Restructuring and Related Charges (Schedule of Restructuring Reserves by Type of Cost) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 14.8
Charges	17.7
Changes in estimate	(0.5)
Cash payments	(10.5)
Ending Balance	21.5
Restructuring Fiscal 2016 Plan
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	9.5
Charges	17.7
Changes in estimate	(0.5)
Cash payments	(7.2)
Ending Balance	19.5
2013 Mallinckrodt program
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	5.1
Charges	0.0
Changes in estimate	0.0
Cash payments	(3.2)
Ending Balance	1.9
Acquisitions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0.2
Charges	0.0
Changes in estimate	0.0
Cash payments	(0.1)
Ending Balance	$ 0.1

Cash Restructuring Charges

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	mnk_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cash payments made as the result of exit or disposal activities. Excludes payments associated with a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 25
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3536-108585

+ Details

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Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying amount (including both current and noncurrent portions of the accrual) as of the balance sheet date pertaining to a specified type of cost associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructuring pursuant to a duly authorized plan.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of expense (reversal of expense) which increases (decreases) the restructuring reserve from an adjustment to a previously accrued restructuring liability.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b)(2))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

+ Details

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Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Balance Type:	na
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- Details

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- Details

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- Details

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