resulted from the acquisition of a 75% ownership interest in Vital River. See Note 2, "Business Acquisitions."

- 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
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.E)
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29-31)
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 30
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Preferred Stock
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Topic 505
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21564-112644

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph d
-Article 4

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Article 4

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section C

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

+ Details

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

9. INCOME TAXES

The components of income from continuing operations before income taxes and the related provision for income taxes are presented below:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes:
U.S.	$	71,002		$	39,900		$	35,504
Non-U.S.	106,593			98,427			94,242
	177,595			138,327			129,746
Income tax provision:
Current:
Federal	13,733			10,832			(1,447		)
Foreign	20,364			18,370			26,411
State	4,746			4,240			1,353
Total current	38,843			33,442			26,317
Deferred:
Federal	12,982			5,468			13,132
Foreign	(4,672		)	(6,431		)	(12,683		)
State	518			432			862
Total deferred	8,828			(531		)	1,311
	$	47,671		$	32,911		$	27,628

The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:



	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Compensation	$	49,702		$	38,836
Accruals and reserves	7,061			2,356
Inventory reserves and valuations	1,940			1,696
Financing related	993			1,594
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards	39,927			47,026
Other	4,426			2,262
Valuation allowance	(5,866		)	(7,071		)
Total deferred tax assets:	98,183			86,699

Deferred tax liabilities:
Goodwill and other intangibles	(52,029		)	(21,826		)
Depreciation related	(23,549		)	(22,389		)
Investments in limited partnerships	(4,067		)	(2,720		)
Total deferred tax liabilities:	(79,645		)	(46,935		)
Net deferred taxes	$	18,538		$	39,764

Reconciliations of the statutory U.S. Federal income tax rate to effective tax rates are as follows:



	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
U.S. statutory income tax rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
Foreign tax rate differences	(9.4	)%	(8.0	)%	(8.0	)%
State income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit	1.9	%	1.6	%	1.5	%
Unbenefitted losses and changes in valuation allowance	0.1	%	0.4	%	0.8	%
Research tax credits and enhanced deductions	(4.1	)%	(6.6	)%	(8.2	)%
Enacted tax rate changes	—	%	(0.4	)%	(0.2	)%
Impact of tax uncertainties	(0.7	)%	1.0	%	(1.2	)%
Impact of acquisitions and restructuring	1.6	%	0.2	%	0.1	%
Other	2.4	%	0.6	%	1.5	%
	26.8	%	23.8	%	21.3	%

As of December 27, 2014, the Company had foreign net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards of $39.8 million, as compared to $36.9 million as of December 28, 2013. Of this amount, $24.3 million will expire after 2015, and the remainder of $15.5 million can be carried forward indefinitely. From a tax return basis, the Company has federal tax credit carryforwards of $10.5 million that will begin to expire in 2019, as compared to $21.7 million as of December 28, 2013. However, from a financial statement perspective, all of its federal tax credit carryforwards are shown net of unrecognized tax benefits. In accordance with Canadian Federal tax law, the Company claims Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) credits on qualified research and development costs incurred in its Safety Assessment facility in Montreal, and currently maintains $24.6 million in credit carryforwards, which will begin to expire in 2030. Additionally, the Company records a benefit to operating income for research and development credits in both Quebec and the U.K. related to its Safety Assessment and Early Discovery facilities.

The Company has fully recognized its deferred tax assets on the belief that it is more likely than not that they will be realized. The only exceptions relate to deferred tax assets primarily for net operating losses in Hong Kong, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, capital losses in the U.S. and Canada, and fixed assets in the U.K. The valuation allowance decreased by $1.2 million from $7.1 million at December 28, 2013 to $5.9 million at December 27, 2014.

A reconciliation of the Company's beginning and ending unrecognized income tax benefits is as follows:



	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	18,475		$	30,996		$	27,976
Additions to tax positions for current year	1,700			2,009			1,907
Additions to tax positions for prior years	18,502			1,709			4,196
Reductions to tax positions for current year	—			—			—
Reductions to tax positions for prior years	(3,722		)	(732		)	(28		)
Settlements	(308		)	(15,246		)	(3,055		)
Expiration of statute of limitations	(20		)	(261		)	—
Ending balance	$	34,627		$	18,475		$	30,996

The $16.2 million increase in unrecognized income tax benefits during the fiscal year 2014 is primarily attributable to pre-acquisition tax positions taken by the newly acquired Early Discovery businesses.

The amount of unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective tax rate was $32.3 million as of December 27, 2014 and $17.0 million as of December 28, 2013. The $15.3 million increase is primarily attributable to pre-acquisition tax positions taken by the newly acquired Early Discovery businesses. It is reasonably possible as of December 27, 2014 that the liability for unrecognized tax benefits for the uncertain tax position associated with forgiveness of debt will decrease by $10.7 million due to the expiration of statute of limitations and by $0.6 million due to the settlement of German and French tax audits. The Company continues to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits in income tax expense. The total amount of accrued interest related to unrecognized income tax benefits as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 was $1.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

The Company conducts business in a number of tax jurisdictions. As a result, it is subject to tax audits on a regular basis including, but not limited to, such major jurisdictions as the U.S., the U.K., France, Japan, Germany and Canada. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. and international income tax examinations for years before 2010.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are currently under audit by various tax authorities in Canada, Germany and France. The Company does not anticipate resolution of these audits will have a material impact on its financial statements.

In the first quarter of 2014, the Company settled with the Canadian Revenue Authority (CRA) for tax years 2006 through 2009 related to transfer pricing in our Safety Assessment operations in Montreal. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company received an assessment from the CRA related to transfer pricing in our Safety Assessment operations in Montreal. The CRA has disallowed certain deductions related to headquarter service charges for the years 2010 through 2012. The Company intends to apply with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and CRA for relief pursuant to the competent authority procedure provided in the tax treaty between the U.S. and Canada for the tax years 2008 through 2012. The Company believes that the controversy will likely be ultimately settled via the competent authority process and accordingly have recorded both a Canadian liability and a US receivable. The actual amounts of the liability for Canadian taxes and the asset for the correlative relief in the U.S. could be different based upon the agreement reached between the IRS and the CRA.

On December 2, 2014, the Quebec government released Information Bulletin 2014-11, which elaborated on a proposed law change on its SR&ED credit that, if passed, would provide a one-time retroactive benefit to operating income in the year of enactment and would provide a corresponding increase to the Company’s effective income tax rate. If passed as proposed, the tax law change would also provide an ongoing reduction in benefit to operating income and an additional corresponding increase to the Company's effective income tax rate in the year of enactment and beyond.

In accordance with the Company's policy, the undistributed earnings of the Company's non-U.S. subsidiaries remain indefinitely reinvested as of the end 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. As of December 27, 2014, the earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries considered to be indefinitely reinvested totaled $271.0 million. No provision for U.S. income taxes has been provided herein. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liabilities on these earnings is not practicable because of the complexities with the hypothetical calculation. Additionally, the amount of liability is dependent on circumstances existing if and when remittance occurs.

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Employee Benefits

10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Charles River Laboratories Employee Savings Plan

The Charles River Laboratories Employee Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan in the form of a qualified 401(k) plan in which substantially all U.S. employees are eligible to participate upon employment. The plan contains a provision whereby the Company matches a percentage of employee contributions. During the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, the costs associated with this defined contribution plan totaled $4.9 million, $4.7 million and $4.4 million, respectively.

Charles River Laboratories Deferred Compensation Plan and Executive Supplemental Life Insurance Retirement Plan

The Company maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, known as the Charles River Laboratories Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), which allows a select group of eligible employees to defer a portion of their compensation. At the present time, no contributions are credited to the DCP, except as set forth below. Participants must specify the distribution date for deferred amounts at the time of deferral, in accordance with applicable IRS regulations. Generally, amounts may be paid in lump sum or installments upon retirement or termination of employment, or later if the employee terminates employment after age 55 and before age 65. Amounts may also be distributed during employment, subject to a minimum deferral requirement of three years.

The Company provides certain active employees an annual contribution into their DCP account of 10% of the employee's base salary plus the lesser of their target annual bonus or actual annual bonus.

In addition to the DCP, certain officers and key employees also participate, or in the past participated, in the Company's Executive Supplemental Life Insurance Retirement Plan (ESLIRP), which is a non-funded, non-qualified arrangement. Annual benefits under this plan will equal a percentage of the highest five consecutive years of compensation, offset by amounts payable under the Charles River Laboratories, Inc. Pension Plan (CRL Pension Plan) and Social Security.

The costs associated with these plans, including the ESLIRP, for the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 totaled $3.3 million, $3.3 million and $2.9 million, respectively.

The Company has invested in several corporate-owned key-person life insurance policies as well as mutual funds and U.S. Treasury Securities with the intention of using these investments to fund the ESLIRP and the DCP. Participants have no interest in any such investments. At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the cash surrender value of these life insurance policies were $27.6 million and $26.5 million, respectively.

Post-Retirement Health and Life Insurance Plans

The Company's Montreal location offers post-retirement life insurance benefits to its employees and post-retirement medical and dental insurance coverage to certain executives. The plan is non-contributory and unfunded. As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the accumulated benefit obligation related to the plan was $1.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The amounts included in other accumulated comprehensive income as well as expenses related to the plan were insignificant in the fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Pension Plans

The CRL Pension Plan is a qualified, non-contributory defined benefit plan covering certain U.S. employees. Effective 2002, the plan was amended to exclude new participants from joining and in 2008 the accrual of benefits was frozen.

The Charles River Pension Plan is a defined contribution and defined benefit pension plan covering certain U.K. employees. Benefits are based on participants' final pensionable salary and years of service. Participants' rights vest immediately. Effective December 31, 2002, the plan was amended to exclude new participants from joining the defined benefit section of the plan and a defined contribution section was established for new entrants. Contributions under the defined contribution plan are determined as a percentage of gross salary.

In addition, the Company has several defined benefit plans in certain other countries in which it maintains an operating presence, including Japan, Canada and France.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of benefit obligations and plan assets of the Company's pension plans and supplemental post-retirement benefit plans:



	Pension Benefits						Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Change in projected benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	286,212		$	283,063		$	29,498		$	27,372
Service cost	3,397			3,368			758			643
Interest cost	12,822			11,273			1,009			708
Benefit payments	(9,002		)	(8,300		)	(722		)	(726		)
Actuarial loss (gain)	50,550			(4,276		)	1,703			1,501
Administrative expenses paid	(459		)	(308		)	—			—
Effect of foreign exchange	(16,636		)	1,392			—			—
Benefit obligation at end of year	326,884			286,212			32,246			29,498
Change in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	272,659			238,672			—			—
Actual return on plan assets	25,630			30,820			—			—
Employer contributions	6,874			9,570			722			726
Benefit payments	(9,002		)	(8,300		)	(722		)	(726		)
Premiums paid	(459		)	(308		)	—			—
Effect of foreign exchange	(14,412		)	2,205			—			—
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	281,290		$	272,659		$	—		$	—

Net balance sheet liability	$	45,594		$	13,553		$	32,246		$	29,498

Amounts recognized in balance sheet:
Non-current assets	$	61		$	2,738		$	—		$	—
Current liabilities	169			72			744			789
Non-current liabilities	45,486			16,219			31,502			28,709

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:



	Pension Benefits						Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	Fiscal Year Ended						Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Net actuarial loss	$	73,433		$	35,481		$	5,761	$	4,307
Net prior service cost (credit)	(5,388		)	(6,338		)	—		660
Net amount recognized	$	68,045		$	29,143		$	5,761	$	4,967

The accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the Company plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets are as follows:



	Pension Benefits				Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	299,127	$	81,117	$	29,994	$	27,938
Fair value of plan assets	267,026		68,430		—		—

The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the Company plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets are as follows:



	Pension Benefits				Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Projected benefit obligation	$	326,731	$	99,671	$	32,246	$	29,498
Fair value of plan assets	281,075		83,379		—		—

The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are as follows:



	Pension Benefits			Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	(in thousands)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	$	3,227		$	269
Amortization of net prior service credit	(602		)	—

Components of net periodic benefit cost:



	Pension Benefits									Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	Fiscal Year Ended									Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012			December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Service cost	$	3,397		$	3,368		$	3,729		$	758	$	643	$	640
Interest cost	12,822			11,273			11,289			1,009		708		892
Expected return on plan assets	(17,444		)	(14,672		)	(13,799		)	—		—		—
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	961			2,711			2,461			250		249		260
Amortization of net loss (gain)	(637		)	(603		)	(609		)	660		660		660
Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	(901	)	$	2,077		$	3,071		$	2,677	$	2,260	$	2,452

Assumptions

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine projected benefit obligations:



	Pension Benefits				Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
Discount rate	3.79	%	4.54	%	3.34	%	3.47	%
Rate of compensation increase	3.19	%	3.39	%	3.00	%	3.00	%

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:



	Pension Benefits						Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012		December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
Discount rate	4.54	%	4.13	%	4.47	%	3.47	%	2.63	%	3.42	%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	6.41	%	6.27	%	6.55	%	—		—		—
Rate of compensation increase	3.39	%	3.04	%	3.12	%	3.00	%	2.50	%	2.50	%

A 0.5% decrease in the expected rate of return would increase annual pension expense by $1.4 million.

Plan assets

The Company invests its pension assets with the objective of achieving a total long-term rate of return sufficient to fund future pension obligations and to minimize future pension contributions. The Company is willing to tolerate a commensurate level of risk to achieve this objective. The Company controls its risk by maintaining a diversified portfolio of assets classes. Plan assets did not include any of the Company's common stock at December 27, 2014 or December 28, 2013. The weighted-average target asset allocations are approximately 49.7% to equity securities, approximately 31.2% to fixed income securities and approximately 19.1% to other securities.

The fair value of the Company's pension plan assets by asset category are as follows:



	December 27, 2014								December 28, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(in thousands)
Cash	$	1	$	—	$	—	$	1	$	1,004	$	—	$	—	$	1,004
Equity securities^(a)	80,692		5,126		—		85,818		97,857		5,059		—		102,916
Debt securities^(b)	69,716		3,232		—		72,948		62,717		3,487		—		66,204
Mutual funds^(c)	67,079		53,330		—		120,409		65,152		35,610		—		100,762
Other	297		46		1,771		2,114		299		48		1,426		1,773
Total	$	217,785	$	61,734	$	1,771	$	281,290	$	227,029	$	44,204	$	1,426	$	272,659


(a)	This category comprises equity securities held by non-U.S. pension plans valued at the quoted closing price, and translated into U.S. dollars using a foreign currency exchange rate at year end.


(b)	This category comprises debt securities held by non-U.S. pension plans valued at the quoted closing price, and translated into U.S. dollars using a foreign currency exchange rate at year end.


(c)	This category comprises mutual funds valued at the net asset value of shares held at year end.

The activity within the Level 3 pension plan assets was insignificant during the periods presented.

During the fiscal year ended 2014, the Company contributed $6.4 million to the pension plans and expects to contribute $6.1 million to its pension plan in 2015.

Expected benefit payments are estimated using the same assumptions used in determining the Company’s benefit obligation at December 27, 2014. Benefit payments will depend on future employment and compensation levels, among other factors, and changes in any of these factors could significantly affect these estimated future benefit payments. Estimated future benefit payments during the next five years and in the aggregate for the fiscal years thereafter, are as follows:



	Pension Benefits		Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	(in thousands)
2015	$	6,811	$	759
2016	6,832		13,090
2017	7,194		740
2018	8,384		727
2019	8,700		7,147
2020-2024	57,116		11,286

Stock Plans and Stock Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

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

Stock Plans and Stock Based Compensation

11. 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 PSUs.

During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the primary share-based awards and their general terms and conditions are as follows:


•	Stock options, which entitle the holder to purchase a specified number of shares of common stock at an exercise price equal to the closing market price of common stock on the date of grant; vest incrementally, typically over 3 to 4 years; and generally expire 7 to 10 years from date of grant.


•	Restricted stock, which entitle the holder to receive at no cost, a specified number of shares of common stock that vests incrementally, typically over 3 to 4 years. With respect to restricted stock units, recipients are entitled to cash dividends and to vote their respective shares upon grant.


•	PSUs, which entitle the holder to receive at no cost, a specified number of shares of common stock within a range of shares from zero to a specified maximum. Payout of this award is contingent upon achievement of certain performance and market conditions.

In May 2007, the Company's shareholders approved the 2007 Incentive Plan, which was amended in 2009, 2011 and 2013 (2007 Plan). The 2007 Plan provided no further awards to be granted under preexisting stock option and incentive plans; provided, however, that any shares that have been forfeited or canceled in accordance with the terms of the applicable award under a preexisting plan may be subsequently awarded in accordance with the terms of the preexisting plan. The 2007 Plan allows a maximum of 18.7 million shares to be awarded, of which restricted stock grants and performance based stock awards count as 2.3 shares and stock options count as 1.0 share. Any stock options and other share-based awards that were granted under prior plans and were outstanding in May 2007, continue in accordance with the terms of the respective plans.

At December 27, 2014, approximately 19.9 million shares were authorized for future grants under the Company's share-based compensation plans. The Company settles employee share-based compensation awards with newly issued shares. The following table provides the financial statement line items in which stock-based compensation is reflected:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Stock-based compensation expense included in:
Cost of revenue	$	5,382		$	5,381		$	5,470
Selling, general and administrative	25,653			19,161			16,385
Stock-based compensation expense, before income taxes	31,035			24,542			21,855
Provision for income taxes	(11,006		)	(8,658		)	(7,793		)
After-tax effect of stock-based compensation expense	$	20,029		$	15,884		$	14,062

The Company capitalized no stock-based compensation related costs for the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.

The Company's pool of excess tax benefits, which is computed in accordance with the long form method, was $10.8 million as of December 27, 2014, $7.3 million as of December 28, 2013 and $9.6 million as of December 29, 2012. During the fiscal year 2014, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $4.3 million to additional paid-in capital related to the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted shares and restricted stock units, compared to a tax benefit of $1.1 million in 2013. Additionally, in the fiscal year 2014, the windfall tax benefit was reduced by $1.6 million due to the utilization of foreign tax credits.

Stock Options

The following table summarizes stock option activities under the Company's stock-based compensation plans:



	Number of shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Options outstanding as of December 28, 2013	3,768,733		$	40.81
Options granted	568,615		$	57.82
Options exercised	(1,733,293	)	$	42.46
Options canceled	(50,820	)	$	45.03
Options outstanding as of December 27, 2014	2,553,235		$	43.39	3.9	$	53,383
Options exercisable as of December 27, 2014	1,149,763		$	39.92	2.3	$	28,034
Options expected to vest as of December 27, 2014	1,200,470		$	45.95	5.1	$	22,016

The fair value of stock options granted was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
Expected life (in years)	4.2		4.2		4.5
Expected volatility	30	%	33	%	35	%
Risk-free interest rate	1.55	%	0.80	%	0.84	%
Expected dividend yield	—		—		—

The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted was $15.19, $11.17 and $10.94 for the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

As of December 27, 2014, the unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options expected to vest was $11.5 million. This unrecognized compensation will be recognized over an estimated weighted-average amortization period of 2.4 years.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the fiscal years ending December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 was $30.5 million, $24.7 million and $5.1 million, respectively, with intrinsic value defined as the difference between the market price on the date of exercise and the grant date price.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity for the fiscal year 2014:



	Restricted Stock		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	(in thousands)
December 28, 2013	1,096,550		$	36.44
Granted	479,104		58.87
Vested	(362,770	)	38.21
Canceled	(25,034	)	41.51
December 27, 2014	1,187,850		$	46.83

As of December 27, 2014, the unrecognized compensation cost related to shares of unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units expected to vest was $40.0 million, which is expected to be recognized over an estimated weighted-average amortization period of 2.2 years. The total fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants that vested during the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $13.9 million, $15.1 million and $10.4 million, respectively.

Performance Based Stock Award Program

In the fiscal years 2014 and 2013, the Company issued PSUs to certain corporate officers. 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 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.

The Company utilizes a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model to value these awards. Information pertaining to the Company’s PSUs and the related estimated weighted-average assumptions used to calculate their fair value were as follows:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
PSUs granted	214,823		163,847
Weighted average per share fair value	$67.82		$44.47
Key Assumptions:
Expected volatility	29	%	32	%
Risk-free interest rate	0.63	%	0.38	%
Expected dividend yield	—	%	—	%
20 trading day average stock price on grant date	13.1	%	6.9	%

In April 2014, the Company also issued 5,800 PSUs using a fair value per share of $61.25. These PSUs vest upon the achievement of certain revenue growth targets.

The maximum amount of common shares to be issued upon vesting of these PSUs is approximately 763,000. For the fiscal years 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized stock-based compensation related to these PSUs of $8.5 million and $2.2 million, respectively

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Operating Leases

The Company rents laboratory and office space, land, vehicles and certain equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. These lease agreements contain various clauses for renewal at the Company's option and, in certain cases, rent escalation clauses. Rental expense under these leases amounted to $14.2 million, $16.7 million and $18.2 million in the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In addition to rent, the leases may require the Company to pay additional amounts for taxes, insurance, maintenance and other operating expenses.

As of December 27, 2014, minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases, net of income from subleases, for each of the next five years and total thereafter were as follows:



	Minimum lease payments
	(in thousands)
2015	$	12,102
2016	9,854
2017	7,331
2018	4,284
2019	3,577
Thereafter	7,769
Total	$	44,917

Insurance

The Company maintains various insurance policies that maintain large deductibles up to $0.5 million, some with or without stop-loss limits, depending on market availability. Insurance policies at certain locations are based on a percentage of the insured assets, for which deductibles for certain property may exceed $0.5 million in the event of a catastrophic event.

Litigation

Various lawsuits, claims and proceedings of a nature considered normal to its business are pending against the Company. While the outcome of any of these proceedings cannot be accurately predicted, the Company does not believe the ultimate resolution of any of these existing matters would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or financial condition.

In 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 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, it 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 from 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.

Guarantees

The Company enters into certain agreements with other parties in the ordinary course of business that contain indemnification provisions. These typically include agreements with directors and officers, business partners, contractors, landlords, and customers. Under these provisions, the Company generally indemnifies and holds harmless the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party as a result of the Company’s activities. These indemnification provisions generally survive termination of the underlying agreement. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification provisions is unlimited. However, to date the Company has not incurred material costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification provisions other than guaranties related to the Phase I clinical business. See Note 14, “Discontinued Operations.” As a result, the estimated fair value of these obligations, other than liabilities related to the Phase I clinical business, is minimal.

Business Segment and Geographic Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business Segment and Geographic Information

13. BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

The Company revised its reportable segments during 2014 to align with its view of the business following its acquisition of Argenta and BioFocus. See Note 1, "Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies." The Company reported segment results on this basis retrospectively for all comparable prior periods.

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



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Research Models and Services
Revenue	$	507,327	$	511,350	$	521,633
Gross margin	190,092		179,493		198,291
Operating income	121,376		116,737		143,783
Total assets	375,415		460,594		411,874
Long-lived assets	138,021		161,027		172,641
Depreciation and amortization	27,512		41,837		26,725
Capital expenditures	18,749		16,717		27,077
Discovery and Safety Assessment
Revenue	$	538,218	$	432,378	$	408,908
Gross margin	150,970		106,766		97,908
Operating income	69,749		47,413		35,688
Total assets	1,088,171		766,243		760,370
Long-lived assets	408,280		394,741		414,584
Depreciation and amortization	47,138		37,720		41,001
Capital expenditures	19,759		12,561		10,051
Manufacturing Support
Revenue	$	252,117	$	221,800	$	198,989
Gross margin	131,598		108,643		95,882
Operating income	78,620		61,227		57,519
Total assets	274,952		246,467		228,804
Long-lived assets	71,367		66,352		64,254
Depreciation and amortization	14,092		17,079		13,549
Capital expenditures	15,541		9,876		10,407

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



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Total segment operating income	$	269,745		$	225,377		$	236,990
Unallocated corporate overhead	(92,075		)	(73,976		)	(71,225		)
Consolidated operating income	$	177,670		$	151,401		$	165,765

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



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Research Models and Services	$	507,327	$	511,350	$	521,633
Discovery and Safety Assessment	538,218		432,378		408,908
Endotoxin and Microbial Detection	132,208		112,918		93,622
Other manufacturing support	119,909		108,882		105,367
Manufacturing Support	252,117		221,800		198,989
Total revenue	$	1,297,662	$	1,165,528	$	1,129,530

A summary of unallocated corporate overhead consists of the following:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Stock-based compensation expense	$	18,474	$	13,411	$	11,724
Salary, bonus and fringe	30,838		23,446		20,312
Consulting, audit and professional services	13,431		8,666		7,453
IT related expenses	6,528		11,646		12,622
Depreciation expense	7,703		6,334		6,260
Costs associated with evaluation and integration of acquisitions	6,285		1,752		3,772
Other general unallocated corporate expenses	8,816		8,721		9,082
Total unallocated corporate overhead costs	$	92,075	$	73,976	$	71,225

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

The following table presents revenues and other financial information by geographic locations of our businesses. Included in the other non-U.S. category below are operations located in China, Korea, Australia, Singapore and India. Revenues represent sales originating in entities physically located in the identified geographic area. Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets.



	U.S.		Europe		Canada		Japan		Other Non-U.S.		Consolidated
	(in thousands)
2014
Revenue	$	588,531	$	446,263	$	163,490	$	49,921	$	49,457	$	1,297,662
Long lived assets	386,624		153,203		95,272		23,896		17,802		676,797
2013
Revenue	$	551,340	$	353,688	$	162,404	$	59,370	$	38,726	$	1,165,528
Long lived assets	447,829		130,855		109,811		30,589		19,062		738,146
2012
Revenue	$	534,817	$	341,550	$	160,004	$	77,707	$	15,452	$	1,129,530
Long lived assets	476,927		122,351		124,302		39,642		2,457		765,679

- 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

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+ Details

Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations

14. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In 2011, the Company disposed of its Phase I clinical business, though the Company remained the guarantor of a facility lease with a term through January 2021. The Company recorded a liability for the Company's obligation under the lease, net of estimated sublease income, and reflected the liability on the consolidated balance sheet as discontinued operations. In 2012, due to an increased probability that the Company would be required to make future lease payments as guarantor, the Company recorded an additional contingent loss of $7.2 million. In 2013, the buyer of the Company's Phase I clinical business filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, resulting in an additional charge of $1.3 million. Effective July 2013, the Company assumed control of the leased property and assumed obligations under the lease consistent with the guarantee. As of December 27, 2014, the remaining lease payments amounted to $10.0 million.

Operating results from discontinued operations are as follows:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Loss from operations of discontinued businesses, before income taxes	$	(2,712	)	$	(2,035	)	$	(6,986	)
Benefit for income taxes	(986		)	(770		)	(2,734		)
Loss from operations of discontinued businesses, net of income taxes	$	(1,726	)	$	(1,265	)	$	(4,252	)

- 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).

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+ Details

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Selected Quarterly Financial Data Disclosure [Text Block]

15. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited)

The following table contains quarterly financial information for fiscal years 2014 and 2013. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of future period results.



	First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
Fiscal Year Ended December 27, 2014	(in thousands)
Total revenue	$	299,368		$	341,179		$	327,567		$	329,548
Gross profit	108,813			125,634			118,268			119,945
Operating income	39,706			51,025			46,172			40,767
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax	32,628			36,460			32,300			28,536
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	(270		)	(644		)	52			(864		)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	32,232			35,264			32,036			$	27,166
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic:
Continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	$	0.69		$	0.76		$	0.70		$	0.60
Discontinued operations	(0.01		)	(0.01		)	—			(0.02		)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.68		$	0.75		$	0.70		$	0.58
Diluted:
Continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	$	0.67		$	0.75		$	0.68		$	0.59
Discontinued operations	(0.01		)	(0.01		)	—			(0.02		)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.67		$	0.74		$	0.68		$	0.57
Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2013
Total revenue	$	291,238		$	292,933		$	292,129		$	289,228
Gross profit	104,211			102,570			99,926			88,195
Operating income	42,763			43,188			40,843			24,607
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax	25,926			28,628			31,336			19,526
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax	(155		)	(915		)	(113		)	(82		)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	25,578		$	27,284		$	30,867		$	19,099
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic:
Continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	$	0.54		$	0.58		$	0.65		$	0.41
Discontinued operations	—			(0.02		)	—			—
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.54		$	0.57		$	0.64		$	0.41
Diluted:
Continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	$	0.53		$	0.58		$	0.64		$	0.40
Discontinued operations	—			(0.02		)	—			—
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.53		$	0.56		$	0.64		$	0.40

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

The Company's fiscal year is the twelve-month period ending the last Saturday in December.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year statements to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications have no impact on period reported net income or cash flow.

Segment Reporting, Policy

Segment Reporting

The revised reportable segments are as follows:



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

⁽¹⁾ Research Model Services includes 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.

Use of Estimates

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include money market funds and time deposits with remaining maturities at the purchase date of three months or less.

Trade Receivables

Trade Receivables, Net

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Fair Value Measurement, Policy

Fair Value Measurements


•	Level 1 - Fair values are determined utilizing quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access;


•	Level 2 - Fair values are determined by utilizing quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in active markets or other market observable inputs such as interest rates, yield curves and foreign currency spot rates;


•	Level 3 - Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

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.


•	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.


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

Inventories

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

The Company generally depreciates the cost of its property, plant and equipment using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets as follows:



	Estimated useful lives
	(in years)
Land	Indefinite
Buildings	20 - 40
Machinery and equipment	3 - 20
Furniture and fixtures	5 - 10
Computer hardware and software	3 - 8
Vehicles	3 - 5
Leasehold improvements	Lesser of useful life or lease term

Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]

Business Combinations

Contingent Consideration

Valuation and Impairment of Goodiwll and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Valuation and Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets to be disposed of are carried at fair value less costs to sell.

Interest in Unincorporated Joint Ventures or Partnerships, Policy

Limited Partnerships

Accounting for Investment in Life Insurance Contracts

Life Insurance Contracts

Restructuring and Contract Termination Costs

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation

Revenue Recognition

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. For the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, advertising costs totaled $1.3 million, $1.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

Income Taxes

Foreign Currency Translation

Translation of Foreign Currencies

Pension Plans

Pension and Other Retiree Benefit Plans

The rate of compensation increase reflects the expected annual salary increases for the plan participants based on historical experience and the current employee compensation strategy.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Earnings Per Share

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy

New Accounting Pronouncements

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Lives [Table Text Block]

The Company generally depreciates the cost of its property, plant and equipment using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets as follows:



	Estimated useful lives
	(in years)
Land	Indefinite
Buildings	20 - 40
Machinery and equipment	3 - 20
Furniture and fixtures	5 - 10
Computer hardware and software	3 - 8
Vehicles	3 - 5
Leasehold improvements	Lesser of useful life or lease term

Business Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

ChanTest [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]

The preliminary purchase price allocation of $52.1 million, net of $7.2 million in cash acquired, is as follows:



	October 29, 2014
	(in thousands)
Current assets (excluding cash)	4,648
Property, plant and equipment	1,579
Definite-lived intangible assets	23,920
Goodwill	34,927
Current liabilities	(3,515		)
Long-term liabilities	(9,486		)
Total purchase price allocation	$	52,073

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:



	October 29, 2014		Weighted average amortization life
	(in thousands)		(in years)
Client relationships	$	19,000	13
Other intangible assets	4,920		9
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	23,920

Early Discovery UK [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]

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



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

EMD [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

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

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



	October 4, 2013		Weighted average amortization life
	(in thousands)		(in years)
Client relationships	$	1,870	8
Other intangible assets	15		2
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	1,885

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]

EMD Singapore

The purchase price allocation is as follows:



	October 4, 2013
	(in thousands)
Current assets (excluding cash)	$	300
Property, plant and equipment	154
Definite-lived intangible assets	1,885
Goodwill	2,659
Current liabilities	(64		)
Total purchase price allocation	$	4,934

Vital River [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

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

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



	January 4, 2013		Weighted average amortization life
	(in thousands)		(in years)
Client relationships	$	14,741	12
Reacquired rights	2,053		1
Other intangible assets	160		3
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	16,954

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]

Vital River

The purchase price allocation is as follows:



	January 4, 2013
	(in thousands)
Current assets (excluding cash)	$	3,092
Property, plant and equipment	10,468
Other long-term assets	2,242
Definite-lived intangible assets	16,954
Goodwill	16,989
Current liabilities	(11,303		)
Long-term liabilities	(5,260		)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	(8,963		)
Total purchase price allocation	$	24,219

Accugenix [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

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

The definite-lived intangible assets acquired are as follows:



	August 24, 2012		Weighted average amortization life
	(in thousands)		(in years)
Client relationships	$	1,500	13
Propriety database	4,100		11
Standard operating procedures	2,500		4
Trademarks	300		12
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	8,400

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]

The purchase price allocation of $16.9 million, net of $1.5 million of cash acquired is as follows:



	August 24, 2012
	(in thousands)
Current assets (excluding cash)	$	2,162
Property, plant and equipment	549
Definite-lived intangible assets	8,400
Goodwill	10,361
Current liabilities	(911		)
Long-term liabilities	(3,700		)
Total purchase price allocation	$	16,861

Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Disclosure (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Early Discovery UK [Member]

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue	$	1,322,771	$	1,249,649	$	1,215,263
Net income	$	128,195	98,508		85,902
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	2.75	$	2.06	$	1.79
Diluted	$	2.70	$	2.03	$	1.77

Restructuring and Asset Impairments Restructuring and Asset Impairments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Impairment of Long Lived Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure

3. RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS

Facilities

In the fiscal year 2014, the Company committed to plans to consolidate certain research model operations in the U.S., Japan, and Europe. As a result, the Company recorded $2.2 million of asset impairments and other charges and $4.3 million of accelerated depreciation related to certain facilities impacted by the consolidation plans. Also, in the fiscal year 2014, the Company recorded a gain of $1.0 million on the sale of a European facility.

In the fiscal year 2013, due to changes in real estate values in surrounding properties, the Company performed an impairment test on long-lived assets classified as held-for-use, which resulted in an asset impairment charge of $3.8 million, included in cost of revenue. The Company also implemented a plan to consolidate production in its U.S. research model facilities. As a result, the Company revised the useful lives of a research model building that was abandoned and recorded accelerated deprecation to cost of revenue of $13.5 million. The Company also implemented a plan to consolidate operations within a Biologics leased facility in the U.S. As a result, the Company revised the useful lives of certain leasehold improvements that were abandoned and recorded accelerated deprecation to cost of revenue of $1.9 million.

In the fiscal year 2012, the Company commenced a consolidation of certain research model operations in Europe. As a result, it recorded an impairment charge of $3.5 million to cost of revenue for the disposition of certain facilities. The Company continues to utilize some of the operations in a limited capacity. As a result, during the fiscal years 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded asset impairments of $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively, to cost of revenue related to the consolidation of the European operations.

Staff Reductions

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



	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	2,782		$	3,636		$	3,374
Expense	7,792			3,223			2,576
Payments/Utilization	(7,908		)	(4,077		)	(2,314		)
Balance, end of period	$	2,666		$	2,782		$	3,636

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



	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Severance charges included in cost of sales	$	3,342	$	1,477	$	1,203
Severance charges included in selling, general and administrative	4,450		1,746		1,373
Total expense	$	7,792	$	3,223	$	2,576

The following table presents severance and retention cost by reportable segment:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Research models and services	$	4,593	$	1,429	$	1,015
Discovery and safety assessment	2,912		1,625		1,494
Manufacturing support	166		169		67
Corporate	121		—		—
Total expense	$	7,792	$	3,223	$	2,576

Supplemental Balance Sheet (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]

Composition of Trade Receivables

The composition of trade receivables, net is as follows:



	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Client receivables	$	219,118		$	190,423
Unbilled revenue	43,780			35,184
Total	262,898			225,607
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(4,907		)	(4,977		)
Trade receivables, net	$	257,991		$	220,630

Composition of Other Assets

The composition of other assets is as follows:



	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Deferred financing costs	$	5,401	$	7,126
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	27,603		26,507
Investment in limited partnerships	27,047		17,911
Other assets	18,301		10,420
Other assets	$	78,352	$	61,964

Schedule of Inventory, Current

The composition of inventories is as follows:



	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Raw materials and supplies	$	15,416	$	15,028
Work in process	11,802		11,715
Finished products	61,825		62,653
Inventories	$	89,043	$	89,396

Composition of Other Current Assets

The composition of other current assets is as follows:



	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Prepaid assets	$	26,900	$	20,058
Deferred tax asset	27,644		29,889
Time deposits	16,167		11,158
Prepaid income tax	26,287		25,247
Restricted cash	2,552		245
Other	291		—
Other current assets	$	99,841	$	86,597

Composition of Net Property, Plant and Equipment

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



	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Land	$	40,314		$	40,157
Buildings	682,495			694,074
Machinery and equipment	384,713			367,244
Leasehold improvements	37,270			37,959
Furniture and fixtures	22,577			24,013
Vehicles	3,967			3,859
Computer hardware and software	119,474			112,328
Construction in progress ⁽¹⁾	40,970			42,075
Total	1,331,780			1,321,709
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(654,983		)	(645,527		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	676,797		$	676,182

Composition of Other Current Liabilities

The composition of other current liabilities is as follows:



	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Accrued income taxes	$	9,362	$	18,773
Current deferred tax liability	1,484		1,960
Accrued interest and other	233		1,813
Other current liabilities	$	11,079	$	22,546

Schedule of Other Liabilities, Noncurrent

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



	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Deferred tax liability	$	30,816	$	14,988
Long-term pension liability	45,135		16,219
Accrued Executive Supplemental Life Insurance Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan	33,007		28,708
Other long-term liabilities	21,403		10,717
Other long-term liabilities	$	130,361	$	70,632

Fair Value (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

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



	December 27, 2014
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(in thousands)
Cash equivalents	$	—	$	1,934	$	—	$	1,934
Life insurance policies	—		20,520		—		20,520
Total assets measured at fair value	—		22,454		—		22,454

Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—		—		28,419		28,419
Contingent consideration	—		—		2,828		2,828
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	—	$	31,247	$	31,247



	December 28, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(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

During the fiscal years 2014 and 2013, there were no transfers between fair value levels.

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

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest



	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	20,581		$	—
Additions	—			8,963
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	855			687
Foreign currency translation	(442		)	367
Change in fair value included in additional paid-in capital	7,425			10,564
Ending balance	$	28,419		$	20,581

Contingent Consideration

The following table provides a rollforward of the contingent consideration related to the acquisition of Argenta, BioFocus, VivoPath and ChanTest. See Note 2, "Business Acquisitions."



	December 27, 2014
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	—
Additions	2,678
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Change in fair value	150
Ending balance	$	2,828

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Goodwill [Line Items]

Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]

Goodwill

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



				Adjustments to Goodwill							Adjustments to Goodwill
	December 29, 2012			Acquisitions		Foreign Exchange		December 28, 2013			Acquisitions		Transfers		Foreign Exchange		December 27, 2014
	(in thousands)
Research Models and Services
Gross carrying amount	$	63,139		$	19,647	$	765	$	83,551		$	—	(23,172	)	(1,183	)	59,196
Discovery and Safety Assessment
Gross carrying amount	1,150,470			—		1,680		1,152,150			102,171		(9,196	)	(10,823	)	1,234,302
Accumulated impairment loss	(1,005,000		)	—		—		(1,005,000		)	—		—		—		(1,005,000	)
Manufacturing Support
Gross carrying amount	—			—		—		—					32,368		211		32,579
Total
Gross carrying amount	1,213,609							1,235,701									1,326,077
Accumulated impairment loss	(1,005,000		)					(1,005,000		)							(1,005,000	)
Goodwill	$	208,609						$	230,701								321,077

Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets by major class

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



	December 27, 2014							December 28, 2013
	Gross		Accumulated amortization			Net		Gross		Accumulated amortization			Net
	(in thousands)
Backlog	$	8,728	$	(6,636	)	$	2,092	$	2,916	$	(2,507	)	$	409
Client relationships	379,339		(217,938		)	161,401		311,507		(238,002		)	73,505
Trademarks and trade names	6,603		(5,314		)	1,289		5,399		(4,997		)	402
Standard operating procedures	2,309		(1,642		)	667		2,754		(1,498		)	1,256
Other identifiable intangible assets	16,334		(6,346		)	9,988		10,432		(4,905		)	5,527
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	413,313	$	(237,876	)	$	175,437	$	333,008	$	(251,909	)	$	81,099

Schedule of estimated amortization expense

Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets for each of the next five fiscal years is expected to be as follows:



Fiscal Year	Amortization Expense
	(in thousands)
2015	$	21,116
2016	20,355
2017	18,501
2018	17,312
2019	14,306

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of long-term debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:



	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Term loans	$	378,000		$	409,500
Revolving credit facility	375,536			253,308
Other long-term debt	214			241
Total debt	753,750			663,049
Less: current portion of long-term debt	(31,714		)	(21,241		)
Long-term debt	$	722,036		$	641,808

Schedule of principal maturities of existing debt excluding unamortized debt discount



Fiscal Year	Principal
	(in thousands)
2015	$	31,714
2016	47,250
2017	68,250
2018	606,536
Total	$	753,750

Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Reconciliation of the numerator and denominator in the computations of the basic and diluted earnings per share

Earnings Per Share

The following table illustrates the numerator and denominator in the computations of the basic and diluted earnings per share:



				Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Numerator:
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	$	128,424		$	104,093		$	101,547
Loss from discontinued businesses, net of income taxes	(1,726		)	(1,265		)	(4,252		)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	126,698		$	102,828		$	97,295
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding—Basic	46,627			47,740			47,912
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and contingently issued restricted stock	931			749			494
Weighted-average shares outstanding—Diluted	47,558			48,489			48,406

Schedule of composition of accumulated other comprehensive income

Changes to each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax, are as follows:



	Translation Adjustment			Pension Gains(Losses) and Prior Service (Cost) Credit Not Yet Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs			Total
	(in thousands)
December 29, 2012	$	44,057		$	(37,454	)	$	6,603
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(15,751		)	19,293			3,542
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			3,017			3,017
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(15,751		)	22,310			6,559
Income tax benefit (expense)	197			(8,002		)	(7,805		)
December 28, 2013	28,503			(23,146		)	5,357
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(48,499		)	(42,236		)	(90,735		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			1,234			1,234
Net current period other comprehensive loss	(48,499		)	(41,002		)	(89,501		)
Income tax benefit	105			9,792			9,897
December 27, 2014	$	(19,891	)	$	(54,356	)	$	(74,247	)

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Analysis of the components of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and the related provision for income taxes

The components of income from continuing operations before income taxes and the related provision for income taxes are presented below:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes:
U.S.	$	71,002		$	39,900		$	35,504
Non-U.S.	106,593			98,427			94,242
	177,595			138,327			129,746
Income tax provision:
Current:
Federal	13,733			10,832			(1,447		)
Foreign	20,364			18,370			26,411
State	4,746			4,240			1,353
Total current	38,843			33,442			26,317
Deferred:
Federal	12,982			5,468			13,132
Foreign	(4,672		)	(6,431		)	(12,683		)
State	518			432			862
Total deferred	8,828			(531		)	1,311
	$	47,671		$	32,911		$	27,628

Schedule of net deferred taxes

The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:



	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Compensation	$	49,702		$	38,836
Accruals and reserves	7,061			2,356
Inventory reserves and valuations	1,940			1,696
Financing related	993			1,594
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards	39,927			47,026
Other	4,426			2,262
Valuation allowance	(5,866		)	(7,071		)
Total deferred tax assets:	98,183			86,699

Deferred tax liabilities:
Goodwill and other intangibles	(52,029		)	(21,826		)
Depreciation related	(23,549		)	(22,389		)
Investments in limited partnerships	(4,067		)	(2,720		)
Total deferred tax liabilities:	(79,645		)	(46,935		)
Net deferred taxes	$	18,538		$	39,764

Reconciliation of statutory U.S. Federal income tax rate to effective tax rates

Reconciliations of the statutory U.S. Federal income tax rate to effective tax rates are as follows:



	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
U.S. statutory income tax rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
Foreign tax rate differences	(9.4	)%	(8.0	)%	(8.0	)%
State income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit	1.9	%	1.6	%	1.5	%
Unbenefitted losses and changes in valuation allowance	0.1	%	0.4	%	0.8	%
Research tax credits and enhanced deductions	(4.1	)%	(6.6	)%	(8.2	)%
Enacted tax rate changes	—	%	(0.4	)%	(0.2	)%
Impact of tax uncertainties	(0.7	)%	1.0	%	(1.2	)%
Impact of acquisitions and restructuring	1.6	%	0.2	%	0.1	%
Other	2.4	%	0.6	%	1.5	%
	26.8	%	23.8	%	21.3	%

Reconciliation of unrecognized income tax benefits

A reconciliation of the Company's beginning and ending unrecognized income tax benefits is as follows:



	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	18,475		$	30,996		$	27,976
Additions to tax positions for current year	1,700			2,009			1,907
Additions to tax positions for prior years	18,502			1,709			4,196
Reductions to tax positions for current year	—			—			—
Reductions to tax positions for prior years	(3,722		)	(732		)	(28		)
Settlements	(308		)	(15,246		)	(3,055		)
Expiration of statute of limitations	(20		)	(261		)	—
Ending balance	$	34,627		$	18,475		$	30,996

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Employee benefits

Schedule of obligations and funded status

The following tables provide a reconciliation of benefit obligations and plan assets of the Company's pension plans and supplemental post-retirement benefit plans:



	Pension Benefits						Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Change in projected benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	286,212		$	283,063		$	29,498		$	27,372
Service cost	3,397			3,368			758			643
Interest cost	12,822			11,273			1,009			708
Benefit payments	(9,002		)	(8,300		)	(722		)	(726		)
Actuarial loss (gain)	50,550			(4,276		)	1,703			1,501
Administrative expenses paid	(459		)	(308		)	—			—
Effect of foreign exchange	(16,636		)	1,392			—			—
Benefit obligation at end of year	326,884			286,212			32,246			29,498
Change in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	272,659			238,672			—			—
Actual return on plan assets	25,630			30,820			—			—
Employer contributions	6,874			9,570			722			726
Benefit payments	(9,002		)	(8,300		)	(722		)	(726		)
Premiums paid	(459		)	(308		)	—			—
Effect of foreign exchange	(14,412		)	2,205			—			—
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	281,290		$	272,659		$	—		$	—

Net balance sheet liability	$	45,594		$	13,553		$	32,246		$	29,498

Amounts recognized in balance sheet:
Non-current assets	$	61		$	2,738		$	—		$	—
Current liabilities	169			72			744			789
Non-current liabilities	45,486			16,219			31,502			28,709

Schedule of amounts recognized as part of accumulated other comprehensive income

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:



	Pension Benefits						Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	Fiscal Year Ended						Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Net actuarial loss	$	73,433		$	35,481		$	5,761	$	4,307
Net prior service cost (credit)	(5,388		)	(6,338		)	—		660
Net amount recognized	$	68,045		$	29,143		$	5,761	$	4,967

Schedule of defined benefit plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets

The accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the Company plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets are as follows:



	Pension Benefits				Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	299,127	$	81,117	$	29,994	$	27,938
Fair value of plan assets	267,026		68,430		—		—

Schedule of defined benefit plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets

The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the Company plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets are as follows:



	Pension Benefits				Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
	(in thousands)
Projected benefit obligation	$	326,731	$	99,671	$	32,246	$	29,498
Fair value of plan assets	281,075		83,379		—		—

Schedule of amounts in AOCI expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year

The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are as follows:



	Pension Benefits			Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	(in thousands)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	$	3,227		$	269
Amortization of net prior service credit	(602		)	—

Components of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans

Components of net periodic benefit cost:



	Pension Benefits									Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	Fiscal Year Ended									Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012			December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Service cost	$	3,397		$	3,368		$	3,729		$	758	$	643	$	640
Interest cost	12,822			11,273			11,289			1,009		708		892
Expected return on plan assets	(17,444		)	(14,672		)	(13,799		)	—		—		—
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	961			2,711			2,461			250		249		260
Amortization of net loss (gain)	(637		)	(603		)	(609		)	660		660		660
Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	(901	)	$	2,077		$	3,071		$	2,677	$	2,260	$	2,452

Schedule of weighted-average assumptions

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine projected benefit obligations:



	Pension Benefits				Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
Discount rate	3.79	%	4.54	%	3.34	%	3.47	%
Rate of compensation increase	3.19	%	3.39	%	3.00	%	3.00	%

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:



	Pension Benefits						Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012		December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
Discount rate	4.54	%	4.13	%	4.47	%	3.47	%	2.63	%	3.42	%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	6.41	%	6.27	%	6.55	%	—		—		—
Rate of compensation increase	3.39	%	3.04	%	3.12	%	3.00	%	2.50	%	2.50	%

Defined Benefit Plan, Additional Disclosures about Plan Assets

The fair value of the Company's pension plan assets by asset category are as follows:



	December 27, 2014								December 28, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(in thousands)
Cash	$	1	$	—	$	—	$	1	$	1,004	$	—	$	—	$	1,004
Equity securities^(a)	80,692		5,126		—		85,818		97,857		5,059		—		102,916
Debt securities^(b)	69,716		3,232		—		72,948		62,717		3,487		—		66,204
Mutual funds^(c)	67,079		53,330		—		120,409		65,152		35,610		—		100,762
Other	297		46		1,771		2,114		299		48		1,426		1,773
Total	$	217,785	$	61,734	$	1,771	$	281,290	$	227,029	$	44,204	$	1,426	$	272,659


(a)	This category comprises equity securities held by non-U.S. pension plans valued at the quoted closing price, and translated into U.S. dollars using a foreign currency exchange rate at year end.


(b)	This category comprises debt securities held by non-U.S. pension plans valued at the quoted closing price, and translated into U.S. dollars using a foreign currency exchange rate at year end.


(c)	This category comprises mutual funds valued at the net asset value of shares held at year end.

Schedule of Level 3 plan asset rollforward

Schedule of estimated future benefit payments



	Pension Benefits		Supplemental Retirement Benefits
	(in thousands)
2015	$	6,811	$	759
2016	6,832		13,090
2017	7,194		740
2018	8,384		727
2019	8,700		7,147
2020-2024	57,116		11,286

Stock Plans and Stock Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 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:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Stock-based compensation expense included in:
Cost of revenue	$	5,382		$	5,381		$	5,470
Selling, general and administrative	25,653			19,161			16,385
Stock-based compensation expense, before income taxes	31,035			24,542			21,855
Provision for income taxes	(11,006		)	(8,658		)	(7,793		)
After-tax effect of stock-based compensation expense	$	20,029		$	15,884		$	14,062

Summary of stock option activity in equity incentive plans

The following table summarizes stock option activities under the Company's stock-based compensation plans:



	Number of shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Options outstanding as of December 28, 2013	3,768,733		$	40.81
Options granted	568,615		$	57.82
Options exercised	(1,733,293	)	$	42.46
Options canceled	(50,820	)	$	45.03
Options outstanding as of December 27, 2014	2,553,235		$	43.39	3.9	$	53,383
Options exercisable as of December 27, 2014	1,149,763		$	39.92	2.3	$	28,034
Options expected to vest as of December 27, 2014	1,200,470		$	45.95	5.1	$	22,016

Schedule of weighted-average assumptions

The fair value of stock options granted was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
Expected life (in years)	4.2		4.2		4.5
Expected volatility	30	%	33	%	35	%
Risk-free interest rate	1.55	%	0.80	%	0.84	%
Expected dividend yield	—		—		—

Summary of restricted stock activity

The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity for the fiscal year 2014:



	Restricted Stock		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	(in thousands)
December 28, 2013	1,096,550		$	36.44
Granted	479,104		58.87
Vested	(362,770	)	38.21
Canceled	(25,034	)	41.51
December 27, 2014	1,187,850		$	46.83

Share-based Compensation, Performance Shares Award Outstanding Activity [Table Text Block]



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
PSUs granted	214,823		163,847
Weighted average per share fair value	$67.82		$44.47
Key Assumptions:
Expected volatility	29	%	32	%
Risk-free interest rate	0.63	%	0.38	%
Expected dividend yield	—	%	—	%
20 trading day average stock price on grant date	13.1	%	6.9	%

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of future minimum payments under noncancellable operating leases

As of December 27, 2014, minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases, net of income from subleases, for each of the next five years and total thereafter were as follows:



	Minimum lease payments
	(in thousands)
2015	$	12,102
2016	9,854
2017	7,331
2018	4,284
2019	3,577
Thereafter	7,769
Total	$	44,917

Business Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 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.



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Research Models and Services
Revenue	$	507,327	$	511,350	$	521,633
Gross margin	190,092		179,493		198,291
Operating income	121,376		116,737		143,783
Total assets	375,415		460,594		411,874
Long-lived assets	138,021		161,027		172,641
Depreciation and amortization	27,512		41,837		26,725
Capital expenditures	18,749		16,717		27,077
Discovery and Safety Assessment
Revenue	$	538,218	$	432,378	$	408,908
Gross margin	150,970		106,766		97,908
Operating income	69,749		47,413		35,688
Total assets	1,088,171		766,243		760,370
Long-lived assets	408,280		394,741		414,584
Depreciation and amortization	47,138		37,720		41,001
Capital expenditures	19,759		12,561		10,051
Manufacturing Support
Revenue	$	252,117	$	221,800	$	198,989
Gross margin	131,598		108,643		95,882
Operating income	78,620		61,227		57,519
Total assets	274,952		246,467		228,804
Long-lived assets	71,367		66,352		64,254
Depreciation and amortization	14,092		17,079		13,549
Capital expenditures	15,541		9,876		10,407

Reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated operating income

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



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Total segment operating income	$	269,745		$	225,377		$	236,990
Unallocated corporate overhead	(92,075		)	(73,976		)	(71,225		)
Consolidated operating income	$	177,670		$	151,401		$	165,765

Schedule of net sales for each significant service area

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



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Research Models and Services	$	507,327	$	511,350	$	521,633
Discovery and Safety Assessment	538,218		432,378		408,908
Endotoxin and Microbial Detection	132,208		112,918		93,622
Other manufacturing support	119,909		108,882		105,367
Manufacturing Support	252,117		221,800		198,989
Total revenue	$	1,297,662	$	1,165,528	$	1,129,530

Summary of unallocated corporate overhead

A summary of unallocated corporate overhead consists of the following:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Stock-based compensation expense	$	18,474	$	13,411	$	11,724
Salary, bonus and fringe	30,838		23,446		20,312
Consulting, audit and professional services	13,431		8,666		7,453
IT related expenses	6,528		11,646		12,622
Depreciation expense	7,703		6,334		6,260
Costs associated with evaluation and integration of acquisitions	6,285		1,752		3,772
Other general unallocated corporate expenses	8,816		8,721		9,082
Total unallocated corporate overhead costs	$	92,075	$	73,976	$	71,225

Schedule of sales and other financial information by geographic regions



	U.S.		Europe		Canada		Japan		Other Non-U.S.		Consolidated
	(in thousands)
2014
Revenue	$	588,531	$	446,263	$	163,490	$	49,921	$	49,457	$	1,297,662
Long lived assets	386,624		153,203		95,272		23,896		17,802		676,797
2013
Revenue	$	551,340	$	353,688	$	162,404	$	59,370	$	38,726	$	1,165,528
Long lived assets	447,829		130,855		109,811		30,589		19,062		738,146
2012
Revenue	$	534,817	$	341,550	$	160,004	$	77,707	$	15,452	$	1,129,530
Long lived assets	476,927		122,351		124,302		39,642		2,457		765,679

Discontinued Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Schedule of operating results from discontinued operations

Operating results from discontinued operations are as follows:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	(in thousands)
Loss from operations of discontinued businesses, before income taxes	$	(2,712	)	$	(2,035	)	$	(6,986	)
Benefit for income taxes	(986		)	(770		)	(2,734		)
Loss from operations of discontinued businesses, net of income taxes	$	(1,726	)	$	(1,265	)	$	(4,252	)

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Table Text Block]

The following table contains quarterly financial information for fiscal years 2014 and 2013. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of future period results.



	First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
Fiscal Year Ended December 27, 2014	(in thousands)
Total revenue	$	299,368		$	341,179		$	327,567		$	329,548
Gross profit	108,813			125,634			118,268			119,945
Operating income	39,706			51,025			46,172			40,767
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax	32,628			36,460			32,300			28,536
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	(270		)	(644		)	52			(864		)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	32,232			35,264			32,036			$	27,166
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic:
Continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	$	0.69		$	0.76		$	0.70		$	0.60
Discontinued operations	(0.01		)	(0.01		)	—			(0.02		)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.68		$	0.75		$	0.70		$	0.58
Diluted:
Continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	$	0.67		$	0.75		$	0.68		$	0.59
Discontinued operations	(0.01		)	(0.01		)	—			(0.02		)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.67		$	0.74		$	0.68		$	0.57
Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2013
Total revenue	$	291,238		$	292,933		$	292,129		$	289,228
Gross profit	104,211			102,570			99,926			88,195
Operating income	42,763			43,188			40,843			24,607
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax	25,926			28,628			31,336			19,526
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax	(155		)	(915		)	(113		)	(82		)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	25,578		$	27,284		$	30,867		$	19,099
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic:
Continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	$	0.54		$	0.58		$	0.65		$	0.41
Discontinued operations	—			(0.02		)	—			—
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.54		$	0.57		$	0.64		$	0.41
Diluted:
Continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	$	0.53		$	0.58		$	0.64		$	0.40
Discontinued operations	—			(0.02		)	—			—
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.53		$	0.56		$	0.64		$	0.40

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Cash and Cash Equivalents, Trade Receivables and Concentrations of Credit Risk) (Details) - Client Concentration Risk [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014 customers
Composition of trade receivables
Number of clients representing large percentage of sales or trade receivables	0
Max percentage, clients representing large percentage of sales or trade receivables	5.00%

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Equity Method Affiliates) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	$ 9,301	$ 5,864	$ (618)
Biotechnology and Medical Device Companies [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Unit Distribution	7.4
Equity method investments, limited partnership, total committed contribution	$ 65,000
Equity method investments, limited partnership, committed contribution	19,647
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	$ 9,301	$ 5,864	$ (618)
Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	3.80%
Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	12.00%

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Property, Plant and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Additional Disclosures	20 - 40
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Additional Disclosures	3 - 20
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Additional Disclosures	5 - 10
Computer Hardware and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Additional Disclosures	3 - 8
Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Additional Disclosures	3 - 5
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Additional Disclosures	Lesser of useful life or lease term

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Life Insurance Contracts) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 27, 2014 USD ($) units	Dec. 28, 2013 USD ($) units
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Life Settlement Contracts, Investment Method, Face Value \| $	$ 68.2	$ 67.5
Life Settlement Contracts, Investment Method, Number of Contracts \| units	40	30

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Advertising Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Advertising Costs [Abstract]
Advertising Expense	$ 1.3	$ 1.1	$ 0.9

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Pension Plans (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014 USD ($)
Change in Discount Rate Methodology [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Postretirement Obligations	$ 5.5
Change in Mortality Tables [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Postretirement Obligations	6.0
Change in Core Projection [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Postretirement Obligations	$ 1.9

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Effect on Unrecognized Tax Benefits of adoption of ASU 2013-11	$ 16,200	$ 11,900

Business Acquisitions Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 29, 2012

Dec. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Jun. 16, 2014

Apr. 01, 2014

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Local Currency

$ 5,000

Contingent Consideration USD

$ 6,100

6,100

Acquisition of businesses and assets, net of cash acquired

$ 234,267

$ 29,218

$ 16,861

Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent

75.00%

Redeemable noncontrolling interest percentage to acquire

25.00%

Goodwill

$ 321,077

230,701

$ 208,609

Transaction Costs

$ 5,300

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment

3651

Vital River [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

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

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



	January 4, 2013		Weighted average amortization life
	(in thousands)		(in years)
Client relationships	$	14,741	12
Reacquired rights	2,053		1
Other intangible assets	160		3
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	16,954

Cash Acquired from Acquisition

2,671

Purchase price allocation, current assets

3,092

$ 3,092

Purchase price allocation, property, plant, and equipment

10,468

Purchase price allocation, other noncurrent assets

2,242

Goodwill

16,989

Purchase price allocation, current liabilities

(11,303)

Purchase price allocation, noncurrent liabilities

(5,260)

Purchase price allocation, redeemable noncontrolling interest

(8,963)

Purchase price allocation, total

24,219

Definite-lived intangible assets

16,954

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

16,954

Early Discovery UK [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

300

Contingent Consideration USD

2,000

Acquisition of businesses and assets, net of cash acquired

52,100

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

52,073

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

59,300

Cash Acquired from Acquisition

7,200

Purchase price allocation, current assets

4,648

Purchase price allocation, property, plant, and equipment

1,579

Goodwill

34,927

Purchase price allocation, current liabilities

(3,515)

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt

(9,486)

Definite-lived intangible assets

23,920

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

23,920

Transaction Costs

1,100

EMD Singapore [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 4,934

Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired

100.00%

Purchase price allocation, current assets

300

Purchase price allocation, property, plant, and equipment

154

Goodwill

2,659

Purchase price allocation, current liabilities

(64)

Purchase price allocation, total

4,934

$ 4,934

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

8 years

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

1,885

$ 1,885

Accugenix [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

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

The definite-lived intangible assets acquired are as follows:



	August 24, 2012		Weighted average amortization life
	(in thousands)		(in years)
Client relationships	$	1,500	13
Propriety database	4,100		11
Standard operating procedures	2,500		4
Trademarks	300		12
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	8,400

Acquisition of businesses and assets, net of cash acquired

$ 16,861

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 18,408

Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired

100.00%

Cash Acquired from Acquisition

$ 1,547

Purchase price allocation, current assets

2,162

Purchase price allocation, property, plant, and equipment

549

Goodwill

10,361

Purchase price allocation, current liabilities

(911)

Purchase price allocation, noncurrent liabilities

(3,700)

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

8,400

VivoPath [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

$ 1,567

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

$ 2,400

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 2,267

Early Discovery UK [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

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

31,257

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

$ 1,000

Acquisition of businesses and assets, net of cash acquired

183,100

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

183,142

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 191,349

Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired

100.00%

Cash Acquired from Acquisition

8,200

Purchase price allocation, property, plant, and equipment

21,008

Purchase price allocation, other noncurrent assets

11,549

Goodwill

66,330

Purchase price allocation, current liabilities

(14,299)

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt

(36,973)

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

$ 104,270

Client relationships

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

13 years

Client relationships | Vital River [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Definite-lived intangible assets

$ 14,741

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

12 years

Client relationships | Early Discovery UK [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Definite-lived intangible assets

$ 19,000

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

13 years

Client relationships | EMD Singapore [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Definite-lived intangible assets

$ 1,870

Client relationships | Accugenix [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Definite-lived intangible assets

1,500

Client relationships | Early Discovery UK [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Definite-lived intangible assets

$ 94,000

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

18 years

Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Vital River [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Definite-lived intangible assets

$ 160

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

3 years

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

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Definite-lived intangible assets

$ 4,920

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

9 years

Other Intangible Assets [Member] | EMD Singapore [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Definite-lived intangible assets

$ 15

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

2 years

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

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Definite-lived intangible assets

$ 2,400

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

19 years

Business Acquisitions Finite-lived intangible assets (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014 USD ($)
Client relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	13 years
Databases [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	11 years
Standard operating procedures
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	4 years
ChanTest [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	$ 23,920
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	23,920
ChanTest [Member] \| Client relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	$ 19,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	13 years
ChanTest [Member] \| Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	$ 4,920
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	9 years
Early Discovery UK [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	$ 104,270
Early Discovery UK [Member] \| Client relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	$ 94,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	18 years
Early Discovery UK [Member] \| Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	$ 2,400
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	19 years
Early Discovery UK [Member] \| Order or Production Backlog [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	$ 5,700
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	1 year
Early Discovery UK [Member] \| Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	$ 1,170
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	3 years
Early Discovery UK [Member] \| Above Market Leases [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	$ 1,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	13 years
Vital River [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	$ 16,954
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	16,954
Vital River [Member] \| Client relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	$ 14,741
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	12 years
Vital River [Member] \| Distribution Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	$ 2,053
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	1 year
Vital River [Member] \| Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	$ 160
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	3 years
EMD Singapore [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	8 years
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	$ 1,885
EMD Singapore [Member] \| Client relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	1,870
EMD Singapore [Member] \| Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	$ 15
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	2 years
Accugenix [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	$ 8,400
Accugenix [Member] \| Client relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	1,500
Accugenix [Member] \| Databases [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	4,100
Accugenix [Member] \| Standard operating procedures
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	$ 2,500
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	12 years
Accugenix [Member] \| Trademarks [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	$ 300

Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Disclosure (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	$ 71,400
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Operating Income of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	1820
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue	$ 1,322,771	$ 1,249,649	$ 1,215,263
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)	$ 128,195	$ 98,508	$ 85,902
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 2,750.00	$ 2,060.00	$ 1,790.00
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 2,700.00	$ 2,030.00	$ 1,770.00

Restructuring and Asset Impairments (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Restructuring and Asset Impairments (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset impairments	$ 2,200,000
Severance Costs	7,792,000	$ 3,223,000	$ 2,576,000
Restructuring Reserve	2,666,000	2,782,000	3,636,000	$ 3,374,000
Long-lived assets impairment charges		3,800,000	3,500,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Accelerated Depreciation	4,286,000
Restructuring Charges	7,792,000	3,223,000	2,576,000
Payments for Restructuring	(7,908,000)	(4,077,000)	(2,314,000)
U.S. Biologics [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Accelerated Depreciation		1,864,000
Hollister, CA facility [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Accelerated Depreciation		13,531,000
Research Models and Services
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Severance Costs	4,593,000	1,429,000	1,015,000
Long-lived assets impairment charges			449,000
Discovery and Safety Assessment
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Severance Costs	2,912,000	1,625,000	1,494,000
Manufacturing Support [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Severance Costs	166,000	169,000	67,000
Unallocated corporate overhead
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Severance Costs	121,000	0	0
Europe
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Long-lived assets impairment charges	312,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties	965,000
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Severance Costs	4,450,000	1,746,000	1,373,000
Cost of sales
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Severance Costs	3,342,000	1,477,000	$ 1,203,000
Accrued Compensation [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Severance and retention costs, current	2,202,000	1,500,000
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Severance and retention costs, noncurrent	$ 464,000	$ 1,307,000

Supplemental Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Other Assets, Current [Line Items]
Provision for Doubtful Accounts	$ 512	$ 1,332	$ 947
Prepaid assets	26,900	20,058
Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Current	291	0
Deferred tax asset	27,644	29,889
Prepaid income tax	26,287	25,247
Restricted cash	2,552	245
Other current assets	99,841	86,597
Bank Time Deposits [Member]
Other Assets, Current [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 16,167	$ 11,158

Supplemental Balance Sheet Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Other Assets, Current [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 70,488	$ 78,830	$ 63,207
Gross property, plant and equipment	1,331,780	1,321,709
Less accumulated depreciation	(654,983)	(645,527)
Property, plant and equipment, net	676,797	676,182
Building [Member]
Other Assets, Current [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	682,495	694,074
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Other Assets, Current [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	384,713	367,244
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Other Assets, Current [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	37,270	37,959
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Other Assets, Current [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	22,577	24,013
Vehicles [Member]
Other Assets, Current [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	3,967	3,859
Computer Hardware and Software [Member]
Other Assets, Current [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	119,474	112,328
Construction in Progress [Member]
Other Assets, Current [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	40,970	42,075
Land [Member]
Other Assets, Current [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	$ 40,314	$ 40,157

Supplemental Balance Sheet Other Assets, Noncurrent (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Deferred financing costs	$ 5,401	$ 7,126
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	27,603	26,507
Marketable Securities, Noncurrent	27,047	17,911
Equity Method Investments	18,301	10,420
Other assets	$ 78,352	$ 61,964

Supplemental Balance Sheet Other Liabilities, Current (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued income taxes	$ 9,362	$ 18,773
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current	1,484	1,960
Accrued Interest and Other Liabilities, Current	233	1,813
Other current liabilities	$ 11,079	$ 22,546

Supplemental Balance Sheet Other Liabilities, Noncurrent (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred tax liability	$ 30,816	$ 14,988
Long-term pension liability	45,135	16,219
Accrued Executive Supplemental Life Insurance Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan	33,007	28,708
Other long-term liabilities	21,403	10,717
Other long-term liabilities	$ 130,361	$ 70,632

Supplemental Balance Sheet Other Assets, Current (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Other Assets, Current [Line Items]
Provision for Doubtful Accounts	$ 512	$ 1,332	$ 947
Other current assets	99,841	86,597
Prepaid assets	26,900	20,058
Deferred tax asset	27,644	29,889
Prepaid income tax	26,287	25,247
Restricted cash	2,552	245
Bank Time Deposits [Member]
Other Assets, Current [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 16,167	$ 11,158

Supplemental Balance Sheet Trade Receivables, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Trade Receivables, Net [Abstract]
Trade Receivables from Customers	$ 219,118	$ 190,423
Unbilled Receivables, Current	43,780	35,184
Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current	262,898	225,607
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	4,907	4,977
Trade receivables, net	$ 257,991	$ 220,630

Supplemental Balance Sheet Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]
Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Net of Reserves	$ 15,416	$ 15,028
Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves	11,802	11,715
Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves	61,825	62,653
Inventories	$ 89,043	$ 89,396

Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	18.50%
Cash Surrender Value, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 20,520	$ 19,534
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	22,454	21,385
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	28,419	20,581
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	31,247	20,581
Contingent Consideration Classified as Equity, Fair Value Disclosure	2,828
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Cash Surrender Value, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	0
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Contingent Consideration Classified as Equity, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Cash Surrender Value, Fair Value Disclosure	20,520	19,534
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	22,454	21,385
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	0
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Contingent Consideration Classified as Equity, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Cash Surrender Value, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	28,419	20,581
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	31,247	20,581
Contingent Consideration Classified as Equity, Fair Value Disclosure	2,828
Bank Time Deposits [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Fair value, marketable securities	1,934	1,851
Bank Time Deposits [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Fair value, marketable securities	0	0
Bank Time Deposits [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Fair value, marketable securities	1,934	1,851
Bank Time Deposits [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Fair value, marketable securities	0	0
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value	7,425
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	28,419	20,581	$ 0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	855	687
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(442)	367
Contingent Consideration [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	2,828	$ 0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases	2,678
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	$ 150

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Finite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	$ 413,313	$ 333,008
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	237,876	251,909
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	175,437	81,099
Backlog
Finite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	8,728	2,916
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	6,636	2,507
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	2,092	409
Client relationships
Finite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	379,339	311,507
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	217,938	238,002
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	161,401	73,505
Trademarks and trade names
Finite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	6,603	5,399
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	5,314	4,997
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	1,289	402
Standard operating procedures
Finite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	2,309	2,754
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	1,642	1,498
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	667	1,256
Other identifiable intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	16,334	10,432
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	6,346	4,905
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 9,988	$ 5,527

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Indefinite-lived intangible assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets	$ 3,438	$ 3,438
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 25,957	$ 17,806	$ 18,068

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	$ 1,326,077	$ 1,235,701	$ 1,213,609
Goodwill	321,077	230,701	208,609
Research Models and Services
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	59,196	83,551	63,139
Goodwill, Transfers	(23,172)
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0	19,647
Goodwill, Other Changes	(1,183)	765
Discovery and Safety Assessment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	1,234,302	1,152,150	1,150,470
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	(1,005,000)	(1,005,000)	(1,005,000)
Goodwill, Transfers	(9,196)
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	102,171	0
Goodwill, Other Changes	(10,823)	1,680
Manufacturing Support [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	32,579	0	$ 0
Goodwill, Transfers	32,368
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0
Goodwill, Other Changes	$ 211	$ 0

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Amortization Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	$ 14,306
Amortization of intangible assets	25,957	$ 17,806	$ 18,068
Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years
Estimated amortization expense, 2014	21,116
Estimated amortization expense, 2016	20,355
Estimated amortization expense, 2017	18,501
Estimated amortization expense, 2018	$ 17,312

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Debt Instrument
Long-term Debt	$ 753,750	$ 663,049
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	606,536
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	31,714
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	47,250
Principal	753,750
Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Capacity Available Increase	350,000
Less: current portion of long-term debt	(31,714)	(21,241)
Capital Lease Obligations	988	740
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	722,036	641,808
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument
Maximum borrowing capacity	550,000
Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument
Total debt	970,000
U.S. Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	420,000
Other long-term debt
Debt Instrument
Long-term Debt	214	241
Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument
Long-term Debt	375,536	253,308
Term loan facilities
Debt Instrument
Long-term Debt	378,000	409,500
Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 5,009	$ 4,900
LIBOR [Member] \| Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.42%

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Additional Disclosures) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Build-To-Suit Leases, Costs Incurred	$ 23,100
Build-to-suit Lease Commitments in Next Twelve Months	2,031
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	68,621
Interest Expense	11,950	$ 20,969	$ 33,342
Long-term Debt	753,750	663,049
Capital lease obligations	988	740
Principal maturities of existing debt excluding unamortized debt discount
2014	31,714
2015	47,250
2016	68,250
2017	606,536
Total	753,750
Build-To-Suit Commitments, Year 2	2,707
Build-To-Suit Commitments, Year 3	2,707
Build-To-Suit Commitments, Year 4	2,707
Build-To-Suit Commitments, Year 5	2,707
Build-To-Suit Commitments, Thereafter	$ 55,762
Credit agreement \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	1.42%
Term loan facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 378,000	409,500
Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	375,536	253,308
Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding under letters of credit	$ 5,009	$ 4,900

Equity (Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Numerator:
Income (loss) from continuing operations for purposes of calculating earnings per share									$ 128,424	$ 104,093	$ 101,547
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$ (864)	$ 52	$ (644)	$ (270)	$ (82)	$ (113)	$ (915)	$ (155)	$ (1,726)	$ (1,265)	$ (4,252)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding-Basic (in shares)									46,626,997	47,740,167	47,912,135
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and contingently issued restricted stock (in shares)									47,557,705	48,489,322	48,406,320
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)	$ 0.60	$ 0.70	$ 0.76	$ 0.69	$ 0.41	$ 0.65	$ 0.58	$ 0.54	$ 2.76	$ 2.18	$ 2.12
Basic earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)	(0.02)	0.00	(0.01)	(0.01)	0.00	0.00	(0.02)	0.00	(0.04)	(0.03)	(0.09)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)	0.59	0.68	0.75	0.67	0.40	0.64	0.58	0.53	2.70	2.15	2.10
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)	$ (0.02)	$ 0.00	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ (0.02)	$ 0.00	$ (0.04)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.09)
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ 27,166	$ 32,036	$ 35,264	$ 32,232	$ 19,099	$ 30,867	$ 27,284	$ 25,578
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest									$ 128,198	$ 104,151	$ 97,866
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 675,927				$ 644,077				$ 675,927	$ 644,077	$ 603,200	$ 527,363
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities									931,000	749,000	494,185
Stock options
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount (in shares)									645,000	2,289,000	4,591,000
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted average shares outstanding-Diluted (in shares)									1,188,000	1,097,000	935,000

Equity (Treasury Stock) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended			53 Months Ended
Equity (Treasury Stock) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 27, 2014
Treasury Shares and Accelerated Stock Repurchase Program (ASR)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	$ 28,419	$ 20,581		$ 28,419
Authorized amount of stock repurchase	1,200,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Increase (Decrease)	250,000			500,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	178,453
Purchase of treasury stock and Accelerated Stock Repurchase Program	$ 122,018	$ 165,932	$ 64,189
Number of shares of common stock repurchased (in shares)	2,207,000	3,581,000	1,790,000
Fair market value of treasury shares purchased	$ (117,380)	$ (170,271)	$ (64,489)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 3,724	$ 3,093		$ 3,724
Open market repurchases
Treasury Shares and Accelerated Stock Repurchase Program (ASR)
Number of shares of common stock repurchased (in shares)	2,093,000	3,468,000	1,706,000
Total cost of repurchase of treasury shares	$ 110,646	$ 165,717	$ 61,442

Equity (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, OCI Before Reclassifications	$ (48,499)	$ (15,751)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, OCI Before Reclassifications	(42,236)	19,293
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), OCI Before Reclassifications	(90,735)	3,542
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Reclassifications	0	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Reclassifications	1,234	3,017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassifications	1,234	3,017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Beginning Balance	28,503	44,057
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension Gains/(Losses) and Prior Service (Cost)/Credit Not Yet Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs, Beginning Balance	(23,146)	(37,454)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	5,357	6,603
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Period Change	(48,499)	(15,751)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension Gains/(Losses) and Prior Service (Cost)/Credit Not Yet Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs, Period change	(41,002)	22,310
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(89,501)	6,559
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax	105	197
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension Gains/(Losses) and Prior Service (Cost)/Credit Not Yet Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs, Tax	9,792	(8,002)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Ending Balance	(19,891)	28,503
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension Gains/(Losses) and Prior Service (Cost)/Credit Not Yet Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs, Ending Balance	(54,356)	(23,146)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(74,247)	5,357
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 9,897	$ (7,805)

Equity (Warrants) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014 USD ($) increments $ / shares shares	Dec. 28, 2013 USD ($)
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants \| $ / shares	$ 59.63
Warrants and Rights Outstanding		$ 1,271
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 3,724	$ 3,093
Warrants [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants issued (in shares) \| shares	7,200,000
Number of equal increments over which the warrants will expire between September 13, 2013 and January 22, 2014 \| increments	90

Equity (Noncontrolling Interests) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	75.00%
Redeemable noncontrolling interest percentage to acquire	25.00%
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	$ 28,419	$ 20,581
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 3,724	$ 3,093

Income Taxes (Components of Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
U.S.	$ 71,002	$ 39,900	$ 35,504
Non-U.S.	106,593	98,427	94,242
Income from continuing operations, before income taxes	177,595	138,327	129,746
Current:
Federal	13,733	10,832	(1,447)
Foreign	20,364	18,370	26,411
State and local	4,746	4,240	1,353
Total current	38,843	33,442	26,317
Deferred:
Federal	12,982	5,468	13,132
Foreign	(4,672)	(6,431)	(12,683)
State and local	518	432	862
Total deferred	8,828	(531)	1,311
Provision for income taxes	$ 47,671	$ 32,911	$ 27,628

Income Taxes (Deferred Taxes and Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Compensation	$ 49,702	$ 38,836
Accruals and reserves	7,061	2,356
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory	1,940	1,696
Financing related	993	1,594
Goodwill and other intangibles	(52,029)	(21,826)
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards	39,927	47,026
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	4,426	2,262
Depreciation related	(23,549)	(22,389)
Deferred Tax Assets, Equity Method Investments	(4,067)	(2,720)
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	(79,645)	(46,935)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	18,538	39,764
Valuation allowance	(5,866)	(7,071)
Total deferred taxes	$ 98,183	$ 86,699
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
U.S. statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Foreign tax rate differences	(9.40%)	(8.00%)	(8.00%)
State income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit	1.90%	1.60%	1.50%
Unbenefitted losses and valuation allowances	0.10%	0.40%	0.80%
Research tax credits and enhanced deductions	(4.10%)	(6.60%)	(8.20%)
Enacted tax rate changes	0.00%	(0.40%)	(0.20%)
Impact of tax uncertainties	(0.70%)	1.00%	(1.20%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Impact of Acquisitions	1.60%	0.20%	0.10%
Other	2.40%	0.60%	1.50%
Effective tax rate	26.80%	23.80%	21.30%

Income Taxes (Operating Loss Carryforwards) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	$ 1,205
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	5,866	$ 7,071
Foreign Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	39,800	36,900
Net Operating Loss Carryforward, Expiring in 2014 [Member] \| Foreign Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards		24,300
Carried Forward Indefinitely [Member] \| Foreign Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards		15,500
Tax Credit Carryforwards, Expiring in 2019 [Member] \| Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforwards	$ 10,500	$ 21,733

Income Taxes (Tax Credit Carryforwards) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	$ 1,205
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	5,866	$ 7,071
Tax Credit Carryforwards, Expiring in 2019 [Member] \| Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforwards	$ 10,500	21,733
Tax Credit Carryforwards, Expiring 2029 to 2033 [Member] \| Canada
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforwards		$ 24,600

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits	$ (16,200)
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate favorably, if recognized		$ 32,300	$ 17,012
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits, that if recognized would impact the effective tax rate	15,288
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	10,700
unrecognized tax benefit (settlement of audit)	600
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits
Beginning balance	18,475	30,996	27,976
Additions, Tax positions for current year	1,700	2,009	1,907
Additions, Tax positions for prior years	18,502	1,709	4,196
Reductions, Tax positions for current year	0	0	0
Reductions, Tax positions for prior years	3,722	(732)	(28)
Reductions, Settlements	308	(15,246)	(3,055)
Reductions, Expiration of statute of limitations	20	(261)	0
Ending balance	$ 34,627	18,475	30,996
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax interest accrued
Interest related to unrecognized income tax benefits		$ 1,400	$ 691

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Other assets	$ 78,352	$ 61,964
Pool of excess tax benefits	10,800	7,300	$ 9,600
Tax benefit recorded to additional pain-in-capital related to exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted shares	4,300	1,100
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	1,205
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	5,866	$ 7,071
Earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries considered indefinitely reinvested	$ 271,000

Employee Benefit Plans (Defined Contribution and Deferred Compensaion Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Defined Contribution Plans Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	$ 27,603	$ 26,507
401(k) [Member]
Defined Contribution Plans Disclosure [Line Items]
Costs associated with defined contribution plan	4,867	4,718	$ 4,364
Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plans Disclosure [Line Items]
Costs associated with defined contribution plan	$ 3,303	$ 3,322	$ 2,930

Employee Benefit Plans (Obligations and Funded Status) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities	$ 1,176	$ 1,100
Change in plan assets
Employer contributions	6,411
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	286,212	283,063
Service cost	3,397	3,368	$ 3,729
Interest cost	12,822	11,273	11,289
Benefit payments	(9,002)	(8,300)
Actuarial loss (gain)	50,550	(4,276)
Administrative expenses paid	(459)	(308)
Effect of foreign exchange	(16,636)	1,392
Benefit obligation at end of year	326,884	286,212	283,063
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	272,659	238,672
Actual return on plan assets	25,630	30,820
Employer contributions	6,874	9,570
Premiums paid	(459)	(308)
Effect of foreign exchange	(14,412)	2,205
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	281,290	272,659	238,672
Funded status
Net balance sheet liability	45,594	13,553
Non-current assets	61	2,738
Current liabilities	169	72
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	45,486	16,219
Supplemental Retirement Benefits [Member]
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	29,498	27,372
Service cost	758	643	640
Interest cost	1,009	708	892
Benefit payments	(722)	(726)
Actuarial loss (gain)	1,703	1,501
Administrative expenses paid	0	0
Effect of foreign exchange	0	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	32,246	29,498	27,372
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Employer contributions	722	726
Premiums paid	0	0
Effect of foreign exchange	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	$ 0
Funded status
Net balance sheet liability	32,246	29,498
Non-current assets	0	0
Current liabilities	744	789
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	$ 31,502	$ 28,709

Employee Benefit Plans (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Amortization of net gain (loss)	$ (1,234)	$ (3,017)	$ (2,772)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Amounts recognized in statement of financial position as part of accumulated other comprehensive income
Net actuarial (gain)/loss				$ 73,433	$ 35,481
Net prior service cost/(credit)				(5,388)	(6,338)
Total	29,143	29,143		68,045	29,143
Amounts in AOCI expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year
Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss	3,227
Amortization of net prior service cost/(credit)	(602)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	29,143
Amortization of prior service cost				45,486	16,219
Ending balance	68,045	29,143
Supplemental Retirement Benefits [Member]
Amounts recognized in statement of financial position as part of accumulated other comprehensive income
Net actuarial (gain)/loss				5,761	4,307
Net prior service cost/(credit)				0	660
Total	4,967	4,967		5,761	4,967
Amounts in AOCI expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year
Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss	269
Amortization of net prior service cost/(credit)	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	4,967
Amortization of prior service cost				$ 31,502	$ 28,709
Ending balance	$ 5,761	$ 4,967

Employee Benefit Plans (Benefit Plan Obligations Compared to Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]
Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 299,127	$ 81,117
Fair value of plan assets	267,026	68,430
Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets
Projected benefit obligation	326,731	99,671
Fair value of plan assets	281,075	83,379
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets
Accumulated benefit obligation	29,994	27,938
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets
Projected benefit obligation	32,246	29,498
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0

Employee Benefit Plans (Components of Net Period Benefit Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Employee benefits
Employer contributions	$ 6,411
Expected contributions during the current fiscal year	6,090
Pension Benefits [Member]
Employee benefits
Service cost	3,397	$ 3,368	$ 3,729
Interest cost	12,822	11,273	11,289
Expected return on plan assets	(17,444)	(14,672)	(13,799)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	961	2,711	2,461
Amortization of net loss (gain)	(637)	(603)	(609)
Net periodic benefit cost	(901)	2,077	3,071
Employer contributions	6,874	9,570
Supplemental Retirement Benefits [Member]
Employee benefits
Service cost	758	643	640
Interest cost	1,009	708	892
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	250	249	260
Amortization of net loss (gain)	660	660	660
Net periodic benefit cost	2,677	2,260	$ 2,452
Employer contributions	$ 722	$ 726

Employee Benefit Plans (Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans (Assumptions) (Details)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Pension Benefits [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	3.79%	4.54%
Rate of compensation increase	3.19%	3.39%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate	4.54%	4.13%	4.47%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	6.41%	6.27%	6.55%
Rate of compensation increase	3.39%	3.04%	3.12%
Supplemental Retirement Benefits [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	3.34%	3.47%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate	3.47%	2.63%	3.42%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	2.50%	2.50%

Employee Benefit Plans (Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	$ 6,411,000
Common Stock [Member]
Target Allocations
Target Allocation, Total	49.70%
Debt Securities [Member]
Target Allocations
Target Allocation, Total	31.20%
Other Plan Asset Categories [Member]
Target Allocations
Target Allocation, Total	19.10%
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	$ 6,874,000	$ 9,570,000
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	281,290,000	272,659,000	$ 238,672,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Cash [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	1,000	1,004,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	85,818,000	102,916,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Debt Securities [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	72,948,000	66,204,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Mutual Funds [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	120,409,000	100,762,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Other Plan Asset Categories [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	2,114,000	1,773,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	217,785,000	227,029,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 [Member] \| Cash [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	1,000	1,004,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	80,692,000	97,857,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 [Member] \| Debt Securities [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	69,716,000	62,717,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	67,079,000	65,152,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 [Member] \| Other Plan Asset Categories [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	297,000	299,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	61,734,000	44,204,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] \| Cash [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	5,126,000	5,059,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] \| Debt Securities [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	3,232,000	3,487,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	53,330,000	35,610,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] \| Other Plan Asset Categories [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	46,000	48,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	1,771,000	1,426,000
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member] \| Cash [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member] \| Debt Securities [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member] \| Other Plan Asset Categories [Member]
Target Allocations
Fair value of plan assets	$ 1,771,000	$ 1,426,000

Employee Benefit Plans (Change in Level 3 Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions	$ 6,411
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions	6,874	$ 9,570
Change in Level 3 plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	272,659	238,672
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	281,290	272,659
Pension Benefits [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member]
Change in Level 3 plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,426
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 1,771	$ 1,426

Employee Benefit Plans (Estimated Future Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	$ 6,090
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract]
Expected future benefit payments, 2013	6,811
Expected future benefit payments, 2014	6,832
Expected future benefit payments, 2015	7,194
Expected future benefit payments, 2016	8,384
Expected future benefit payments, 2017	8,700
Expected future benefit payments, 2018-2022	57,116
Supplemental Retirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract]
Expected future benefit payments, 2013	759
Expected future benefit payments, 2014	13,090
Expected future benefit payments, 2015	740
Expected future benefit payments, 2016	727
Expected future benefit payments, 2017	7,147
Expected future benefit payments, 2018-2022	$ 11,286

Employee Benefit Plans (Post-Retirement Health and Life Insurance Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance	$ 27,603	$ 26,507
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities	1,176	1,100
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	54,356	23,146	$ 37,454
Deferred Compensation, Excluding Share-based Payments and Retirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 3,303	$ 3,322	$ 2,930

Stock Plans and Stock Based Compensation (Stock Based Compensation Expense) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014 USD ($) shares $ / shares	Dec. 28, 2013 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 29, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Stock-based compensation
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	$ 15.19	$ 11.17	$ 10.94
Expected life (in years)	4 years 2 months	4 years 2 months 12 days	4 years 6 months
Stock options, shares equivalent \| shares	1.0
Stock-based compensation	$ 31,035	$ 24,542	$ 21,855
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	675,927	644,077	603,200	$ 527,363
Provision for income taxes	(11,006)	(8,658)	(7,793)
Net income attributable to common shareowners	20,029	$ 15,884	$ 14,062
Capitalized stock-based compensation related costs	$ 0
Expected volatility (as a percent)	30.00%	33.00%	35.00%
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.55%	0.80%	0.84%
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Pool of excess tax benefits	$ 10,800	$ 7,300	$ 9,600
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Deficiency from Share-based Compensation	4,300	1,100
Windfall Tax Benefit	1,600
Cost of sales
Stock-based compensation
Stock-based compensation	5,382	5,381	5,470
Selling and administration
Stock-based compensation
Stock-based compensation	25,653	19,161	16,385
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Stock-based compensation
Intrinsic value of options exercised	30,469	24,737	$ 5,135
Performance Shares [Member]
Stock-based compensation
Stock-based compensation	$ 8,461	$ 2,171
Expected volatility (as a percent)	29.00%	32.00%
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	0.63%	0.38%
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%

Stock Plans and Stock Based Compensation (Stock Options and Restricted Stock Grants) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Stock-Based Compensation
Maximum shares to be awarded under plan		19,900,000
Stock options, shares equivalent		1.0
Stock-based compensation weighted-average assumptions
Expected life (in years)		4 years 2 months	4 years 2 months 12 days	4 years 6 months
Expected volatility (as a percent)		30.00%	33.00%	35.00%
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)		1.55%	0.80%	0.84%
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Restricted stock activity, restricted stock
Vested (in shares)		(362,770.00)
Canceled (in shares)		(25,034)
Restricted Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock options, shares equivalent		2.3
Unrecognized compensation expense
Unrecognized compensation cost		$ 40,043
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition in Years		2 years 2 months
Restricted stock activity, restricted stock
Balance at the beginning of the period (in shares)		1,096,550
Granted (in shares)		479,104
Balance at the end of the period (in shares)		1,187,850	1,096,550
Restricted stock activity, weighted-average grant date fair value
Balance at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)		$ 36.44
Granted (in dollars per share)		58.87
Vested (in dollars per share)		38.21
Canceled (in dollars per share)		41.51
Balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share)		$ 46.83	$ 36.44
Restricted stock activity, additional disclosures
Fair value of restricted stock grants that vested		$ 13,861	$ 15,095	$ 10,385
2014 PSU [Member]
Restricted stock activity, restricted stock
Granted (in shares)	5,800
Restricted stock activity, weighted-average grant date fair value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 60
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		3 years 11 months
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value		$ 53,383
In-the-money, options exercisable		$ 28,034
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number		1,200,470
Stock option activity, shares
Options outstanding, balance at the beginning of the period (in shares)		3,768,733
Options granted (in shares)		568,615
Options exercised (in shares)		(1,733,293)
Options canceled (in shares)		(50,820)
Options outstanding, balance at the end of the period (in shares)		2,553,235	3,768,733
Options exercisable, balance at the end of the period (in shares)		1,149,763
Stock option activity, weighted-average exercise price
Options outstanding, balance at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)		$ 40.81
Options granted (in dollars per share)		57.82
Options exercised (in dollars per share)		42.46
Options canceled (in dollars per share)		45.03
Options outstanding, balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share)		43.39	$ 40.81
Options exercisable, balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share)		$ 39.92
Stock option activity, weighted-average remaining contractual life
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1		2 years 4 months
Unrecognized compensation expense
Number of unvested awards related to unrecognized compensation cost (in shares)		11,492,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition in Years		2 years 5 months
Stock option activity, additional disclosures
Intrinsic value of options exercised		$ 30,469	$ 24,737	$ 5,135
Non-vested stock option activity, shares
Options granted (in shares)		568,615
Non-vested stock option acitvity, weighted-average exercise price
Options granted (in dollars per share)		$ 57.82
Restricted stock activity, additional disclosures
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 45.95
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		5 years 1 month
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value		$ 22,016
Performance Shares [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation
Max PSU Shares		763,000
Stock-based compensation weighted-average assumptions
Expected volatility (as a percent)		29.00%	32.00%
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)		0.63%	0.38%
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)		0.00%	0.00%
Stock option activity, weighted-average exercise price
Options granted (in dollars per share)		$ 0.1310	$ 0.0690
Non-vested stock option acitvity, weighted-average exercise price
Options granted (in dollars per share)		$ 0.1310	$ 0.0690
Restricted stock activity, restricted stock
Granted (in shares)		214,823,000	163,847,000
Restricted stock activity, weighted-average grant date fair value
Granted (in dollars per share)		$ 67.82	$ 44.47
Minimum [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation
Vesting period, min		3 years
Minimum [Member] \| Employee Stock Option [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation
Vesting period, min		3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period		7 years
Maximum [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation
Maximum shares to be awarded under plan		18,700,000
Maximum [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation
Vesting period, min		4 years
Maximum [Member] \| Employee Stock Option [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation
Vesting period, min		4 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period		10 years

Stock Plans and Stock Based Compensation (Stock Options by Range of Exercise Prices) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Expected volatility (as a percent)	30.00%	33.00%	35.00%
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.55%	0.80%	0.84%
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	214,823,000	163,847,000
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 67.82	$ 44.47
Expected volatility (as a percent)	29.00%	32.00%
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	0.63%	0.38%
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%
Options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.1310	$ 0.0690

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Litigation [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due		$ 44,917
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss		1,500
Rent expense from operating leases		14,216	$ 16,731	$ 18,200
Maximum insurance deductibles		500
Future minimum payments under noncancellable operating leases
2014		12,102
2015		9,854
2016		7,331
2017		4,284
2018		3,577
Thereafter		$ 7,769
Supplier arbitration [Member]
Litigation [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Terms	1600
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss	$ 1,200

Business Segment and Geographic Information (Business Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Business segment information
Total revenue	$ 329,548	$ 327,567	$ 341,179	$ 299,368	$ 289,228	$ 292,129	$ 292,933	$ 291,238	$ 1,297,662	$ 1,165,528	$ 1,129,530
Gross margin	119,945	118,268	125,634	108,813	88,195	99,926	102,570	104,211
Operating income	40,767	46,172	51,025	39,706	24,607	40,843	43,188	42,763	177,670	151,401	165,765
Total assets	1,885,192				1,632,756				1,885,192	1,632,756
Long-lived assets	676,797				738,146				676,797	738,146	765,679
Depreciation and amortization									96,445	96,636	81,275
Capital expenditures									56,925	39,154	47,534
Reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated operating income
Operating income	40,767	$ 46,172	$ 51,025	$ 39,706	24,607	$ 40,843	$ 43,188	$ 42,763	177,670	151,401	165,765
Unallocated corporate overhead
Stock-based compensation									31,035	24,542	21,855
Depreciation									70,488	78,830	63,207
Transaction (acquisition/disposition) costs									5,300
Total
Business segment information
Operating income									269,745	225,377	236,990
Reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated operating income
Operating income									269,745	225,377	236,990
Research Models and Services
Business segment information
Total revenue									507,327	511,350	521,633
Gross margin									190,092	179,493	198,291
Operating income									121,376	116,737	143,783
Total assets	375,415				460,594				375,415	460,594	411,874
Long-lived assets	138,021				161,027				138,021	161,027	172,641
Depreciation and amortization									28	41,837	26,725
Capital expenditures									18,749	16,717	27,077
Reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated operating income
Operating income									121,376	116,737	143,783
Discovery and Safety Assessment
Business segment information
Total revenue									538,218	432,378	408,908
Gross margin									150,970	106,766	97,908
Operating income									69,749	47,413	35,688
Total assets	1,088,171				766,243				1,088,171	766,243	760,370
Long-lived assets	408,280				394,741				408,280	394,741	414,584
Depreciation and amortization									47	37,720	41,001
Capital expenditures									19,759	12,561	10,051
Reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated operating income
Operating income									69,749	47,413	35,688
EMD [Member]
Business segment information
Total revenue									132,208	112,918	93,622
Other manufacturing support [Member]
Business segment information
Total revenue									119,909	108,882	105,367
Manufacturing Support [Member]
Business segment information
Total revenue									252,117	221,800	198,989
Gross margin									131,598	108,643	95,882
Operating income									78,620	61,227	57,519
Total assets	274,952				246,467				274,952	246,467	228,804
Long-lived assets	$ 71,367				$ 66,352				71,367	66,352	64,254
Depreciation and amortization									14	17,079	13,549
Capital expenditures									15,541	9,876	10,407
Reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated operating income
Operating income									78,620	61,227	57,519
Unallocated corporate overhead
Business segment information
Operating income									(92,075)	(73,976)	(71,225)
Reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated operating income
Operating income									(92,075)	(73,976)	(71,225)
Unallocated corporate overhead
Stock-based compensation									18,474	13,411	11,724
Audit, tax and related expenses									13,431	8,666	7,453
Salary and bonus									30,838	23,446	20,312
Global IT									6,528	11,646	12,622
Depreciation									7,703	6,334	6,260
Transaction (acquisition/disposition) costs									6,285	1,752	3,772
Other general unallocated corporate expenses									8,816	8,721	9,082
Total unallocated corporate overhead costs									$ 92,075	$ 73,976	$ 71,225

Business Segment and Geographic Information (Geographic Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales to unaffiliated clients	$ 1,297,662	$ 1,165,528	$ 1,129,530
Long-lived assets	676,797	738,146	765,679
U.S.
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales to unaffiliated clients	588,531	551,340	534,817
Long-lived assets	386,624	447,829	476,927
Europe
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales to unaffiliated clients	446,263	353,688	341,550
Long-lived assets	153,203	130,855	122,351
Canada
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales to unaffiliated clients	163,490	162,404	160,004
Long-lived assets	95,272	109,811	124,302
Japan
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales to unaffiliated clients	49,921	59,370	77,707
Long-lived assets	23,896	30,589	39,642
Other Non-U.S.
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales to unaffiliated clients	49,457	38,726	15,452
Long-lived assets	$ 17,802	$ 19,062	$ 2,457

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Operating results from discontinued operations
Income (loss) from operatoins of discontinued businesses, before income taxes									$ (2,712)	$ (2,035)	$ (6,986)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									(986)	(770)	(2,734)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$ (864)	$ 52	$ (644)	$ (270)	$ (82)	$ (113)	$ (915)	$ (155)	(1,726)	(1,265)	(4,252)
Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations
Current liabilities	2,299				$ 1,931				2,299	1,931
Discontinued Operation, Provision for Loss (Gain) on Disposal, before Income Tax										$ 1,316	$ 7,158
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 44,917								$ 44,917
Discontinued Operations, Minimum Future Lease Payments									9965313.32

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Total revenue	$ 329,548	$ 327,567	$ 341,179	$ 299,368	$ 289,228	$ 292,129	$ 292,933	$ 291,238	$ 1,297,662	$ 1,165,528	$ 1,129,530
Gross margin	119,945	118,268	125,634	108,813	88,195	99,926	102,570	104,211
Operating income	40,767	46,172	51,025	39,706	24,607	40,843	43,188	42,763	177,670	151,401	165,765
Income from continuing operations	28,536	32,300	36,460	32,628	19,526	31,336	28,628	25,926	129,924	105,416	102,118
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(864)	52	(644)	(270)	(82)	(113)	(915)	(155)	$ (1,726)	$ (1,265)	$ (4,252)
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ 27,166	$ 32,036	$ 35,264	$ 32,232	$ 19,099	$ 30,867	$ 27,284	$ 25,578
Continuing operations attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)	$ 0.60	$ 0.70	$ 0.76	$ 0.69	$ 0.41	$ 0.65	$ 0.58	$ 0.54	$ 2.76	$ 2.18	$ 2.12
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.02)	0.00	(0.01)	(0.01)	0.00	0.00	(0.02)	0.00	(0.04)	(0.03)	(0.09)
Earnings Per Share, Basic	0.58	0.70	0.75	0.68	0.41	0.64	0.57	0.54	2.72	2.15	2.03
Continuing operations attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)	0.59	0.68	0.75	0.67	0.40	0.64	0.58	0.53	2.70	2.15	2.10
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)	(0.02)	0.00	(0.01)	(0.01)	0.00	0.00	(0.02)	0.00	(0.04)	(0.03)	(0.09)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareowners (in dollars per share)	$ 0.57	$ 0.68	$ 0.74	$ 0.67	$ 0.40	$ 0.64	$ 0.56	$ 0.53	$ 2.66	$ 2.12	$ 2.01