Note 3 Assets and Liabilities Associated with Deferred Compensation Measured at Fair Value (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Fair Value of Deferred Compensation Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets and Liabilities Associated with Deferred Compensation Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	$ 9.0	$ 10.0

Fair value of assets and liabilities associated with an entity's deferred compensation plan(s).

No definition available.

Name:	sanm_AssetsAndLiabilitiesAssociatedWithDeferredCompensationMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasis
Namespace Prefix:	sanm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant