Nortek 10-Q 5 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	2-May-14
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'NORTEK INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001216596	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	29-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	15,553,597

Unaudited_Condensed_Consolidat

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'		'
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	$51.10		$80.90
Restricted cash	1		2.9
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $4.1 million and $4.2 million, respectively	329.4		276.4
Inventories:	'		'
Raw materials	91.5		80.1
Work in process	28.8		23.7
Finished goods	212.4		166.7
Inventory, Net	332.7		270.5
Prepaid expenses	18.5		20.2
Other current assets	10.3		12.2
Tax refunds receivable	6.5		7.2
Deferred tax assets	33.4		29.7
Total current assets	782.9		700
Property and Equipment, at Cost:	'		'
Land	17.8		17.8
Buildings and improvements	115.1		112
Machinery and equipment	262.9		261.8
Gross property and equipment	395.8		391.6
Less accumulated depreciation	168.2		159.2
Total property and equipment, net	227.6		232.4
Other Assets:	'		'
Goodwill	373.5	[1]	373.5	[1]
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $192.2 million and $178.6 million, respectively	635.3		648.9
Deferred debt expense	15.9		16.3
Restricted investments and marketable securities	1.6		1.6
Other assets	18.1		18.2
Total other long-term assets	1,044.40		1,058.50
Total Assets	2,054.90		1,990.90
Current Liabilities:	'		'
Short-term bank obligations	0.6		0.7
Current maturities of long-term debt	2.9		2.8
Accounts payable	271		214.7
Accrued expenses and taxes, net	220.4		231.5
Total current liabilities	494.9		449.7
Other Liabilities:	'		'
Deferred income taxes	157.2		159.1
Other	189.2		188.9
Total other long-term liabilities	346.4		348
Notes, Mortgage Notes and Obligations Payable, Less Current Maturities	1,127.10		1,093.30
Commitments and Contingencies (Note G)	'		'
Stockholders' Investment:	'		'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 authorized shares; none issued and outstanding at March 29, 2014 and December 31, 2013	0		0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 90,000,000 authorized shares; 15,862,780 shares issued and 15,682,746 shares issued at March 29, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	0.2		0.2
Additional paid-in capital	206		203.6
Accumulated deficit	-80.1		-71.5
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-18.8		-16.3
Less: Treasury stock at cost, 327,165 shares and 263,145 shares at March 29, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	-20.8		-16.1
Total stockholders' investment	86.5		99.9
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Investment	$2,054.90		$1,990.90
[1]	(1)The RHC and Custom & Engineered Solutions ("CES") reporting units did not have goodwill in any period presented.

Unaudited_Condensed_Consolidat1

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$4.10	$4.20
Other Assets:	'	'
Accumulated amortization of intangible assets	$192.20	$178.60
Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	90,000,000	90,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	15,862,780	15,682,746
Treasury stock, shares	327,165	263,145

Unaudited_Condensed_Consolidat2

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Net Sales	$550.10	$519.10
Cost of products sold	393.2	377.6
Gross profit	156.9	141.5
Selling, general and administrative expense, net	130.8	125.6
Amortization of intangible assets	13.6	11.3
Operating earnings	12.5	4.6
Interest expense	-24.1	-24.6
Loss before benefit from income taxes	-11.6	-20
Benefit from income taxes	-3	-4.9
Net loss	($8.60)	($15.10)
Basic loss per share (in dollars per share)	($0.55)	($0.98)
Diluted loss per share (in dollars per share)	($0.55)	($0.98)
Weighted Average Common Shares:	'	'
Basic (in shares)	15,496,151	15,331,415
Diluted (in shares)	15,496,151	15,331,415

Unaudited_Condensed_Consolidat3

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net loss	($8.60)	($15.10)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:	'	'
Currency translation adjustment	-2.5	-3.5
Pension liability adjustments:	'	'
Currency translation on pension liabilities	0	0.3
Amortization of cumulative loss	0	0.2
Total pension liability, net of tax	0	0.5
Other comprehensive loss	-2.5	-3
Comprehensive loss	($11.10)	($18.10)

Unaudited_Condensed_Consolidat4

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net loss	($8.60)	($15.10)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation expense	9.9	9
Amortization expense, including increase to cost of goods sold for inventory acquired in business combinations	13.6	11.5
Non-cash impairment charges	0.2	0
Non-cash interest expense, net	0.5	0.6
Non-cash share-based compensation expense	1.7	2.6
Gain on sale of property and equipment	-0.2	0
Deferred income tax benefit	-5.6	-4.5
Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	-54.2	-35.4
Inventories	-62.9	-13.7
Prepaid and other current assets	2.9	2.5
Accounts payable	57.1	10.6
Accrued expenses and taxes	-7.1	18.3
Long-term assets, liabilities and other, net	0.3	-0.9
Total adjustments to net loss	-43.8	0.6
Net cash used in operating activities	-52.4	-14.5
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-7.9	-9.8
Net cash paid for businesses acquired	0	-0.9
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	1.3	0
Change in restricted cash and marketable securities	0	0.1
Other, net	-0.6	-0.8
Net cash used in investing activities	-7.2	-11.4
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from borrowings	40.7	85.8
Payment of borrowings	-6.6	-1.6
Net use from equity transactions	-4	-1.6
Other, net	-0.3	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	29.8	82.6
Net change in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	-29.8	56.7
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	80.9	144.7
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$51.10	$201.40

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	Nortek, Inc. (“Nortek”) and all of its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”) is a global, diversified company whose many market-leading brands deliver broad capabilities and a wide array of innovative, technology-driven products and solutions for lifestyle improvement at home and at work. Operating within five reporting segments (see Note I, “Segment Information”), the Company manufactures and sells, primarily in the United States, Canada and Europe, with additional manufacturing in China and Mexico, a wide variety of products for the remodeling and replacement markets, the residential and commercial new construction markets, the manufactured housing market, and the personal and enterprise computer markets.
	The Company operates on a calendar year, and each interim period is comprised of two 4-week periods and one 5-week period, with each week ending on a Saturday. The Company's fiscal year always begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. As a result, the Company's first and fourth quarters may have more or less days included than a traditional 4-4-5 fiscal calendar, which consists of 91 days. The first three months ended March 29, 2014 ("first quarter of 2014") and March 30, 2013 ("first quarter of 2013") include 88 days and 89 days, respectively.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows of the Company after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions, without audit and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of the interim periods presented. Although certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") have been omitted, the Company believes that the disclosures included are adequate to make the information presented herein not misleading. Operating results for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for other interim periods or for any fiscal year. Certain amounts in the prior year's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
	These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 ("2013 Form 10-K") and Current Reports on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014 - 08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity ("ASU 2014-08"), which will require additional disclosures about discontinued operations including, among others, the major classes of line items constituting the pretax profit and loss of the discontinued operation, either the total operating and investing cash flow of the discontinued operation or the depreciation, amortization, capital expenditures, and significant operating and investing non-cash items of the discontinued operation, a reconciliation of the major classes of assets and liabilities of the discontinued operation classified as held for sale to total assets and total liabilities of the disposal group classified as held for sale that is presented on the face of the balance sheet, and a reconciliation of the major classes of line items constituting the pretax profit or loss of the discontinued operation to the after-tax profit or loss of the discontinued operation that is presented on the face of the income statement. ASU 2014-08 also requires entities to provide disclosures about a disposal of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations presentation and expands the disclosures about an entity's significant continuing involvement with a discontinued operation. ASU 2014-08 is effective prospectively for both (1) disposals of components of an entity and (2) businesses that, on acquisition are classified as held for sale, that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. The Company will adopt this pronouncement in the first quarter of 2015 and does not expect adoption to have a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (“ASU 2013-11”), which is intended to provide guidance regarding the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The standard clarifies guidance and eliminates diversity in practice on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when certain situations exist at the reporting date and is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and subsequent interim periods, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, Liabilities (“ASU 2013-04”), which is intended to provide guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing guidance in U.S. GAAP. ASU 2013-04 requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date as the sum of (a) the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and (b) any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. ASU 2013-04 also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about those obligations. ASU 2013-04 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 and will be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented for those obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements that exist at the beginning of an entity's fiscal year of adoption. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	Acquisitions
	On April 1, 2013, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of 2GIG Technologies, Inc. (“2GIG”) from APX Group, Inc. The purchase price was approximately $164.2 million, which consisted of a cash payment at the date of acquisition of approximately $135.0 million, working capital adjustments of approximately $13.9 million (of which approximately $12.3 million and $1.6 million were paid during the second and third quarter of 2013, respectively) and the settlement of a receivable due from 2GIG to the Company as of the acquisition date of approximately $15.3 million.
	2GIG is a designer and supplier of residential security and home automation systems. Developed with the assistance of Nortek's Linear® business, 2GIG's Go!Control® touch-screen panel is a self-contained, all-in-one home security and automation control panel. 2GIG also provides wireless interactive home security services and a wide range of peripheral hardware devices and system components for home security and automation solutions. The results of 2GIG have been included in the Company's results of operations since the date of acquisition and have been included in the Company's Technology Solutions ("TECH") segment. During 2013, the operations of 2GIG were integrated into the Company's existing security and access control products business, as such, net sales and operating earnings for the first quarter of 2014 for 2GIG have not been separately presented.
	The unaudited pro forma net sales, operating earnings, net loss, basic and diluted loss per share, and depreciation and amortization expense for the Company as a result of the acquisition of 2GIG for the first quarter of 2013 were as follows (dollar amounts in millions):
	Net sales	$	551.1
	Operating earnings	9
	Net loss	(12.7		)
	Basic loss per share	(0.83		)
	Diluted loss per share	(0.83		)
	Depreciation & amortization expense	26.1
	These amounts were determined assuming that the acquisition of 2GIG had occurred on January 1, 2013 and include pro forma adjustments to reflect (i) the elimination of intercompany transactions between the Company and 2GIG, (ii) additional depreciation and amortization expense related to acquired assets, (iii) increased interest expense related to the amounts borrowed to fund the acquisition and (iv) other pro forma adjustments that the Company considered appropriate related to the acquisition of 2GIG. These pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would have been achieved had the acquisition taken place as of January 1, 2013, nor are they necessarily indicative of the results for future periods.
	On February 22, 2013, the Company, through an indirect wholly-owned foreign subsidiary, acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Gefen Distribution Verwaltungs GmbH ("Gefen Distribution") for total consideration of approximately $2.9 million, consisting of cash payments of approximately $0.9 million, a holdback amount of approximately $0.2 million to be paid 18 months subsequent to the closing of the acquisition, and the settlement of a receivable due from Gefen Distribution to the Company as of the acquisition date of approximately $1.8 million.  Gefen Distribution is the principal distributor of Gefen products in Europe and the acquisition expands the Company's European distribution of the Company's products. Gefen Distribution is included in the Company's TECH segment. Pro forma results related to the acquisition of Gefen Distribution have not been presented, as the effect is not significant to the Company's consolidated operating results.
	On April 30, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning business of Thomas & Betts Corporation ("Reznor") for approximately $260.0 million in cash, plus an additional payment of approximately $1.9 million for preliminary working capital and other post-closing adjustments, which are subject to final determination. Reznor manufactures industrial and commercial HVAC products, including an extended range of gas fired air heaters, air handling units, condensing units and rooftop units. The Company believes that the acquisition of Reznor positions Nortek to service the entire HVAC market. The acquisition was financed with a combination of cash on hand and a portion of the borrowings under a new $350.0 million senior secured term loan facility (see Note E, "Notes, Mortgage Notes and Obligations Payable"). Reznor will be included in the Company's Residential Heating and Cooling ("RHC") segment.
	The unaudited pro forma net sales, operating earnings, net loss, basic and diluted loss per share, and depreciation and amortization expense for the Company as a result of the acquisition of Reznor for the periods presented were as follows:
		Year Ended			First quarter of
		Dec. 31, 2013			2014			2013
		(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Net sales	$	2,447.10		$	592.2		$	559.3
	Operating earnings	99			19.2			6.5
	Net loss	(5.6		)	(5.3		)	(15.0		)
	Basic loss per share	(0.36		)	(0.34		)	(0.98		)
	Diluted loss per share	(0.36		)	(0.34		)	(0.98		)
	Depreciation & amortization expense	116			28.3			26.7
	These amounts were determined assuming that the acquisition of Reznor had occurred on January 1, 2013 and include preliminary pro forma adjustments to reflect (i) additional depreciation and amortization expense related to the preliminary allocation of the purchase price, which is subject to change as the Company completes its review and appraisal work, (ii) changes in interest expense related to financing transactions due, in part, to fund the acquisition, and (iii) other pro forma adjustments that the Company considered appropriate related to the acquisition of Reznor. The transaction costs of approximately $2.0 million related to the acquisition of Reznor for the first quarter of 2014 have been excluded from the unaudited pro forma operating earnings, net loss, and basic and diluted loss per share. These preliminary pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would have been achieved had the acquisition taken place as of January 1, 2013, nor are they necessarily indicative of the results for future periods. These preliminary pro forma financial statements are subject to change as additional information becomes available.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	The Company accounts for acquired goodwill in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 805, "Business Combinations" and ASC 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”), which involves judgment with respect to the determination of the valuation of the acquired assets and liabilities assumed in order to determine the final amount of goodwill recorded in a purchase. Under ASC 350, goodwill is not amortized. Instead, it is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value, including, for example, a significant adverse change in the business climate. The Company has set the annual evaluation date as of the first day of its fiscal fourth quarter. The reporting units evaluated for goodwill impairment have been determined to be the same as the Company's operating segments. Only the Residential Ventilation ("RESV"), Display Mount Solutions ("DMS") and TECH reporting units have goodwill and, therefore, are the only reporting units that currently are required to be evaluated for goodwill impairment.
	The following table presents a summary of the activity in goodwill by reporting segment for the first quarter of 2014:
			Dec. 31, 2013 (1)		Acquisitions		March 29, 2014 (1)
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Residential Ventilation:
	Gross goodwill		$	156.8	$	—	$	156.8
	Impairment losses		—		—		—
	Net RESV goodwill		156.8		—		156.8
	Technology Solutions:
	Gross goodwill		85.3		—		85.3
	Impairment losses		—		—		—
	Net TECH goodwill		85.3		—		85.3
	Display Mount Solutions:
	Gross goodwill		131.4		—		131.4
	Impairment losses		—		—		—
	Net DMS goodwill		131.4		—		131.4
	Consolidated goodwill:
	Gross goodwill		373.5		—		373.5
	Impairment losses		—		—		—
	Net consolidated goodwill		$	373.5	$	—	$	373.5
	-1	The RHC and Custom & Engineered Solutions ("CES") reporting units did not have goodwill in any period presented.
	For the first quarter of 2014, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $0.2 million within COGS related to the write-down of property and equipment in connection with the exit in the first quarter of 2014 of a product line within the RESV segment.

Cash_Flows

Cash Flows	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Cash Flows	'
	Cash Flows
	The impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on cash was not material and has been included in Other, net in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.
	Interest paid was approximately $1.7 million and $2.4 million for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively. Income tax payments, net of refunds, for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 were approximately $0.5 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

Notes_Mortgage_Notes_and_Oblig

Notes, Mortgage Notes and Obligations Payable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Notes, Mortgage Notes and Obligations Payable	'
	Notes, Mortgage Notes and Obligations Payable
	Senior Secured Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility (the "ABL Facility")
	As of March 29, 2014, the Company had approximately $35.0 million in outstanding borrowings, and approximately $13.0 million in outstanding letters of credit, under the ABL Facility. Based on the February 2014 borrowing base calculations, at March 29, 2014, the Company had excess availability of approximately $216.4 million and approximately $183.4 million of excess availability before triggering the cash deposit requirements under the ABL Facility.
	Debt Covenant Compliance
	The indenture governing the 10% Senior Notes due 2018 (the "10% Notes") contains certain restrictive financial and operating covenants including covenants that restrict, among other things, the payment of cash dividends, the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the making of certain investments, mergers, consolidations, and the sale of assets (all as defined in the indenture and other agreements). As of March 29, 2014, the Company had the capacity to make certain payments, including dividends, under the 10% Notes of approximately $53.9 million.
	As of March 29, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the indentures that govern the 10% Notes and the 8.5% Senior Notes due 2021 (the "8.5% Notes") and the credit agreements that govern the ABL Facility and the senior secured term loan due 2017 ("Term Loan Facility").
	Second Quarter 2014 Debt Transactions
	In connection with the acquisition of Reznor, on April 30, 2014, the Company entered into a new senior secured term loan facility for $350.0 million. The net proceeds from the new senior secured term loan facility were used to acquire Reznor and to repay all of the outstanding secured debt under the Company's existing Term Loan Facility, which had an aggregate principal amount outstanding of approximately $93.0 million at March 29, 2014. The new senior secured term loan facility is repayable in quarterly installments of $875,000 with a balloon payment for the remaining balance due on October 30, 2020. Loans under the new senior secured term loan facility bear interest, at the Company's option, at a rate per annum equal to either (1) a base rate (as defined in the credit agreement governing the new senior secured term loan) or (2) a Eurodollar rate (as defined in the credit agreement governing the new senior secured term loan), in each case plus an applicable margin. The interest rate related to the new senior secured term loan facility was approximately 3.75% at April 30, 2014.

Exit_and_Disposal_Activities

Exit and Disposal Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Exit and Disposal Activities	'
	Exit and Disposal Activities
	The Company has initiated various exit and disposal activities including, but not limited to, the matters described below. Employee separation expenses are comprised of severance, outplacement and retention bonus payments. Other costs include expenses associated with asset write-downs, terminating contractual arrangements, costs to prepare facilities for closure, and costs to move equipment and products to other facilities.
	Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation Initiatives
	On March 11, 2013, the Company's Board of Directors approved the following initiatives: (i) construction of two new manufacturing facilities on a campus in Mexico to be shared by the RHC and CES segments, which will provide an integrated manufacturing footprint for both RHC and CES; (ii) consolidation of two North American manufacturing facilities in the RHC segment into the new, shared facility in Mexico; and (iii) transfer of product manufacturing from certain manufacturing facilities in the CES segment to the new, shared campus in Mexico, as well as transferring and expanding parts and sub-assembly operations in Mexico (collectively, the "Manufacturing Rationalization & Relocation Initiatives").
	The Company expects that the range of total cost to complete the Manufacturing Rationalization & Relocation Initiatives, including the initiatives approved on April 11, 2014 as discussed further below, is as follows:
			Low			High
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Exit & Disposal Activities (1)		$	21		$	23
	Capital Expenditures		5			6
			$	26		$	29
	-1	Exit and disposal activities are comprised of the following:
			Low			High
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Employee-related costs		$	16		$	17
	Other costs, including machinery and equipment		5			6
	relocation and installation
			$	21		$	23
	Cash expenditures began in the second quarter of 2013 and are expected to continue through fiscal year 2015. In connection with the Manufacturing Rationalization & Relocation Initiatives, the Company has incurred cumulative costs of approximately $9.4 million (of which approximately $9.0 million and $0.4 million were recorded in the RHC and CES segments, respectively).
	The following table sets forth the changes to the liability for the Manufacturing Rationalization & Relocation Initiatives during the first quarter of 2014:
			Severance			Other Costs			Total
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	6.3		$	0.7		$	7
	Provision		(0.1		)	1.2			1.1
	Payments		—			(1.1		)	(1.1		)
	Other		—			—			—
	Balance, March 29, 2014		$	6.2		$	0.8		$	7
	Subsequent to the end of the first quarter of 2014, on April 11, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved additional initiatives intended to further consolidate North American manufacturing operations, among other things, in the CES segment.
	Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation
	On March 11, 2013, in connection with the Company's efforts to optimize supply chain performance, the Company's Board of Directors also approved entry into a five-year agreement with a third party logistics service provider to outsource certain warehousing and distribution activities in the Company's North American operating segments and facilitate the consolidation of North American warehousing distribution centers (the "Warehousing & Distribution Consolidation"). The Company expects these initiatives to generate cost savings as a result of moving to shared distribution centers and leveraging its scale by optimizing shipments and consolidating facilities.
	The Company expects that the range of total cost to complete the Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation is as follows:
			Low			High
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Employee-related costs		$	1.5		$	2
	Other costs, including lease cancellation costs		2.5			3
			$	4		$	5
	The Company expects the Warehousing & Distribution Consolidation costs to be incurred through the third quarter of 2014. To date, the Company has incurred cumulative severance and other costs of approximately $2.5 million (of which approximately $2.0 million and $0.5 million was recorded in the TECH and DMS segments, respectively) related to the Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation.
	The following table sets forth the changes to the liability for the Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation during the first quarter of 2014:
			Severance			Other Costs			Total
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	0.7		$	0.3		$	1
	Provision		0.3			0.4			0.7
	Payments		(0.4		)	(0.5		)	(0.9		)
	Other		(0.3		)	—			(0.3		)
	Balance, March 29, 2014		$	0.3		$	0.2		$	0.5
	TECH Segment Combination
	The Company has combined the operations of certain subsidiaries within the TECH segment in order to improve overall operational efficiencies, reduce costs, and provide potential for greater revenue growth (the "TECH Segment Combination").  The total expected costs related to one time termination benefits and other costs associated with the TECH Segment Combination are estimated to be approximately $13.4 million to $13.6 million. In connection with the TECH Segment Combination, the Company has incurred cumulative costs of approximately $13.4 million, consisting of one time termination benefits of approximately $3.6 million, approximately $3.4 million in costs to reduce inventory values for certain products to their expected net realizable amount, and facility exit and other costs of approximately $6.4 million.
	The following table sets forth the changes to the liability for the TECH Segment Combination during the first quarter of 2014:
			Severance			Other Costs			Total
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	0.9		$	0.8		$	1.7
	Provision		0.1			—			0.1
	Payments		(0.5		)	(0.2		)	(0.7		)
	Other		—			—			—
	Balance, March 29, 2014		$	0.5		$	0.6		$	1.1
	Best Restructuring
	In 2011, management approved a plan to reduce costs and improve production efficiencies at Best, one of the Company's RESV subsidiaries, including transferring certain operations from Italy to Poland (the "Best Restructuring"). The total expected costs related to contractual termination benefits and other costs associated with the Best Restructuring are estimated to be approximately $17.3 million. In connection with the Best Restructuring, the Company has incurred cumulative costs through the first quarter of 2014 of approximately $17.3 million, consisting of contractual termination benefits of approximately $16.9 million and other costs of approximately $0.4 million.
	The following table sets forth the changes to the liability for the Best Restructuring during the first quarter of 2014:
			Severance			Other Costs			Total
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	5.5		$	—		$	5.5
	Provision		—			—			—
	Payments		(5.1		)	—			(5.1		)
	Other		—			—			—
Balance, March 29, 2014		$	0.4		$	—		$	0.4
Summary of Exit and Disposal Activities
The following table outlines amounts recorded within the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations associated with the Company's exit and disposal activities for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013:
		For the first quarter of 2014									For the first quarter of 2013
		SG&A			COGS			Total			SG&A		COGS		Total
		(Dollar amounts in millions)
Manufacturing Rationalization &		$	—		$	1.1		$	1.1		$	—	$	6.5	$	6.5
Relocation Initiatives
Warehousing & Distribution Consolidation		0.2			0.5			0.7			—		—		—
TECH Segment Combination		0.1			—			0.1			0.6		0.2		0.8
Total		$	0.3		$	1.6		$	1.9		$	0.6	$	6.7	$	7.3

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company provides accruals for all direct costs, including legal costs, associated with the estimated resolution of contingencies at the earliest date at which it is deemed probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of such liability can be reasonably estimated. Costs accrued are estimated based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies and outcomes. Legal costs for other than probable contingencies are expensed when services are performed.
	Indemnifications
	The Company has indemnified third parties for certain matters in a number of transactions involving dispositions of former subsidiaries, including certain pension and environmental liabilities.  The Company has recorded liabilities in relation to these indemnifications of approximately $5.3 million and $5.1 million at March 29, 2014 and December 31, 2013, of which approximately $2.6 million and $2.4 million, respectively, are recorded in accrued expenses and approximately $2.7 million are recorded in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.  At March 29, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the undiscounted future payments related to these indemnifications were estimated to each be approximately $5.4 million.
	Product Warranty and Recall Reserves
	The Company sells a number of products and offers a number of warranties including, in some instances, extended warranties for which the Company receives proceeds.  The specific terms and conditions of these warranties vary depending on the product sold and the country in which the product is sold.  The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its warranties, with the exception of extended warranties, and records a liability for such costs at the time of sale.  Deferred revenue from extended warranties is recorded at estimated fair value and is amortized over the life of the warranty and periodically reviewed to ensure that the amount recorded is equal to or greater than estimated future costs.  Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims, cost per claim, and new product introductions.  The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty claims and adjusts the amounts as necessary.
	Changes in the Company’s combined short-term and long-term warranty liabilities during the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		First quarter of
		2014			2013
		(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	56.8		$	54.7
	Warranties provided during period	5.8			4.8
	Settlements made during period	(6.7		)	(5.0		)
	Other changes in liability estimate, including	0.6			0.3
	expirations and acquisitions
	Balance, end of period	$	56.5		$	54.8
	Other Commitments and Contingencies
	During the first quarter of 2014, the Company placed into service approximately $24.5 million and $7.0 million of buildings related to the 2013 construction in progress of new facilities in Mexico for the RHC and CES segments, respectively. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 840, Leases, the Company was considered to be the owner of the asset during the construction period and upon completion, the Company determined that the facilities did not qualify for de-recognition. These buildings are being depreciated over a 20 year estimated remaining useful life. The corresponding present values of the liabilities for the minimum monthly payments for these facilities are included in accrued liabilities for the current portion and other long-term liabilities for the long-term portion and are being amortized over 20 years using interest rates of approximately 7.5% and 6.4% for the RHC and CES obligations, respectively. Annual minimum payments under these agreements are approximately $2.4 million and $0.6 million for the RHC and CES obligations, respectively.
	The Company is subject to other contingencies, including legal proceedings and claims, arising out of its businesses that cover a wide range of matters including, among others, environmental matters, contract and employment claims, product liability, warranty, and modification and adjustment or replacement of component parts of units sold, which include product recalls. Product liability, environmental and other legal proceedings also include matters with respect to businesses previously owned. The Company has used various substances in its products and manufacturing operations which have been or may be deemed to be hazardous or dangerous, and the extent of its potential liability, if any, under environmental, product liability and workers' compensation statutes, rules, regulations and case law is unclear. Furthermore, due to the lack of adequate information and the potential impact of present regulations and any future regulations, there are certain circumstances in which the amount or range of possible losses cannot be reasonably estimated.
	While it is impossible to ascertain the ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to contingent liabilities, including lawsuits, warranty, product liability, environmental liabilities, and product recalls, the Company believes that the aggregate amount of such liabilities, if any, in excess of amounts provided or covered by insurance, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. It is possible, however, that results of operations for any particular future period could be materially affected by changes in the Company's assumptions or strategies related to these contingencies or changes that are not within the Company's control.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The benefit from income taxes for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 was approximately $3.0 million and $4.9 million, respectively. The effective income tax rate of a benefit of approximately 25.9% for the first quarter of 2014 differs from the United States federal statutory rate of a benefit of 35% principally as a result of losses in certain jurisdictions that cannot be benefited. Compared to the United States federal statutory rate of a benefit of 35%, the effective income tax rate of a benefit of approximately 24.5% for the first quarter of 2013 differs principally as a result of decreases related to tax credits and earnings from foreign operations taxed at lower rates, partially offset by increases related to state taxes and nondeductible expenses.
	The Company has approximately $6.7 million of realized tax benefits related to deductions for share-based compensation in excess of the corresponding book expense which will be recognized as a credit to additional paid in capital when the benefits are realized on a tax return.  The Company accounts for share-based compensation deductions on the basis that these are the last tax benefits that are utilized.
	As of January 1, 2014, the Company had a liability of approximately $20.8 million for unrecognized tax benefits related to various federal, foreign and state income tax matters.  As a result of additional provisions during the first quarter of 2014, the liability for uncertain tax positions at March 29, 2014 was approximately $21.2 million. The liability for uncertain tax positions is included in other long-term liabilities on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. The corresponding amount of gross uncertain tax benefits was approximately $31.1 million and $30.7 million at March 29, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	As of March 29, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the amount of uncertain tax positions that will impact the Company's effective tax rate is approximately $11.2 million and $10.9 million, respectively. The difference between the total amount of uncertain tax positions and the amount that will impact the effective tax rate represents the federal tax effect of state tax items, items that offset temporary differences, and items that will result in the reduction of other tax assets.
	As of March 29, 2014, the Company had approximately $3.9 million in unrecognized benefits relating to various state tax issues, for which the statute of limitations is expected to expire in 2014.
	As of March 29, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total amount of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions was approximately $4.2 million and $4.0 million, respectively.  The Company accounts for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of its provision for federal and state taxes.
	As of March 29, 2014, the Company had recorded a liability of approximately $0.8 million for potential income tax liabilities and approximately $0.7 million for additional VAT liabilities related to a tax audit at one of the Company's foreign subsidiaries for the years 2007 - 2012. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company reached an agreement with taxing authorities to settle the years 2007 and 2008 for approximately $0.2 million for income tax liabilities and approximately $0.2 million for VAT liabilities, which will be payable in quarterly installments over a three year period commencing April 2014.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	The Company is a global, diversified company whose many market-leading brands deliver broad capabilities and a wide array of innovative, technology-driven products and solutions for lifestyle improvement at home and at work. The Company's five reporting segments are as follows:
	•	the Residential Ventilation (“RESV”) segment,
	•	the Technology Solutions (“TECH”) segment,
	•	the Display Mount Solutions ("DMS") segment,
	•	the Residential Heating and Cooling (“RHC”) segment, and
	•	the Custom & Engineered Solutions (“CES”) segment.
	For a description of the activities of the Company's reporting segments, see "Segment Information and Concentration of Credit Risk", of the Company's 2013 Form 10-K.
	The Company's performance is significantly impacted by the levels of residential remodeling and replacement activity, as well as the levels of new residential and non-residential construction. The level of new construction activity and, to a lesser extent, the level of residential remodeling and replacement activity are affected by seasonality and cyclical factors such as interest rates, inflation, consumer spending, employment levels, and other macroeconomic factors, over which the Company has no control. Performance in any particular period could be impacted by the timing of sales to certain large customers.
	The Company evaluates segment performance based on operating earnings before allocations of corporate overhead costs. Intersegment net sales and intersegment eliminations are not material for any of the periods presented. The financial statement impact of all acquisition accounting adjustments, including intangible assets amortization and goodwill, are reflected in the applicable operating segment, which are the Company’s reporting units.
	Unaudited net sales, operating earnings and loss before benefit from income taxes for the Company’s reporting segments for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
			First quarter of
			2014			2013
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Net sales:
	RESV		$	143.1		$	144.5
	TECH		121.2			110.4
	DMS		61.6			61
	RHC		100.8			87.4
	CES		123.4			115.8
	Consolidated net sales		$	550.1		$	519.1
	Operating earnings (loss):
	RESV		$	9.6		$	11.4
	TECH		(3.6		)	2.8
	DMS		7.5			5.9
	RHC		3.2			(5.1		)
	CES		11.1			7
	Subtotal		27.8			22
	Unallocated, net		(15.3		)	(17.4		)
	Consolidated operating earnings		12.5			4.6
	Interest expense		(24.1		)	(24.6		)
	Loss before benefit from income taxes		$	(11.6	)	$	(20.0	)
	See Note F, “Exit & Disposal Activities” and Note G, "Commitments & Contingencies", with respect to certain other items affecting segment earnings (loss).

Equity_Activity

Equity Activity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Equity Activity	'
	Equity Activity
	Restricted Stock
	During the first quarter of 2014, 145,671 shares of restricted stock vested, of which 52,865 shares of common stock were delivered to the Company as payment in lieu of cash to satisfy minimum tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock.
	Stock Options
	During the first quarter of 2014, 34,363 stock options were exercised for common stock, of which 11,155 shares of common stock were delivered to the Company as payment in lieu of cash for stock options exercised and related minimum tax withholdings.
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Comprehensive income (loss) includes net earnings (loss), unrealized gains and losses from foreign currency translation, and pension liability adjustments, net of tax attributes. The components of the Company’s comprehensive income (loss) and the effect on earnings for the periods presented are detailed in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
	The balances of each component, net of tax attributes, within accumulated other comprehensive loss for the first quarter of 2014 are as follows:
			First Quarter of 2014
			Foreign			Pension			Total
			Currency			Liability Adjustment			Accumulated
			Translation						Other
									Comprehensive
									Loss
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Balance, beginning of period		$	(0.9	)	$	(15.4	)	$	(16.3	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(2.5		)	—			(2.5		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI to SG&A (1)		—			—			—
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss		(2.5		)	—			(2.5		)
	Balance, end of period		$	(3.4	)	$	(15.4	)	$	(18.8	)
	-1	For additional information, see Note L, "Pension, Profit Sharing and & Other Post-Retirement Benefits".

Earnings_Loss_per_Share

Earnings (Loss) per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings (Loss) per Share	'
	Earnings (Loss) per Share
	Basic earnings per share amounts are computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share amounts are computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during each period.
	The reconciliations between basic and diluted loss per share for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		First quarter of
		2014				2013
		(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)
	Net loss	$	(8.6	)		$	(15.1	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	15,496,151				15,331,415
	Dilutive effect of common share equivalents	—				—
	Dilutive shares outstanding	15,496,151				15,331,415
	Basic loss per share	$	(0.55	)		$	(0.98	)
	Diluted loss per share	$	(0.55	)		$	(0.98	)
	The effect of certain potential common share equivalents, as outlined below, were excluded from the computation of diluted shares outstanding for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Restricted stock awards which vest based upon achievement of performance targets were excluded from the diluted shares outstanding as the performance targets had not been met as of the end of the first quarter of 2014 and 2013.
	A summary of the weighted average anti-dilutive shares excluded from the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		First quarter of
		2014			2013
	Warrants	646,193			669,612
	Restricted stock	391,267			530,159
	Stock options	640,166			678,225
	Total	1,677,626			1,877,996

Pension_Profit_Sharing_Other_P

Pension, Profit Sharing & Other Post-Retirement Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension, Profit Sharing & Other Post-Retirement Benefits	'
	Pension, Profit Sharing & Other Post-Retirement Benefits
	The Company and its subsidiaries have various pension plans, supplemental retirement plans for certain officers, profit sharing, and other post-retirement benefit plans requiring contributions to qualified trusts and union administered funds.
	Pension, profit sharing and other post-retirement health benefit expense charged to operations aggregated approximately $2.8 million and $2.2 million for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Company's policy is to generally fund currently at least the minimum required annual contribution of its various qualified defined benefit plans. At March 29, 2014, the Company estimated that approximately $7.0 million would be contributed to the Company's defined benefit pension plans in 2014, of which approximately $1.3 million was contributed through the first quarter of 2014.
	The Company’s unaudited net periodic benefit cost for its defined benefit plans for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 consists of the following components:
		First quarter of
		2014			2013
		(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Service cost	$	0.2		$	0.1
	Interest cost	1.9			1.7
	Expected return on plan assets	(1.9		)	(1.7		)
	Net amortization of actuarial loss	—			0.2
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	0.2		$	0.3
	There were no periodic benefit costs for the Company's post-retirement health benefit plan for the first quarter of 2014 or 2013.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value	'
	Fair Value
	The Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value have been categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
	•	Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
	•	Level 2 inputs utilize inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.
	•	Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, allowing for situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.
	Measured on a Recurring Basis
	Restricted Investments and Marketable Securities (Level 1) -- The fair value of investments is based on quoted market prices.  The fair value of investments was not materially different from their cost basis at March 29, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
	Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value
	The carrying value and fair values of financial instruments not recorded at fair value in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets at March 29, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
	Cash and Trade Receivables -- Cash and trade receivables are carried at their cost which approximates fair value (Level 1) because of their short-term nature.
	Long-Term Debt -- At March 29, 2014, the fair value of the Company's long-term indebtedness was approximately $107.7 million higher than the amount on the Company's accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet, before net unamortized premium of approximately $4.2 million. At December 31, 2013, the fair value of the Company’s long-term indebtedness was approximately $107.7 million higher than the amount on the Company's consolidated balance sheet, before net unamortized premium of approximately $4.5 million.  The Company determined the fair market value of its 10% Notes and 8.5% Notes using available market quotes (Level 1). For the Company's remaining outstanding indebtedness (including outstanding borrowings under the ABL Facility and the Term Loan Facility), the Company assumed that the carrying value of such indebtedness approximated the fair value based upon the variable interest rates associated with certain of these debt obligations and the Company's estimated credit risk.

Guarantor_Financial_Statements

Guarantor Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Guarantor Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Guarantor Financial Statements	'
	Guarantor Financial Statements
	The Company's 10% Notes and 8.5% Notes are guaranteed by each of the Company's current and future domestic subsidiaries that guarantee the Company's obligations under its senior secured credit facilities (the “Guarantors”). The Guarantors are wholly-owned, either directly or indirectly, by the Company and jointly and severally guarantee the Company's obligations under the 10% Notes and 8.5% Notes. None of the Company's foreign subsidiaries guarantee the 10% Notes or 8.5% Notes.
	Consolidating balance sheets related to Nortek, the Guarantors and non-Guarantor subsidiaries as of March 29, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and the related consolidating statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 are reflected below in order to comply with the reporting requirements for guarantor subsidiaries.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of March 29, 2014
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor						Nortek
		Nortek			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(Dollar amounts in millions)
	ASSETS:
	Current Assets:
	Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	$	14		$	7.6		$	29.5		$	—		$	51.1
	Restricted cash	0.9			—			0.1			—			1
	Accounts receivable, less allowances	—			266.4			63			—			329.4
	Intercompany receivables	0.3			—			55.8			(56.1		)	—
	Inventories, net	—			257.6			82.8			(7.7		)	332.7
	Prepaid expenses	2.6			11			4.9			—			18.5
	Other current assets	—			6.2			10.6			—			16.8
	Deferred tax assets	8.3			26.5			—			(1.4		)	33.4
	Total current assets	26.1			575.3			246.7			(65.2		)	782.9
	Property and Equipment, at Cost:
	Total property and equipment, net	8.2			154			65.4			—			227.6
	Other Long-term Assets:
	Investment in subsidiaries and long-term	1,231.00			371.1			—			(1,602.1		)	—
	receivable from (to) subsidiaries
	Goodwill	—			357.8			15.7			—			373.5
	Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	—			614			31.5			(10.2		)	635.3
	Deferred tax asset	10.4			—			—			(10.4		)	—
	Other assets	19.9			14.6			1.1			—			35.6
	Total other long-term assets	1,261.30			1,357.50			48.3			(1,622.7		)	1,044.40
	Total Assets	$	1,295.60		$	2,086.80		$	360.4		$	(1,687.9	)	$	2,054.90
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT (DEFICIT):
	Current Liabilities:
	Short term bank obligations	$	—		$	—		$	0.6		$	—		$	0.6
	Current maturities of long-term debt	0.3			2.6			—			—			2.9
	Accounts payable	2.3			153.3			115.4			—			271
	Accrued expenses and taxes, net	56.9			128.5			35			—			220.4
	Current deferred taxes	—			—			1.4			(1.4		)	—
	Intercompany payables	—			56.1			—			(56.1		)	—
	Total current liabilities	59.5			340.5			152.4			(57.5		)	494.9
	Other Liabilities:
	Deferred income taxes	—			162.7			7.9			(13.4		)	157.2
	Other long-term liabilities	31.7			136.3			21.2			—			189.2
	Long-term intercompany payables	—			—			50.4			(50.4		)	—
		31.7			299			79.5			(63.8		)	346.4
	Notes, Mortgage Notes and Obligations	1,117.90			9.1			0.1			—			1,127.10
	Payable, Less Current Maturities
	Stockholders' investment (deficit)	86.5			1,438.20			128.4			(1,566.6		)	86.5
	Total Liabilities and Stockholders'	$	1,295.60		$	2,086.80		$	360.4		$	(1,687.9	)	$	2,054.90
	Investment (Deficit)
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2013
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor						Nortek
		Nortek			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(Dollar amounts in millions)
	ASSETS:
	Current Assets:
	Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	$	23.2		$	20		$	37.7		$	—		$	80.9
	Restricted cash	2.7			0.1			0.1			—			2.9
	Accounts receivable, less allowances	0.1			219.2			57.1			—			276.4
	Intercompany receivables	1.4			—			60.5			(61.9		)	—
	Inventories, net	—			204.5			72			(6.0		)	270.5
	Prepaid expenses	3.2			11			6			—			20.2
	Other current assets	0.1			6.5			12.8			—			19.4
	Deferred tax assets	4.8			26.3			—			(1.4		)	29.7
	Total current assets	35.5			487.6			246.2			(69.3		)	700
Property and Equipment, at Cost:
Total property and equipment, net	7			157.4			68			—			232.4
Other Long-term Assets:
Investment in subsidiaries and long-term	1,180.70			418.6			—			(1,599.3		)	—
receivable from (to) subsidiaries
Goodwill	—			357.8			15.7			—			373.5
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	—			627.1			32.2			(10.4		)	648.9
Deferred tax asset	10.2			—			—			(10.2		)	—
Other assets	20.3			14.6			1.2			—			36.1
Total other long-term assets	1,211.20			1,418.10			49.1			(1,619.9		)	1,058.50
Total Assets	$	1,253.70		$	2,063.10		$	363.3		$	(1,689.2	)	$	1,990.90
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT (DEFICIT):
Current Liabilities:
Short term bank obligations	$	—		$	—		$	0.7		$	—		$	0.7
Current maturities of long-term debt	0.3			2.5			—			—			2.8
Accounts payable	2.3			103.7			108.7			—			214.7
Accrued expenses and taxes, net	36.2			152.4			42.9			—			231.5
Current deferred taxes	—			—			1.4			(1.4		)	—
Intercompany payables	—			61.9			—			(61.9		)	—
Total current liabilities	38.8			320.5			153.7			(63.3		)	449.7
Other Liabilities:
Deferred income taxes	—			163.8			7.7			(12.4		)	159.1
Other long-term liabilities	31.7			135.6			21.6			—			188.9
Long-term intercompany payables	—			—			49.4			(49.4		)	—
	31.7			299.4			78.7			(61.8		)	348
Notes, Mortgage Notes and Obligations	1,083.30			10			—			—			1,093.30
Payable, Less Current Maturities
Stockholders' investment (deficit)	99.9			1,433.20			130.9			(1,564.1		)	99.9
Total Liabilities and Stockholders'	$	1,253.70		$	2,063.10		$	363.3		$	(1,689.2	)	$	1,990.90
Investment (Deficit)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the first quarter ended March 29, 2014
				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor						Nortek
	Nortek			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(Dollar amounts in millions)
Net Sales	$	—		$	464.1		$	189.5		$	(103.5	)	$	550.1
Cost of products sold	—			329.3			165.7			(101.8		)	393.2
Gross profit	—			134.8			23.8			(1.7		)	156.9
Selling, general and administrative expense, net	15.3			94.3			21.2			—			130.8
Amortization of intangible assets	—			13.1			0.7			(0.2		)	13.6
Operating (loss) earnings	(15.3		)	27.4			1.9			(1.5		)	12.5
Interest expense	(23.9		)	(0.1		)	(0.1		)	—			(24.1		)
(Loss) income before charges and allocations to	(39.2		)	27.3			1.8			(1.5		)	(11.6		)
subsidiaries and equity in subsidiaries'
(loss) earnings before income taxes
Charges and allocations to subsidiaries and equity	27.6			(16.8		)	0.2			(11.0		)	—
in subsidiaries' (loss) earnings before income
taxes
(Loss) earnings before (benefit) provision for	(11.6		)	10.5			2			(12.5		)	(11.6		)
income taxes
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	(3.0		)	4.2			2.1			(6.3		)	(3.0		)
Net (loss) earnings	$	(8.6	)	$	6.3		$	(0.1	)	$	(6.2	)	$	(8.6	)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(11.1	)	$	6.3		$	(2.5	)	$	(3.8	)	$	(11.1	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the first quarter ended March 30, 2013
				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor						Nortek
	Nortek			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(Dollar amounts in millions)
Net Sales	$	—		$	433.9		$	172		$	(86.8	)	$	519.1
Cost of products sold	—			317.9			146.4			(86.7		)	377.6
Gross profit	—			116			25.6			(0.1		)	141.5
Selling, general and administrative expense, net	16.9			85.7			23			—			125.6
Amortization of intangible assets	—			10.8			0.7			(0.2		)	11.3
Operating (loss) earnings	(16.9		)	19.5			1.9			0.1			4.6
Interest expense	(23.8		)	(0.7		)	(0.1		)	—			(24.6		)
(Loss) income before charges and allocations to	(40.7		)	18.8			1.8			0.1			(20.0		)
subsidiaries and equity in subsidiaries'
(loss) earnings before income taxes
Charges and allocations to subsidiaries and equity	20.7			(16.2		)	0.2			(4.7		)	—
in subsidiaries' (loss) earnings before income
taxes
(Loss) earnings before (benefit) provision for	(20.0		)	2.6			2			(4.6		)	(20.0		)
income taxes
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	(4.9		)	0.1			0.9			(1.0		)	(4.9		)
Net (loss) earnings	$	(15.1	)	$	2.5		$	1.1		$	(3.6	)	$	(15.1	)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(18.1	)	$	2.6		$	(2.1	)	$	(0.5	)	$	(18.1	)
Condensed Consolidating Cash Flow Statement
For the first quarter ended March 29, 2014
				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Nortek
	Nortek			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Consolidated
	(Dollar amounts in millions)
Cash Flows from operating activities:
Net cash used in operating activities	$	(15.6	)	$	(29.4	)	$	(7.4	)	$	(52.4	)
Cash Flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(1.9		)	(5.1		)	(0.9		)	(7.9		)
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	—			0.8			0.5			1.3
Change in restricted cash and marketable securities	—			—			—			—
Other, net	—			(0.3		)	(0.3		)	(0.6		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1.9		)	(4.6		)	(0.7		)	(7.2		)
Cash Flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	40			—			0.7			40.7
Payment of borrowings	(5.1		)	(0.7		)	(0.8		)	(6.6		)
Net use from equity transactions	(4.0		)	—			—			(4.0		)
Long-term intercompany advances and loans	(22.3		)	22.3			—			—
Other, net	(0.3		)	—			—			(0.3		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	8.3			21.6			(0.1		)	29.8
Net change in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	(9.2		)	(12.4		)	(8.2		)	(29.8		)
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the	23.2			20			37.7			80.9
beginning of the period
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the	$	14		$	7.6		$	29.5		$	51.1
end of the period
Condensed Consolidating Cash Flow Statement
For the first quarter ended March 30, 2013
				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Nortek
	Nortek			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Consolidated
	(Dollar amounts in millions)
Cash Flows from operating activities:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(18.3	)	$	6.8		$	(3.0	)	$	(14.5	)
Cash Flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(1.5		)	(4.9		)	(3.4		)	(9.8		)
Net cash paid for businesses acquired	—			—			(0.9		)	(0.9		)
Change in restricted cash and marketable securities	—			0.1			—			0.1
Other, net	—			(0.9		)	0.1			(0.8		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1.5		)	(5.7		)	(4.2		)	(11.4		)
Cash Flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	85			—			0.8			85.8
Payment of borrowings	(0.1		)	(0.7		)	(0.8		)	(1.6		)
Net use from equity transactions	(1.6		)	—			—			(1.6		)
Long-term intercompany advances and loans	7.6			(7.6		)	—			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	90.9			(8.3		)	—			82.6
Net change in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	71.1			(7.2		)	(7.2		)	56.7
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the	94.9			13.1			36.7			144.7
beginning of the period
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the	$	166		$	5.9		$	29.5		$	201.4
end of the period

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
2GIG Technologies, Inc. [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	'
	The unaudited pro forma net sales, operating earnings, net loss, basic and diluted loss per share, and depreciation and amortization expense for the Company as a result of the acquisition of 2GIG for the first quarter of 2013 were as follows (dollar amounts in millions):
	Net sales	$	551.1
	Operating earnings	9
	Net loss	(12.7		)
	Basic loss per share	(0.83		)
	Diluted loss per share	(0.83		)
	Depreciation & amortization expense	26.1
Reznor [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	'
	The unaudited pro forma net sales, operating earnings, net loss, basic and diluted loss per share, and depreciation and amortization expense for the Company as a result of the acquisition of Reznor for the periods presented were as follows:
		Year Ended			First quarter of
		Dec. 31, 2013			2014			2013
		(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Net sales	$	2,447.10		$	592.2		$	559.3
	Operating earnings	99			19.2			6.5
	Net loss	(5.6		)	(5.3		)	(15.0		)
	Basic loss per share	(0.36		)	(0.34		)	(0.98		)
	Diluted loss per share	(0.36		)	(0.34		)	(0.98		)
	Depreciation & amortization expense	116			28.3			26.7

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill	'
	The following table presents a summary of the activity in goodwill by reporting segment for the first quarter of 2014:
			Dec. 31, 2013 (1)		Acquisitions		March 29, 2014 (1)
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Residential Ventilation:
	Gross goodwill		$	156.8	$	—	$	156.8
	Impairment losses		—		—		—
	Net RESV goodwill		156.8		—		156.8
	Technology Solutions:
	Gross goodwill		85.3		—		85.3
	Impairment losses		—		—		—
	Net TECH goodwill		85.3		—		85.3
	Display Mount Solutions:
	Gross goodwill		131.4		—		131.4
	Impairment losses		—		—		—
	Net DMS goodwill		131.4		—		131.4
	Consolidated goodwill:
	Gross goodwill		373.5		—		373.5
	Impairment losses		—		—		—
	Net consolidated goodwill		$	373.5	$	—	$	373.5
	-1	The RHC and Custom & Engineered Solutions ("CES") reporting units did not have goodwill in any period presented.

Exit_and_Disposal_Activities_T

Exit and Disposal Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	'
	The following table outlines amounts recorded within the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations associated with the Company's exit and disposal activities for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013:
			For the first quarter of 2014									For the first quarter of 2013
			SG&A			COGS			Total			SG&A		COGS		Total
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Manufacturing Rationalization &		$	—		$	1.1		$	1.1		$	—	$	6.5	$	6.5
	Relocation Initiatives
	Warehousing & Distribution Consolidation		0.2			0.5			0.7			—		—		—
	TECH Segment Combination		0.1			—			0.1			0.6		0.2		0.8
	Total		$	0.3		$	1.6		$	1.9		$	0.6	$	6.7	$	7.3
Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Restructuring and Related Costs	'
	The Company expects that the range of total cost to complete the Manufacturing Rationalization & Relocation Initiatives, including the initiatives approved on April 11, 2014 as discussed further below, is as follows:
			Low			High
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Exit & Disposal Activities (1)		$	21		$	23
	Capital Expenditures		5			6
			$	26		$	29
	-1	Exit and disposal activities are comprised of the following:
			Low			High
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Employee-related costs		$	16		$	17
	Other costs, including machinery and equipment		5			6
	relocation and installation
			$	21		$	23
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	'
	The following table sets forth the changes to the liability for the Manufacturing Rationalization & Relocation Initiatives during the first quarter of 2014:
			Severance			Other Costs			Total
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	6.3		$	0.7		$	7
	Provision		(0.1		)	1.2			1.1
	Payments		—			(1.1		)	(1.1		)
	Other		—			—			—
	Balance, March 29, 2014		$	6.2		$	0.8		$	7
Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Restructuring and Related Costs	'
	The Company expects that the range of total cost to complete the Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation is as follows:
			Low			High
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Employee-related costs		$	1.5		$	2
	Other costs, including lease cancellation costs		2.5			3
			$	4		$	5
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	'
	The following table sets forth the changes to the liability for the Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation during the first quarter of 2014:
			Severance			Other Costs			Total
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	0.7		$	0.3		$	1
	Provision		0.3			0.4			0.7
	Payments		(0.4		)	(0.5		)	(0.9		)
	Other		(0.3		)	—			(0.3		)
	Balance, March 29, 2014		$	0.3		$	0.2		$	0.5
TECH Segment Combination [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	'
	The following table sets forth the changes to the liability for the TECH Segment Combination during the first quarter of 2014:
			Severance			Other Costs			Total
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	0.9		$	0.8		$	1.7
	Provision		0.1			—			0.1
	Payments		(0.5		)	(0.2		)	(0.7		)
	Other		—			—			—
	Balance, March 29, 2014		$	0.5		$	0.6		$	1.1
Best Restructuring [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	'
	The following table sets forth the changes to the liability for the Best Restructuring during the first quarter of 2014:
			Severance			Other Costs			Total
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	5.5		$	—		$	5.5
	Provision		—			—			—
	Payments		(5.1		)	—			(5.1		)
	Other		—			—			—
	Balance, March 29, 2014		$	0.4		$	—		$	0.4

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability	'
	Changes in the Company’s combined short-term and long-term warranty liabilities during the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		First quarter of
		2014			2013
		(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	56.8		$	54.7
	Warranties provided during period	5.8			4.8
	Settlements made during period	(6.7		)	(5.0		)
	Other changes in liability estimate, including	0.6			0.3
	expirations and acquisitions
	Balance, end of period	$	56.5		$	54.8

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	Unaudited net sales, operating earnings and loss before benefit from income taxes for the Company’s reporting segments for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		First quarter of
		2014			2013
		(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Net sales:
	RESV	$	143.1		$	144.5
	TECH	121.2			110.4
	DMS	61.6			61
	RHC	100.8			87.4
	CES	123.4			115.8
	Consolidated net sales	$	550.1		$	519.1
	Operating earnings (loss):
	RESV	$	9.6		$	11.4
	TECH	(3.6		)	2.8
	DMS	7.5			5.9
	RHC	3.2			(5.1		)
	CES	11.1			7
	Subtotal	27.8			22
	Unallocated, net	(15.3		)	(17.4		)
	Consolidated operating earnings	12.5			4.6
	Interest expense	(24.1		)	(24.6		)
	Loss before benefit from income taxes	$	(11.6	)	$	(20.0	)

Equity_Activity_Tables

Equity Activity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The balances of each component, net of tax attributes, within accumulated other comprehensive loss for the first quarter of 2014 are as follows:
			First Quarter of 2014
			Foreign			Pension			Total
			Currency			Liability Adjustment			Accumulated
			Translation						Other
									Comprehensive
									Loss
			(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Balance, beginning of period		$	(0.9	)	$	(15.4	)	$	(16.3	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(2.5		)	—			(2.5		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI to SG&A (1)		—			—			—
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss		(2.5		)	—			(2.5		)
	Balance, end of period		$	(3.4	)	$	(15.4	)	$	(18.8	)
	-1	For additional information, see Note L, "Pension, Profit Sharing and & Other Post-Retirement Benefits".

Earnings_Loss_per_Share_Tables

Earnings (Loss) per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares	'
	The reconciliations between basic and diluted loss per share for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		First quarter of
		2014				2013
		(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)
	Net loss	$	(8.6	)		$	(15.1	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	15,496,151				15,331,415
	Dilutive effect of common share equivalents	—				—
	Dilutive shares outstanding	15,496,151				15,331,415
	Basic loss per share	$	(0.55	)		$	(0.98	)
	Diluted loss per share	$	(0.55	)		$	(0.98	)
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'
	A summary of the weighted average anti-dilutive shares excluded from the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		First quarter of
		2014			2013
	Warrants	646,193			669,612
	Restricted stock	391,267			530,159
	Stock options	640,166			678,225
	Total	1,677,626			1,877,996

Pension_Profit_Sharing_Other_P1

Pension, Profit Sharing & Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	'
	The Company’s unaudited net periodic benefit cost for its defined benefit plans for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 consists of the following components:
		First quarter of
		2014			2013
		(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Service cost	$	0.2		$	0.1
	Interest cost	1.9			1.7
	Expected return on plan assets	(1.9		)	(1.7		)
	Net amortization of actuarial loss	—			0.2
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	0.2		$	0.3

Guarantor_Financial_Statements1

Guarantor Financial Statements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Guarantor Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Condensed Balance Sheet	'
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of March 29, 2014
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor						Nortek
		Nortek			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(Dollar amounts in millions)
	ASSETS:
	Current Assets:
	Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	$	14		$	7.6		$	29.5		$	—		$	51.1
	Restricted cash	0.9			—			0.1			—			1
	Accounts receivable, less allowances	—			266.4			63			—			329.4
	Intercompany receivables	0.3			—			55.8			(56.1		)	—
	Inventories, net	—			257.6			82.8			(7.7		)	332.7
	Prepaid expenses	2.6			11			4.9			—			18.5
	Other current assets	—			6.2			10.6			—			16.8
	Deferred tax assets	8.3			26.5			—			(1.4		)	33.4
	Total current assets	26.1			575.3			246.7			(65.2		)	782.9
	Property and Equipment, at Cost:
	Total property and equipment, net	8.2			154			65.4			—			227.6
	Other Long-term Assets:
	Investment in subsidiaries and long-term	1,231.00			371.1			—			(1,602.1		)	—
	receivable from (to) subsidiaries
	Goodwill	—			357.8			15.7			—			373.5
	Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	—			614			31.5			(10.2		)	635.3
	Deferred tax asset	10.4			—			—			(10.4		)	—
	Other assets	19.9			14.6			1.1			—			35.6
	Total other long-term assets	1,261.30			1,357.50			48.3			(1,622.7		)	1,044.40
	Total Assets	$	1,295.60		$	2,086.80		$	360.4		$	(1,687.9	)	$	2,054.90
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT (DEFICIT):
	Current Liabilities:
	Short term bank obligations	$	—		$	—		$	0.6		$	—		$	0.6
	Current maturities of long-term debt	0.3			2.6			—			—			2.9
	Accounts payable	2.3			153.3			115.4			—			271
	Accrued expenses and taxes, net	56.9			128.5			35			—			220.4
	Current deferred taxes	—			—			1.4			(1.4		)	—
	Intercompany payables	—			56.1			—			(56.1		)	—
	Total current liabilities	59.5			340.5			152.4			(57.5		)	494.9
	Other Liabilities:
	Deferred income taxes	—			162.7			7.9			(13.4		)	157.2
	Other long-term liabilities	31.7			136.3			21.2			—			189.2
	Long-term intercompany payables	—			—			50.4			(50.4		)	—
		31.7			299			79.5			(63.8		)	346.4
	Notes, Mortgage Notes and Obligations	1,117.90			9.1			0.1			—			1,127.10
	Payable, Less Current Maturities
	Stockholders' investment (deficit)	86.5			1,438.20			128.4			(1,566.6		)	86.5
	Total Liabilities and Stockholders'	$	1,295.60		$	2,086.80		$	360.4		$	(1,687.9	)	$	2,054.90
	Investment (Deficit)
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2013
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor						Nortek
		Nortek			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(Dollar amounts in millions)
	ASSETS:
	Current Assets:
	Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	$	23.2		$	20		$	37.7		$	—		$	80.9
	Restricted cash	2.7			0.1			0.1			—			2.9
	Accounts receivable, less allowances	0.1			219.2			57.1			—			276.4
	Intercompany receivables	1.4			—			60.5			(61.9		)	—
	Inventories, net	—			204.5			72			(6.0		)	270.5
	Prepaid expenses	3.2			11			6			—			20.2
	Other current assets	0.1			6.5			12.8			—			19.4
	Deferred tax assets	4.8			26.3			—			(1.4		)	29.7
	Total current assets	35.5			487.6			246.2			(69.3		)	700
	Property and Equipment, at Cost:
	Total property and equipment, net	7			157.4			68			—			232.4
	Other Long-term Assets:
Investment in subsidiaries and long-term	1,180.70			418.6			—			(1,599.3		)	—
receivable from (to) subsidiaries
Goodwill	—			357.8			15.7			—			373.5
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	—			627.1			32.2			(10.4		)	648.9
Deferred tax asset	10.2			—			—			(10.2		)	—
Other assets	20.3			14.6			1.2			—			36.1
Total other long-term assets	1,211.20			1,418.10			49.1			(1,619.9		)	1,058.50
Total Assets	$	1,253.70		$	2,063.10		$	363.3		$	(1,689.2	)	$	1,990.90
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT (DEFICIT):
Current Liabilities:
Short term bank obligations	$	—		$	—		$	0.7		$	—		$	0.7
Current maturities of long-term debt	0.3			2.5			—			—			2.8
Accounts payable	2.3			103.7			108.7			—			214.7
Accrued expenses and taxes, net	36.2			152.4			42.9			—			231.5
Current deferred taxes	—			—			1.4			(1.4		)	—
Intercompany payables	—			61.9			—			(61.9		)	—
Total current liabilities	38.8			320.5			153.7			(63.3		)	449.7
Other Liabilities:
Deferred income taxes	—			163.8			7.7			(12.4		)	159.1
Other long-term liabilities	31.7			135.6			21.6			—			188.9
Long-term intercompany payables	—			—			49.4			(49.4		)	—
	31.7			299.4			78.7			(61.8		)	348
Notes, Mortgage Notes and Obligations	1,083.30			10			—			—			1,093.30
Payable, Less Current Maturities
Stockholders' investment (deficit)	99.9			1,433.20			130.9			(1,564.1		)	99.9
Total Liabilities and Stockholders'	$	1,253.70		$	2,063.10		$	363.3		$	(1,689.2	)	$	1,990.90
Investment (Deficit)
Schedule of Condensed Income Statement	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	For the first quarter ended March 29, 2014
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor						Nortek
		Nortek			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Net Sales	$	—		$	464.1		$	189.5		$	(103.5	)	$	550.1
	Cost of products sold	—			329.3			165.7			(101.8		)	393.2
	Gross profit	—			134.8			23.8			(1.7		)	156.9
	Selling, general and administrative expense, net	15.3			94.3			21.2			—			130.8
	Amortization of intangible assets	—			13.1			0.7			(0.2		)	13.6
	Operating (loss) earnings	(15.3		)	27.4			1.9			(1.5		)	12.5
	Interest expense	(23.9		)	(0.1		)	(0.1		)	—			(24.1		)
	(Loss) income before charges and allocations to	(39.2		)	27.3			1.8			(1.5		)	(11.6		)
	subsidiaries and equity in subsidiaries'
	(loss) earnings before income taxes
	Charges and allocations to subsidiaries and equity	27.6			(16.8		)	0.2			(11.0		)	—
	in subsidiaries' (loss) earnings before income
	taxes
	(Loss) earnings before (benefit) provision for	(11.6		)	10.5			2			(12.5		)	(11.6		)
	income taxes
	(Benefit) provision for income taxes	(3.0		)	4.2			2.1			(6.3		)	(3.0		)
	Net (loss) earnings	$	(8.6	)	$	6.3		$	(0.1	)	$	(6.2	)	$	(8.6	)
	Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(11.1	)	$	6.3		$	(2.5	)	$	(3.8	)	$	(11.1	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	For the first quarter ended March 30, 2013
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor						Nortek
		Nortek			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Net Sales	$	—		$	433.9		$	172		$	(86.8	)	$	519.1
	Cost of products sold	—			317.9			146.4			(86.7		)	377.6
	Gross profit	—			116			25.6			(0.1		)	141.5
	Selling, general and administrative expense, net	16.9			85.7			23			—			125.6
	Amortization of intangible assets	—			10.8			0.7			(0.2		)	11.3
	Operating (loss) earnings	(16.9		)	19.5			1.9			0.1			4.6
	Interest expense	(23.8		)	(0.7		)	(0.1		)	—			(24.6		)
	(Loss) income before charges and allocations to	(40.7		)	18.8			1.8			0.1			(20.0		)
	subsidiaries and equity in subsidiaries'
	(loss) earnings before income taxes
	Charges and allocations to subsidiaries and equity	20.7			(16.2		)	0.2			(4.7		)	—
	in subsidiaries' (loss) earnings before income
	taxes
	(Loss) earnings before (benefit) provision for	(20.0		)	2.6			2			(4.6		)	(20.0		)
	income taxes
	(Benefit) provision for income taxes	(4.9		)	0.1			0.9			(1.0		)	(4.9		)
	Net (loss) earnings	$	(15.1	)	$	2.5		$	1.1		$	(3.6	)	$	(15.1	)
	Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(18.1	)	$	2.6		$	(2.1	)	$	(0.5	)	$	(18.1	)
Schedule of Condensed Cash Flow Statement	'
	Condensed Consolidating Cash Flow Statement
	For the first quarter ended March 29, 2014
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Nortek
		Nortek			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Consolidated
		(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Cash Flows from operating activities:
	Net cash used in operating activities	$	(15.6	)	$	(29.4	)	$	(7.4	)	$	(52.4	)
	Cash Flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	(1.9		)	(5.1		)	(0.9		)	(7.9		)
	Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	—			0.8			0.5			1.3
	Change in restricted cash and marketable securities	—			—			—			—
	Other, net	—			(0.3		)	(0.3		)	(0.6		)
	Net cash used in investing activities	(1.9		)	(4.6		)	(0.7		)	(7.2		)
	Cash Flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from borrowings	40			—			0.7			40.7
	Payment of borrowings	(5.1		)	(0.7		)	(0.8		)	(6.6		)
	Net use from equity transactions	(4.0		)	—			—			(4.0		)
	Long-term intercompany advances and loans	(22.3		)	22.3			—			—
	Other, net	(0.3		)	—			—			(0.3		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	8.3			21.6			(0.1		)	29.8
	Net change in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	(9.2		)	(12.4		)	(8.2		)	(29.8		)
	Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the	23.2			20			37.7			80.9
	beginning of the period
	Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the	$	14		$	7.6		$	29.5		$	51.1
	end of the period
	Condensed Consolidating Cash Flow Statement
	For the first quarter ended March 30, 2013
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Nortek
		Nortek			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Consolidated
		(Dollar amounts in millions)
	Cash Flows from operating activities:
	Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(18.3	)	$	6.8		$	(3.0	)	$	(14.5	)
	Cash Flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	(1.5		)	(4.9		)	(3.4		)	(9.8		)
	Net cash paid for businesses acquired	—			—			(0.9		)	(0.9		)
	Change in restricted cash and marketable securities	—			0.1			—			0.1
	Other, net	—			(0.9		)	0.1			(0.8		)
	Net cash used in investing activities	(1.5		)	(5.7		)	(4.2		)	(11.4		)
	Cash Flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from borrowings	85			—			0.8			85.8
	Payment of borrowings	(0.1		)	(0.7		)	(0.8		)	(1.6		)
	Net use from equity transactions	(1.6		)	—			—			(1.6		)
	Long-term intercompany advances and loans	7.6			(7.6		)	—			—
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	90.9			(8.3		)	—			82.6
	Net change in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	71.1			(7.2		)	(7.2		)	56.7
	Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the	94.9			13.1			36.7			144.7
	beginning of the period
	Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the	$	166		$	5.9		$	29.5		$	201.4
	end of the period

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
	segment
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'	'
Number of Reportable Segments	5	'
Duration Of Fiscal Interim Period	'88 days	'89 days

Acquisitions_Narrative_Details

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 01, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Feb. 22, 2013	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
	Senior Secured Term Loan [Member]	2GIG Technologies, Inc. [Member]	2GIG Technologies, Inc. [Member]	2GIG Technologies, Inc. [Member]	Gefen Distribution Verwaltungs GmbH [Member]	Reznor [Member]	Reznor [Member]
	3.8% Notes [Member]						Subsequent Event [Member]
	Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total consideration	'	$164,200,000	'	'	$2,900,000	'	'
Business acquisition, cash paid	'	135,000,000	'	'	900,000	'	260,000,000
Estimated working capital adjustments	'	13,900,000	'	'	'	'	'
Contingent consideration	'	'	1,600,000	12,300,000	'	'	'
Holdback amount	'	'	'	'	200,000	'	'
Settlement of receivable	'	15,300,000	'	'	1,800,000	'	'
Working capital and other post-closing adjustments	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,900,000
Face amount of secured term loan	350,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Acquisition related costs	'	'	'	'	'	$2,000,000	'

Acquisitions_Pro_Forma_Details

Acquisitions - Pro Forma (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
2GIG Technologies, Inc. [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	'	$551.10	'
Operating earnings	'	9	'
Net loss	'	-12.7	'
Basic loss per share (in dollars per share)	'	($0.83)	'
Diluted loss per share (in dollars per share)	'	($0.83)	'
Depreciation & amortization expense	'	26.1	'
Reznor [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	592.2	559.3	2,447.10
Operating earnings	19.2	6.5	99
Net loss	-5.3	-15	-5.6
Basic loss per share (in dollars per share)	($0.34)	($0.98)	($0.36)
Diluted loss per share (in dollars per share)	($0.34)	($0.98)	($0.36)
Depreciation & amortization expense	$28.30	$26.70	$116

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'		'
Gross goodwill, beginning balance	$373.50	[1]	'
Impairment losses	0	[1]	0	[1]
Net goodwill	373.5	[1]	373.5	[1]
Purchase Accounting	0		'
Gross goodwill, ending balance	373.5	[1]	'
RESV [Member]	'		'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'		'
Gross goodwill, beginning balance	156.8	[1]	'
Impairment losses	0	[1]	0	[1]
Net goodwill	156.8	[1]	156.8	[1]
Purchase Accounting	0		'
Gross goodwill, ending balance	156.8	[1]	'
TECH [Member]	'		'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'		'
Gross goodwill, beginning balance	85.3	[1]	'
Impairment losses	0	[1]	0	[1]
Net goodwill	85.3	[1]	85.3	[1]
Purchase Accounting	0		'
Gross goodwill, ending balance	85.3	[1]	'
DMS [Member]	'		'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'		'
Gross goodwill, beginning balance	131.4	[1]	'
Impairment losses	0	[1]	0	[1]
Net goodwill	131.4	[1]	131.4	[1]
Purchase Accounting	0		'
Gross goodwill, ending balance	$131.40	[1]	'
[1]	(1)The RHC and Custom & Engineered Solutions ("CES") reporting units did not have goodwill in any period presented.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Non-cash impairment charges	$0.20	$0
COGS [Member] | RESV [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Non-cash impairment charges	$0.20	'

Cash_Flows_Details

Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'	'
Interest paid	$1.70	$2.40
Income taxes paid	$0.50	$3.30

Notes_Mortgage_Notes_and_Oblig1

Notes, Mortgage Notes and Obligations Payable (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014
	Senior Notes [Member]	Senior Notes [Member]	Senior Secured Term Loan [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
	10% Notes [Member]	8.5% Notes [Member]	3.8% Notes [Member]		Senior Notes [Member]
			Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding borrowings	'	'	'	$35,000,000	$93,000,000
Outstanding letters of credit	'	'	'	13,000,000	'
Remaining borrowing capacity	'	'	'	216,400,000	'
Excess availability before triggering cash deposit requirements	'	'	'	183,400,000	'
Interest rate	10.00%	8.50%	3.75%	'	'
Capacity to make payments, including dividends	53,900,000	'	'	'	'
Face amount of secured term loan	'	'	350,000,000	'	'
Scheduled Quarterly Payments	'	'	$875,000	'	'

Exit_and_Disposal_Activities_N

Exit and Disposal Activities - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

39 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 11, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 11, 2013

Mar. 11, 2013

Mar. 11, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 11, 2013

Mar. 11, 2013

Mar. 11, 2013

Mar. 11, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]

Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]

Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]

Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]

Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]

Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]

Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]

Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]

Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]

Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]

Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]

Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]

Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member]

Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member]

Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member]

Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member]

Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member]

Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member]

Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member]

Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member]

Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member]

Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member]

TECH Segment Combination [Member]

TECH Segment Combination [Member]

TECH Segment Combination [Member]

TECH Segment Combination [Member]

TECH Segment Combination [Member]

TECH Segment Combination [Member]

Best Restructuring [Member]

Best Restructuring [Member]

Best Restructuring [Member]

Best Restructuring [Member]

facility

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Facility Closing [Member]

Facility Closing [Member]

Employee Related Costs [Member]

Employee Related Costs [Member]

Other Costs [Member]

Other Costs [Member]

RHC [Member]

CES [Member]

Severance [Member]

Severance [Member]

Employee Related and Other Costs [Member]

Facility Closing [Member]

Facility Closing [Member]

Other Costs [Member]

Other Costs [Member]

TECH [Member]

DMS [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Facility Closing [Member]

One-time Termination Benefits [Member]

Inventory Values Adjustment Costs [Member]

Special Termination Benefits [Member]

Other Costs [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Employee Related and Other Costs [Member]

Employee Related and Other Costs [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Construction, number of manufacturing facilities

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consolidation, number of manufacturing facilities

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Severance costs

'

$9.40

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$9

$0.40

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outsourcing agreement, period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected cost

'

'

26

29

21

[1]

23

[1]

16

17

5

6

'

'

'

1.5

2

'

4

5

2.5

3

'

'

'

13.4

13.6

'

'

'

17.3

'

'

'

Cost Incurred to date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2.50

'

'

'

'

$2

$0.50

$13.40

'

'

$6.40

$3.60

$3.40

'

$17.30

$16.90

$0.40

[1]

Exit and disposal activities are comprised of the following:B Employee-related Costs expected range of $14.5 million to $14.5 million, and Other Costs, including machinery and equipment relocation and installation expected range of $7.5 million to $9.5 million for a total expected range of $22 million to $24 million.

Exit_and_Disposal_Activities_M

Exit and Disposal Activities - Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation (Details) (Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014
Minimum [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Expected cost	$26
Maximum [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Expected cost	29
Exit and Disposal Activities [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Expected cost	21	[1]
Exit and Disposal Activities [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Expected cost	23	[1]
Capital Expenditures [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Expected cost	5
Capital Expenditures [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Expected cost	6
Employee Related Costs [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Expected cost	16
Employee Related Costs [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Expected cost	17
Other costs, including machinery and equipment relocation and installation [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Expected cost	5
Other costs, including machinery and equipment relocation and installation [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Expected cost	$6
[1]	Exit and disposal activities are comprised of the following:B Employee-related Costs expected range of $14.5 million to $14.5 million, and Other Costs, including machinery and equipment relocation and installation expected range of $7.5 million to $9.5 million for a total expected range of $22 million to $24 million.

Exit_and_Disposal_Activities_C

Exit and Disposal Activities - Changes in Restructuring Reserve (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014
Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	$7
Provision	1.1
Payments	-1.1
Other	0
Ending Balance	7
Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member] | Severance [Member]	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	6.3
Provision	-0.1
Payments	0
Other	0
Ending Balance	6.2
Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member] | Other Costs [Member]	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	0.7
Provision	1.2
Payments	-1.1
Other	0
Ending Balance	0.8
Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member]	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	1
Provision	0.7
Payments	-0.9
Other	-0.3
Ending Balance	0.5
Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member] | Severance [Member]	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	0.7
Provision	0.3
Payments	-0.4
Other	-0.3
Ending Balance	0.3
Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member] | Other Costs [Member]	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	0.3
Provision	0.4
Payments	-0.5
Other	0
Ending Balance	0.2
TECH Segment Combination [Member]	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	1.7
Provision	0.1
Payments	-0.7
Other	0
Ending Balance	1.1
TECH Segment Combination [Member] | Severance [Member]	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	0.9
Provision	0.1
Payments	-0.5
Other	0
Ending Balance	0.5
TECH Segment Combination [Member] | Other Costs [Member]	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	0.8
Provision	0
Payments	-0.2
Other	0
Ending Balance	0.6
Best Restructuring [Member]	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	5.5
Provision	0
Payments	-5.1
Other	0
Ending Balance	0.4
Best Restructuring [Member] | Severance [Member]	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	5.5
Provision	0
Payments	-5.1
Other	0
Ending Balance	0.4
Best Restructuring [Member] | Other Costs [Member]	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	0
Provision	0
Payments	0
Other	0
Ending Balance	$0

Exit_and_Disposal_Activities_W

Exit and Disposal Activities - Warehousing & Distribution (Details) (Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 11, 2013
Minimum [Member] | Employee-related costs [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Expected cost	$1.50
Minimum [Member] | Other Costs [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Expected cost	2.5
Minimum [Member] | Facility Closing [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Expected cost	4
Maximum [Member] | Employee-related costs [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Expected cost	2
Maximum [Member] | Other Costs [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Expected cost	3
Maximum [Member] | Facility Closing [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Expected cost	$5

Exit_and_Disposal_Activities_S

Exit and Disposal Activities - Summary of Exit and Disposal Activities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	$1.10	'
Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	0.7	'
TECH Segment Combination [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	0.1	'
Best Restructuring [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	0	'
Exit and Disposal Activities [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	1.9	7.3
Exit and Disposal Activities [Member] | Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	1.1	6.5
Exit and Disposal Activities [Member] | Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	0.7	0
Exit and Disposal Activities [Member] | TECH Segment Combination [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	0.1	0.8
Exit and Disposal Activities [Member] | SG&A [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	0.3	0.6
Exit and Disposal Activities [Member] | SG&A [Member] | Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	0	0
Exit and Disposal Activities [Member] | SG&A [Member] | Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	0.2	0
Exit and Disposal Activities [Member] | SG&A [Member] | TECH Segment Combination [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	0.1	0.6
Exit and Disposal Activities [Member] | COGS [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	1.6	6.7
Exit and Disposal Activities [Member] | COGS [Member] | Manufacturing Rationalization and Relocation [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	1.1	6.5
Exit and Disposal Activities [Member] | COGS [Member] | Warehousing and Distribution Consolidation [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	0.5	0
Exit and Disposal Activities [Member] | COGS [Member] | TECH Segment Combination [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	$0	$0.20

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Indemnifications (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
		Indemnification Agreement [Member]	Indemnification Agreement [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Recorded liabilities in relation to indemnifications	'	$5.30	$5.10
Document Period End Date	29-Mar-14	'	'
Recorded liabilities in relation to indemnifications, Current	'	2.6	2.4
Recorded liabilities in relation to indemnifications, noncurrent	'	2.7	2.7
Undiscounted future payments related to indemnifications	'	$5.40	$5.40

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Product Warranty and Recall Reserves Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$56.80	$54.70
Warranties provided during period	5.8	4.8
Settlements made during period	-6.7	-5
Other changes in liability estimate, including expirations and acquisitions	0.6	0.3
Balance, end of period	$56.50	$54.80

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Other Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (Building [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Useful life	'20 years
RHC [Member]	'
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment transfer	24.5
Capital lease amortization rate	7.50%
Capital lease annual minimum payments	2.4
CES [Member]	'
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment transfer	7
Capital lease amortization rate	6.40%
Capital lease annual minimum payments	0.6

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Period End Date	29-Mar-14	'	'
Benefit from income taxes	$3	$4.90	'
Effective tax rate	25.90%	24.50%	'
Income tax at the federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	'
Realized tax benefits related to deductions for share-based compensation	6.7	'	'
Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Noncurrent	21.2	'	20.8
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	31.1	'	30.7
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	11.2	'	10.9
Interest on income taxes accrued	4.2	'	4
Settlement of income tax liability	0.2	'	'
Settlement of value added tax liability	0.2	'	'
Settlement payment period	'3 years	'	'
Statute of Limitations Expected to Expire [Member] | State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of unrecorded benefit	3.9	'	'
Value Added Tax Audit [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]	'	'	'
Increase in uncertain tax positions	0.8	'	'
Uncertain tax positions	$0.70	'	'

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
	segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Reportable Segments	5	'
Net sales	$550.10	$519.10
Operating earnings (loss)	12.5	4.6
Interest expense	-24.1	-24.6
Loss before benefit from income taxes	-11.6	-20
RESV [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	143.1	144.5
Operating earnings (loss)	9.6	11.4
TECH [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	121.2	110.4
Operating earnings (loss)	-3.6	2.8
DMS [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	61.6	61
Operating earnings (loss)	7.5	5.9
RHC [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	100.8	87.4
Operating earnings (loss)	3.2	-5.1
CES [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	123.4	115.8
Operating earnings (loss)	11.1	7
Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating earnings (loss)	-15.3	-17.4
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating earnings (loss)	$27.80	$22

Equity_Activity_Share_Based_Co

Equity Activity - Share Based Compensation (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Shares vested in period	145,671
Restricted Stock [Member] | Common Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Shares paid for tax withholding	52,865
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Options exercised in period	34,363
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Common Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Shares paid for tax withholding	11,155

Equity_Activity_Comprehensive_

Equity Activity - Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014		Mar. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	($16.30)		'
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-2.5		'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI to SG&A	0	[1]	'
Other comprehensive loss	-2.5		-3
Balance, end of period	-18.8		'
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	-0.9		'
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-2.5		'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI to SG&A	0	[1]	'
Other comprehensive loss	-2.5		'
Balance, end of period	-3.4		'
Pension Liability Adjustment [Member]	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	-15.4		'
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0		'
Amounts reclassified from AOCI to SG&A	0	[1]	'
Other comprehensive loss	0		'
Balance, end of period	($15.40)		'
[1]	For additional information, see Note L, "Pension, Profit Sharing and & Other Post-Retirement Benefits".

Earnings_Loss_per_Share_Reconc

Earnings (Loss) per Share - Reconciliations Between Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Net loss	($8.60)	($15.10)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	15,496,151	15,331,415
Dilutive effect of common share equivalents (in shares)	0	0
Dilutive shares outstanding (in shares)	15,496,151	15,331,415
Basic loss per share (in dollars per share)	($0.55)	($0.98)
Diluted loss per share (in dollars per share)	($0.55)	($0.98)

Earnings_Loss_per_Share_Common

Earnings (Loss) per Share - Common Share Equivalents Excluded (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (in shares)	1,677,626	1,877,996
Warrants [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (in shares)	646,193	669,612
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (in shares)	391,267	530,159
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (in shares)	640,166	678,225

Pension_Profit_Sharing_Other_P2

Pension, Profit Sharing & Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Pension and profit sharing expense charged to operations	$2,800,000	$2,200,000
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated future employer contributions in Current Fiscal Year	7,000,000	'
Contributions by employer	1,300,000	'
Net periodic benefit cost	200,000	300,000
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost	$0	$0

Pension_Profit_Sharing_Other_P3

Pension, Profit Sharing & Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) (Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	$200,000	$100,000
Interest cost	1,900,000	1,700,000
Expected return on plan assets	-1,900,000	-1,700,000
Net amortization of actuarial loss	0	200,000
Net periodic benefit cost	$200,000	$300,000

Fair_Value_Details

Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Long Term Debt, Fair Value Higher (Lower) Carrying Amount Before Unamortized Discount	$107.70	$107.70
Net unamortized (premium)	($4.20)	($4.50)
Senior Notes [Member] | 10% Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate	10.00%	'
Senior Notes [Member] | 8.5% Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate	8.50%	'

Guarantor_Financial_Statements2

Guarantor Financial Statements - Narrative (Details) (Senior Notes [Member])	Mar. 29, 2014
10% Notes [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate	10.00%
8.5% Notes [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate	8.50%

Guarantor_Financial_Statements3

Guarantor Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'		'		'	'
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	$51.10		$80.90		$201.40	$144.70
Restricted cash	1		2.9		'	'
Accounts receivable, less allowances	329.4		276.4		'	'
Intercompany receivables	0		0		'	'
Inventories, net	332.7		270.5		'	'
Prepaid expenses	18.5		20.2		'	'
Other current assets	16.8		19.4		'	'
Deferred tax assets	33.4		29.7		'	'
Total current assets	782.9		700		'	'
Property and Equipment, at Cost:	'		'		'	'
Total property and equipment, net	227.6		232.4		'	'
Other Long-term Assets:	'		'		'	'
Investment in subsidiaries and long-term receivable from (to) subsidiaries	0		0		'	'
Goodwill	373.5	[1]	373.5	[1]	'	'
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	635.3		648.9		'	'
Deferred tax asset	0		0		'	'
Other assets	35.6		36.1		'	'
Total other long-term assets	1,044.40		1,058.50		'	'
Total Assets	2,054.90		1,990.90		'	'
Current Liabilities:	'		'		'	'
Short-term bank obligations	0.6		0.7		'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	2.9		2.8		'	'
Accounts payable	271		214.7		'	'
Accrued expenses and taxes, net	220.4		231.5		'	'
Current deferred taxes	0		0		'	'
Intercompany payables	0		0		'	'
Total current liabilities	494.9		449.7		'	'
Other Liabilities:	'		'		'	'
Deferred income taxes	157.2		159.1		'	'
Other long-term liabilities	189.2		188.9		'	'
Long-term intercompany payables	0		0		'	'
Total other long-term liabilities	346.4		348		'	'
Notes, Mortgage Notes and Obligations Payable, Less Current Maturities	1,127.10		1,093.30		'	'
Stockholders' investment (deficit)	86.5		99.9		'	'
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Investment	2,054.90		1,990.90		'	'
Nortek [Member]	'		'		'	'
Current Assets:	'		'		'	'
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	14		23.2		166	94.9
Restricted cash	0.9		2.7		'	'
Accounts receivable, less allowances	0		0.1		'	'
Intercompany receivables	0.3		1.4		'	'
Inventories, net	0		0		'	'
Prepaid expenses	2.6		3.2		'	'
Other current assets	0		0.1		'	'
Deferred tax assets	8.3		4.8		'	'
Total current assets	26.1		35.5		'	'
Property and Equipment, at Cost:	'		'		'	'
Total property and equipment, net	8.2		7		'	'
Other Long-term Assets:	'		'		'	'
Investment in subsidiaries and long-term receivable from (to) subsidiaries	1,231		1,180.70		'	'
Goodwill	0		0		'	'
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	0		0		'	'
Deferred tax asset	10.4		10.2		'	'
Other assets	19.9		20.3		'	'
Total other long-term assets	1,261.30		1,211.20		'	'
Total Assets	1,295.60		1,253.70		'	'
Current Liabilities:	'		'		'	'
Short-term bank obligations	0		0		'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	0.3		0.3		'	'
Accounts payable	2.3		2.3		'	'
Accrued expenses and taxes, net	56.9		36.2		'	'
Current deferred taxes	0		0		'	'
Intercompany payables	0		0		'	'
Total current liabilities	59.5		38.8		'	'
Other Liabilities:	'		'		'	'
Deferred income taxes	0		0		'	'
Other long-term liabilities	31.7		31.7		'	'
Long-term intercompany payables	0		0		'	'
Total other long-term liabilities	31.7		31.7		'	'
Notes, Mortgage Notes and Obligations Payable, Less Current Maturities	1,117.90		1,083.30		'	'
Stockholders' investment (deficit)	86.5		99.9		'	'
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Investment	1,295.60		1,253.70		'	'
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'		'		'	'
Current Assets:	'		'		'	'
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	7.6		20		5.9	13.1
Restricted cash	0		0.1		'	'
Accounts receivable, less allowances	266.4		219.2		'	'
Intercompany receivables	0		0		'	'
Inventories, net	257.6		204.5		'	'
Prepaid expenses	11		11		'	'
Other current assets	6.2		6.5		'	'
Deferred tax assets	26.5		26.3		'	'
Total current assets	575.3		487.6		'	'
Property and Equipment, at Cost:	'		'		'	'
Total property and equipment, net	154		157.4		'	'
Other Long-term Assets:	'		'		'	'
Investment in subsidiaries and long-term receivable from (to) subsidiaries	371.1		418.6		'	'
Goodwill	357.8		357.8		'	'
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	614		627.1		'	'
Deferred tax asset	0		0		'	'
Other assets	14.6		14.6		'	'
Total other long-term assets	1,357.50		1,418.10		'	'
Total Assets	2,086.80		2,063.10		'	'
Current Liabilities:	'		'		'	'
Short-term bank obligations	0		0		'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	2.6		2.5		'	'
Accounts payable	153.3		103.7		'	'
Accrued expenses and taxes, net	128.5		152.4		'	'
Current deferred taxes	0		0		'	'
Intercompany payables	56.1		61.9		'	'
Total current liabilities	340.5		320.5		'	'
Other Liabilities:	'		'		'	'
Deferred income taxes	162.7		163.8		'	'
Other long-term liabilities	136.3		135.6		'	'
Long-term intercompany payables	0		0		'	'
Total other long-term liabilities	299		299.4		'	'
Notes, Mortgage Notes and Obligations Payable, Less Current Maturities	9.1		10		'	'
Stockholders' investment (deficit)	1,438.20		1,433.20		'	'
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Investment	2,086.80		2,063.10		'	'
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'		'		'	'
Current Assets:	'		'		'	'
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	29.5		37.7		29.5	36.7
Restricted cash	0.1		0.1		'	'
Accounts receivable, less allowances	63		57.1		'	'
Intercompany receivables	55.8		60.5		'	'
Inventories, net	82.8		72		'	'
Prepaid expenses	4.9		6		'	'
Other current assets	10.6		12.8		'	'
Deferred tax assets	0		0		'	'
Total current assets	246.7		246.2		'	'
Property and Equipment, at Cost:	'		'		'	'
Total property and equipment, net	65.4		68		'	'
Other Long-term Assets:	'		'		'	'
Investment in subsidiaries and long-term receivable from (to) subsidiaries	0		0		'	'
Goodwill	15.7		15.7		'	'
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	31.5		32.2		'	'
Deferred tax asset	0		0		'	'
Other assets	1.1		1.2		'	'
Total other long-term assets	48.3		49.1		'	'
Total Assets	360.4		363.3		'	'
Current Liabilities:	'		'		'	'
Short-term bank obligations	0.6		0.7		'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	0		0		'	'
Accounts payable	115.4		108.7		'	'
Accrued expenses and taxes, net	35		42.9		'	'
Current deferred taxes	1.4		1.4		'	'
Intercompany payables	0		0		'	'
Total current liabilities	152.4		153.7		'	'
Other Liabilities:	'		'		'	'
Deferred income taxes	7.9		7.7		'	'
Other long-term liabilities	21.2		21.6		'	'
Long-term intercompany payables	50.4		49.4		'	'
Total other long-term liabilities	79.5		78.7		'	'
Notes, Mortgage Notes and Obligations Payable, Less Current Maturities	0.1		0		'	'
Stockholders' investment (deficit)	128.4		130.9		'	'
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Investment	360.4		363.3		'	'
Eliminations [Member]	'		'		'	'
Current Assets:	'		'		'	'
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	0		0		'	'
Restricted cash	0		0		'	'
Accounts receivable, less allowances	0		0		'	'
Intercompany receivables	-56.1		-61.9		'	'
Inventories, net	-7.7		-6		'	'
Prepaid expenses	0		0		'	'
Other current assets	0		0		'	'
Deferred tax assets	-1.4		-1.4		'	'
Total current assets	-65.2		-69.3		'	'
Property and Equipment, at Cost:	'		'		'	'
Total property and equipment, net	0		0		'	'
Other Long-term Assets:	'		'		'	'
Investment in subsidiaries and long-term receivable from (to) subsidiaries	-1,602.10		-1,599.30		'	'
Goodwill	0		0		'	'
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	-10.2		-10.4		'	'
Deferred tax asset	-10.4		-10.2		'	'
Other assets	0		0		'	'
Total other long-term assets	-1,622.70		-1,619.90		'	'
Total Assets	-1,687.90		-1,689.20		'	'
Current Liabilities:	'		'		'	'
Short-term bank obligations	0		0		'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	0		0		'	'
Accounts payable	0		0		'	'
Accrued expenses and taxes, net	0		0		'	'
Current deferred taxes	-1.4		-1.4		'	'
Intercompany payables	-56.1		-61.9		'	'
Total current liabilities	-57.5		-63.3		'	'
Other Liabilities:	'		'		'	'
Deferred income taxes	-13.4		-12.4		'	'
Other long-term liabilities	0		0		'	'
Long-term intercompany payables	-50.4		-49.4		'	'
Total other long-term liabilities	-63.8		-61.8		'	'
Notes, Mortgage Notes and Obligations Payable, Less Current Maturities	0		0		'	'
Stockholders' investment (deficit)	-1,566.60		-1,564.10		'	'
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Investment	($1,687.90)		($1,689.20)		'	'
[1]	(1)The RHC and Custom & Engineered Solutions ("CES") reporting units did not have goodwill in any period presented.

Guarantor_Financial_Statements4

Guarantor Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net Sales	$550.10	$519.10
Cost of products sold	393.2	377.6
Gross profit	156.9	141.5
Selling, general and administrative expense, net	130.8	125.6
Amortization of intangible assets	13.6	11.3
Operating earnings	12.5	4.6
Interest expense	-24.1	-24.6
Loss before benefit from income taxes	-11.6	-20
Charges and allocations to subsidiaries and equity in subsidiaries' (loss) earnings before income taxes	0	0
(Loss) earnings before (benefit) provision for income taxes	-11.6	-20
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	-3	-4.9
Net loss	-8.6	-15.1
Comprehensive (loss) income	-11.1	-18.1
Nortek [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net Sales	0	0
Cost of products sold	0	0
Gross profit	0	0
Selling, general and administrative expense, net	15.3	16.9
Amortization of intangible assets	0	0
Operating earnings	-15.3	-16.9
Interest expense	-23.9	-23.8
Loss before benefit from income taxes	-39.2	-40.7
Charges and allocations to subsidiaries and equity in subsidiaries' (loss) earnings before income taxes	27.6	20.7
(Loss) earnings before (benefit) provision for income taxes	-11.6	-20
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	-3	-4.9
Net loss	-8.6	-15.1
Comprehensive (loss) income	-11.1	-18.1
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net Sales	464.1	433.9
Cost of products sold	329.3	317.9
Gross profit	134.8	116
Selling, general and administrative expense, net	94.3	85.7
Amortization of intangible assets	13.1	10.8
Operating earnings	27.4	19.5
Interest expense	-0.1	-0.7
Loss before benefit from income taxes	27.3	18.8
Charges and allocations to subsidiaries and equity in subsidiaries' (loss) earnings before income taxes	-16.8	-16.2
(Loss) earnings before (benefit) provision for income taxes	10.5	2.6
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	4.2	0.1
Net loss	6.3	2.5
Comprehensive (loss) income	6.3	2.6
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net Sales	189.5	172
Cost of products sold	165.7	146.4
Gross profit	23.8	25.6
Selling, general and administrative expense, net	21.2	23
Amortization of intangible assets	0.7	0.7
Operating earnings	1.9	1.9
Interest expense	-0.1	-0.1
Loss before benefit from income taxes	1.8	1.8
Charges and allocations to subsidiaries and equity in subsidiaries' (loss) earnings before income taxes	0.2	0.2
(Loss) earnings before (benefit) provision for income taxes	2	2
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	2.1	0.9
Net loss	-0.1	1.1
Comprehensive (loss) income	-2.5	-2.1
Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net Sales	-103.5	-86.8
Cost of products sold	-101.8	-86.7
Gross profit	-1.7	-0.1
Selling, general and administrative expense, net	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets	-0.2	-0.2
Operating earnings	-1.5	0.1
Interest expense	0	0
Loss before benefit from income taxes	-1.5	0.1
Charges and allocations to subsidiaries and equity in subsidiaries' (loss) earnings before income taxes	-11	-4.7
(Loss) earnings before (benefit) provision for income taxes	-12.5	-4.6
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	-6.3	-1
Net loss	-6.2	-3.6
Comprehensive (loss) income	($3.80)	($0.50)

Guarantor_Financial_Statements5

Guarantor Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Cash Flow Statement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Cash Flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	($52.40)	($14.50)
Cash Flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-7.9	-9.8
Net cash paid for businesses acquired	0	-0.9
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	1.3	0
Change in restricted cash and marketable securities	0	0.1
Other, net	-0.6	-0.8
Net cash used in investing activities	-7.2	-11.4
Cash Flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from borrowings	40.7	85.8
Payment of borrowings	-6.6	-1.6
Net use from equity transactions	-4	-1.6
Long-term intercompany advances and loans	0	0
Other, net	-0.3	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	29.8	82.6
Net change in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	-29.8	56.7
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	80.9	144.7
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	51.1	201.4
Nortek [Member]	'	'
Cash Flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-15.6	-18.3
Cash Flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-1.9	-1.5
Net cash paid for businesses acquired	'	0
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	0	'
Change in restricted cash and marketable securities	0	0
Other, net	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-1.9	-1.5
Cash Flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from borrowings	40	85
Payment of borrowings	-5.1	-0.1
Net use from equity transactions	-4	-1.6
Long-term intercompany advances and loans	-22.3	7.6
Other, net	-0.3	'
Net cash provided by financing activities	8.3	90.9
Net change in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	-9.2	71.1
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	23.2	94.9
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	14	166
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Cash Flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-29.4	6.8
Cash Flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-5.1	-4.9
Net cash paid for businesses acquired	'	0
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	0.8	'
Change in restricted cash and marketable securities	0	0.1
Other, net	-0.3	-0.9
Net cash used in investing activities	-4.6	-5.7
Cash Flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from borrowings	0	0
Payment of borrowings	-0.7	-0.7
Net use from equity transactions	0	0
Long-term intercompany advances and loans	22.3	-7.6
Other, net	0	'
Net cash provided by financing activities	21.6	-8.3
Net change in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	-12.4	-7.2
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	20	13.1
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	7.6	5.9
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Cash Flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-7.4	-3
Cash Flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-0.9	-3.4
Net cash paid for businesses acquired	'	-0.9
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	0.5	'
Change in restricted cash and marketable securities	0	0
Other, net	-0.3	0.1
Net cash used in investing activities	-0.7	-4.2
Cash Flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from borrowings	0.7	0.8
Payment of borrowings	-0.8	-0.8
Net use from equity transactions	0	0
Long-term intercompany advances and loans	0	0
Other, net	0	'
Net cash provided by financing activities	-0.1	0
Net change in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	-8.2	-7.2
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	37.7	36.7
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$29.50	$29.50