SMTC Corporation Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 03, 2016	Dec. 28, 2014
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] \| Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 50,900
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] \| Canada Revenue Agency [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	24,500
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] \| Asian Revenue Agency [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	4,800
Expires in 2017 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	1,300
Expires Between 2018 And 2022 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	2,300
Expires In 2023 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	17,900
Expires Between 2025 And 2029 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	10,100
Expires in 2030 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	19,700
Operating Loss Carryforwards	80,200
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	275	$ 290
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	$ 58	$ 55