Receivables - Schedule of Finance and Contract Receivables on Nonaccrual Status (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]
Finance receivables	$ 8.5	$ 8.3
Contract receivables	$ 1.3	$ 1.0

Notes and loans receivable recorded investment non-accrual status.

No definition available.

Name:	sna_NotesAndLoansReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonAccrualStatus
Namespace Prefix:	sna_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant