Note 3 Assets and Liabilities Associated with Deferred Compensation Measured at Fair Value (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets & Liabilities Associated with Deferred Compensation Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets and Liabilities for Deferred Compensation Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	$ 10.0	$ 10.0

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

No definition available.

Name:	sanm_AssetsAndLiabilitiesForDeferredCompensationMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasis
Namespace Prefix:	sanm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant