Segments (Assets By Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets from reportable segments	$ 3,317.1	$ 3,251.0
Corporate	445.1	470.1
Elimination of intersegment receivables	(52.3)	(48.2)
Total assets	3,709.9	3,672.9
Commercial & Industrial Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets from reportable segments	922.6	919.3
Snap-On Tools Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets from reportable segments	493.7	463.7
Repair Systems & Information Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets from reportable segments	940.2	944.2
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets from reportable segments	$ 960.6	$ 923.8