Exit And Disposal Activities (Components Of Exit And Disposal Accrual Activity) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 9.0	$ 8.4	$ 8.4
Additions	2.3	6.5	8.8
Usage	(1.9)	(5.9)
Ending Balance	9.4	9.0	9.4
Employee Severance [Member] | Commercial & Industrial Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	6.4	3.6	3.6
Additions	2.2	6.5
Usage	(0.9)	(3.7)
Ending Balance	7.7	6.4	7.7
Employee Severance [Member] | Snap-On Tools Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	0.1	0.6	0.6
Additions	0.1	(0.2)
Usage		(0.3)
Ending Balance	0.2	0.1	0.2
Employee Severance [Member] | Repair Systems & Information Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	2.3	3.8	3.8
Additions		0.2
Usage	(1.0)	(1.7)
Ending Balance	1.3	2.3	1.3
Facility Closing [Member] | Commercial & Industrial Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		0.4	0.4
Usage		(0.2)
Ending Balance	$ 0.2	$ 0.2	$ 0.2