Schedule II Regal Beloit Corporation Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Jan. 01, 2011		Jan. 02, 2010
Allowance For Receivables [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance Beginning of Year	$ 10,637		$ 12,666		$ 11,145
Charged to Expenses	3,860		1,143		2,487
Deductions	(1,441)	[1]	(3,623)	[1]	(1,875)	[1]
Adjustments	575	[2]	451	[2]	909	[2]
Balance End of Year	13,631		10,637		12,666
Allowance For Product Warranty Reserves [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance Beginning of Year	12,831		13,298		11,022
Charged to Expenses	25,830		13,793		14,465
Deductions	(18,152)	[1]	(14,420)	[1]	(12,102)	[1]
Adjustments	3,647	[2]	160	[2]	(87)	[2]
Balance End of Year	$ 24,156		$ 12,831		$ 13,298

[1] Deductions consist of write offs charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts and warranty claim costs.

[2] Adjustments related to acquisitions and translation.