Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
OCP and DES businesses
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Curtailment and settlement losses associated with the Avery Dennison Pension Plan and Benefit Restoration Plan	$ 10.4
U.S. | Continuing operations
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	0.1	0.1	0.2	0.2
Interest cost	9.5	9.7	19.0	19.4
Expected return on plan assets	(11.7)	(11.5)	(23.4)	(23.0)
Recognized net actuarial loss	4.8	3.5	9.7	6.9
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0.1	0.1	0.2	0.2
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	2.8	1.9	5.7	3.7
Int'l | Continuing operations
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	3.0	2.3	6.1	4.6
Interest cost	5.6	6.2	11.4	12.3
Expected return on plan assets	(5.5)	(5.6)	(11.1)	(11.1)
Recognized net actuarial loss	1.6	0.9	3.1	1.7
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0.1	0.1	0.2	0.2
Amortization of transition asset	(0.1)	(0.2)	(0.1)	(0.3)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	4.7	3.7	9.6	7.4
U.S. Postretirement Health Benefits | Continuing operations
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Interest cost		0.1	0.1	0.2
Recognized net actuarial loss	0.6	0.6	1.3	1.2
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(1.2)	(1.2)	(2.4)	(2.4)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$ (0.6)	$ (0.5)	$ (1.0)	$ (1.0)