Graco (GGG) 10-K 18 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013	Feb. 04, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document type	'10-K	'	'
Document period end date	27-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment flag	'false	'	'
Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity registrant name	'Graco Inc.	'	'
Entity central index key	'0000042888	'	'
Entity current reporting status	'Yes	'	'
Entity voluntary filers	'No	'	'
Current fiscal year end date	'--12-27	'	'
Entity filer category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity well known seasoned issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity common stock shares outstanding	'	60,862,154	'
Entity public float	'	'	$3,824,289,015
Document fiscal year focus	'2013	'	'
Document fiscal period focus	'FY	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$19,756	$31,120
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $6,300 and $6,600	183,293	172,143
Inventories	133,787	121,549
Deferred Tax Assets Net Current	18,827	17,742
Investment in businesses held separate	422,297	426,813
Other current assets	14,633	7,629
Total current assets	792,593	776,996
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	151,717	151,544
Goodwill	189,967	181,228
Other Intangible Assets, net	147,940	151,773
Deferred Income Taxes	20,366	38,550
Other Assets	24,645	21,643
Total Assets	1,327,228	1,321,734
Current Liabilities	'	'
Notes payable to banks	9,584	8,133
Trade accounts payable	34,282	28,938
Salaries and incentives	38,939	34,001
Dividends payable	16,881	15,206
Other current liabilities	69,167	65,393
Total current liabilities	168,853	151,671
Long-term Debt	408,370	556,480
Retirement Benefits and Deferred Compensation	94,705	137,779
Deferred Income Taxes	20,935	21,690
Commitments and Contingencies (Note K)	'	'
Shareholders' Equity	'	'
Common stock, $1 par value; 97,000,000 shares authorized;	61,003	60,767
Additional paid-in-capital	347,058	287,795
Retained earnings	272,653	189,297
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-46,349	-83,745
Total shareholders' equity	634,365	454,114
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$1,327,228	$1,321,734

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_PA

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS PARENTHETICAL (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS	'	'
Receivables allowances	$6,300	$6,600
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common shares authorized	97,000,000	97,000,000
Common shares outstanding	61,003,203	60,766,849

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS	'	'	'
Net Sales	$1,104,024	$1,012,456	$895,283
Cost of products sold	496,569	461,926	395,078
Gross Profit	607,455	550,530	500,205
Product development	51,428	48,921	41,554
Selling, marketing and distribution	177,853	163,523	151,276
General and administrative	98,405	113,409	87,861
Operating Earnings	279,769	224,677	219,514
Interest expense	18,147	19,273	9,131
Other expense (income), net	-27,200	-11,922	655
Earnings Before Income Taxes	288,822	217,326	209,728
Income taxes	78,000	68,200	67,400
Net Earnings	$210,822	$149,126	$142,328
Basic Net Earnings per Common Share	$3.44	$2.47	$2.36
Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share	$3.36	$2.42	$2.32
Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share	$1.03	$0.93	$0.86

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	'	'	'
Net Earnings	$210,822	$149,126	$142,328
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'
Cumulative translation adjustment	7,812	-3,206	0
Pension and postretirement medical liability adjustment	46,955	-6,171	-36,760
Gain (loss) on interest rate hedge contracts	0	0	454
Other comprehensive income taxes	'	'	'
Pension and postretirement medical liability adjustment	-17,371	2,113	12,436
Gain (loss) on interest rate hedge contracts	0	0	-168
Comprehensive Income	$248,218	$141,862	$118,290

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Cash Flows From Operating Activities	'	'	'
Net Earnings	$210,822	$149,126	$142,328
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	37,316	38,762	32,483
Deferred income taxes	-1,715	-10,786	-1,814
Share-based compensation	16,545	12,409	10,994
Excess tax benefit related to share-based payment arrangements	-8,347	-4,217	-2,195
Change in	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	-11,880	-2,752	-26,767
Inventories	-10,186	5,941	-13,440
Trade accounts payable	2,436	-952	5,974
Salaries and incentives	2,022	-4,251	-3,469
Retirement benefits and deferred compensation	3,629	3,209	7,228
Other accrued liabilities	5,556	3,288	8,148
Other	-3,143	-95	2,574
Net cash from operating activities	243,055	189,682	162,044
Cash Flows From Investing Activities	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment additions	-23,319	-18,234	-23,854
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	-11,560	-240,068	-2,139
Investment in businesses held separate	4,516	-426,813	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	1,600	0	0
Other	-2,475	-9,405	-2,004
Net cash used in investing activities	-31,238	-694,520	-27,997
Cash Flows From Financing Activities	'	'	'
Borrowings (payments) on short-term lines of credit, net	1,280	-619	497
Borrowings on notes and long-term line of credit	419,905	649,325	402,175
Payments on long-term line of credit	-568,122	-392,845	-172,430
Payments of debt issuance costs	0	-1,921	-1,131
Excess tax benefit related to share-based payment arrangements	8,347	4,217	2,195
Common stock issued	41,664	30,194	22,231
Common stock repurchased	-67,827	-1,378	-43,250
Cash dividends paid	-61,139	-54,302	-50,646
Net cash from (used in) financing activities	-225,892	232,671	159,641
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	2,711	137	-129
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-11,364	-272,030	293,559
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'	'	'
Beginning of year	31,120	303,150	9,591
End of year	$19,756	$31,120	$303,150

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_SHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
In Thousands
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$264,114	$60,048	$212,073	$44,436	($52,443)
Shares issued	23,258	898	22,360	0	0
Shares repurchased	-43,250	-1,199	-4,236	-37,815	0
Stock compensation cost	10,142	0	10,142	0	0
Tax benefit related to stock options exercised	2,695	0	2,695	0	0
Restricted stock issued	-1,027	0	-1,027	0	0
Net Earnings	142,328	0	0	142,328	0
Dividends declared	-51,482	0	0	-51,482	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-24,038	0	0	0	-24,038
Balance at Dec. 30, 2011	322,740	59,747	242,007	97,467	-76,481
Shares issued	30,194	1,048	29,146	0	0
Shares repurchased	-1,378	-28	-116	-1,234	0
Stock compensation cost	11,941	0	11,941	0	0
Tax benefit related to stock options exercised	4,817	0	4,817	0	0
Net Earnings	149,126	0	0	149,126	0
Dividends declared	-56,062	0	0	-56,062	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-7,264	0	0	0	-7,264
Balance at Dec. 28, 2012	454,114	60,767	287,795	189,297	-83,745
Shares issued	42,342	1,196	41,146	0	0
Shares repurchased	-70,157	-960	-4,545	-64,652	0
Stock compensation cost	14,693	0	14,693	0	0
Tax benefit related to stock options exercised	8,647	0	8,647	0	0
Restricted stock issued	-678	0	-678	0	0
Net Earnings	210,822	0	0	210,822	0
Dividends declared	-62,814	0	0	-62,814	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	37,396	0	0	0	37,396
Balance at Dec. 27, 2013	$634,365	$61,003	$347,058	$272,653	($46,349)

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	'
	A. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) is 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the last Friday in December. The years ended December 27, 2013, December 28, 2012 and December 30, 2011, were 52-week years.
	Basis of Statement Presentation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany balances and transactions. As of December 27, 2013, all subsidiaries are 100 percent owned.
	As more fully described in Note L, the Company purchased the Powder Finishing and Liquid Finishing businesses in April 2012. The FTC issued an order requiring the Company to hold the Liquid Finishing businesses separate from the rest of the Company's businesses until the FTC determines which portions of the businesses must be divested. Under terms of the hold separate order, the Company does not have the power to direct the activities of the Liquid Finishing businesses that most significantly impact the economic performance of those businesses. Therefore, the Company has determined that the Liquid Finishing businesses are variable interest entities for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary, and that they should not be consolidated. Furthermore, the Company does not have a controlling interest in the Liquid Finishing businesses, nor is it able to exert significant influence over the Liquid Finishing businesses. Consequently, the Company's investment in the shares of the Liquid Finishing businesses, totaling $422 million, has been reflected as a cost-method investment on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 27, 2013, and their results of operations have not been consolidated with those of the Company.
	Foreign Currency Translation. The functional currency of certain subsidiaries is the local currency. Accordingly, adjustments resulting from the translation of those subsidiaries' financial statements into U.S. dollars are charged or credited to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for all other foreign subsidiaries. Accordingly, gains and losses from the translation of foreign currency balances and transactions of those subsidiaries are included in other expense, net.
	Accounting Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Such estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Fair Value Measurements. The three levels of inputs in the fair value measurement hierarchy are as follows:
	Level 1 – based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
	Level 2 – based on significant observable inputs
	Level 3 – based on significant unobservable inputs
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and fair value measurement level were as follows (in thousands):
			Level		2013			2012
	Assets
		Cash surrender value of life insurance	2		$	12,611		$	9,483
		Forward exchange contracts	2			291			491
		Total assets at fair value			$	12,902		$	9,974
	Liabilities
		Deferred compensation	2		$	2,296		$	1,759
	Contracts insuring the lives of certain employees who are eligible to participate in certain non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans are held in trust. Cash surrender value of the contracts is based on performance measurement funds that shadow the deferral investment allocations made by participants in certain deferred compensation plans. The deferred compensation liability balances are valued based on amounts allocated by participants to the underlying performance measurement funds.
	The Company's policy and accounting for forward exchange contracts are described below, in Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
	Disclosures related to non-recurring fair value measurements are included below in Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, in Note F (Debt) and in Note J (Retirement Benefits).
	Cash Equivalents. All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents.
	Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable includes trade receivables of $178 million in 2013 and $161 million in 2012. Other receivables totaled $5 million in 2013 and $11 million in 2012.
	Inventory Valuation. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost method is used for valuing most U.S. inventories. Inventories of foreign subsidiaries are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost method.
	Other Current Assets. Amounts included in other current assets were (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Prepaid income taxes	$	7,894		$	2,155
	Prepaid expenses and other		6,739			5,474
	Total	$	14,633		$	7,629
	Property, Plant and Equipment. For financial reporting purposes, plant and equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives, primarily by using the straight-line method as follows:
	Buildings and improvements	10 to 30 years
	Leasehold improvements	lesser of 5 to 10 years or life of lease
	Manufacturing equipment	lesser of 5 to 10 years or life of equipment
	Office, warehouse and automotive equipment	3 to 10 years
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill has been assigned to reporting units. Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill for each reportable segment were (in thousands):
			Industrial			Contractor			Lubrication		Total
	27-Dec-13
	Beginning balance		$	148,999		$	12,732		$	19,497	$	181,228
	Additions from business acquisitions			6,626			-			-		6,626
	Foreign currency translation			2,998			-			-		2,998
	Other			-885			-			-		-885
	Ending balance		$	157,738		$	12,732		$	19,497	$	189,967
	28-Dec-12
	Beginning balance		$	61,171		$	12,732		$	19,497	$	93,400
	Additions from business acquisitions			89,044			-			-		89,044
	Foreign currency translation			-1,216			-			-		-1,216
	Ending balance		$	148,999		$	12,732		$	19,497	$	181,228
	Components of other intangible assets were (dollars in thousands):
				Estimated							Foreign
				Life					Accumulated		Currency		Book
				(years)		Cost			Amortization		Translation		Value
	27-Dec-13
	Customer relationships			14-Mar		$	121,205		$	-26,377	$	1,458	$	96,286
	Patents, proprietary technology
		and product documentation		11-Mar			16,125			-5,869		118		10,374
	Trademarks, trade names and other			5			175			-9		-		166
							137,505			-32,255		1,576		106,826
	Not Subject to Amortization
		Brand names					40,400			-		714		41,114
	Total					$	177,905		$	-32,255	$	2,290	$	147,940
	28-Dec-12
	Customer relationships			14-Feb		$	132,245		$	-30,041	$	-1,510	$	100,694
	Patents, proprietary technology
	and product documentation		11-Mar			20,830			-9,679		-147		11,004
Trademarks, trade names and other			5-Jan			85			-27		-		58
						153,160			-39,747		-1,657		111,756
Not Subject to Amortization
	Brand names					40,580			-		-563		40,017
Total					$	193,740		$	-39,747	$	-2,220	$	151,773
Amortization of intangibles was $12.5 million in 2013, $15.0 million in 2012 and $10.9 million in 2011. Estimated future annual amortization is as follows: $10.0 million in 2014, $9.5 million in 2015, $9.2 million in 2016, $9.0 million in 2017, $8.9 million in 2018 and $60.2 million thereafter.
Other Assets. Components of other assets were (in thousands):
	2013			2012
Cash surrender value of life insurance	$	12,611		$	9,483
Capitalized software		3,448			3,291
Equity method investment		5,569			5,224
Deposits and other		3,017			3,645
Total	$	24,645		$	21,643
The Company paid $1.5 million in each of 2013 and 2012 for contracts insuring the lives of certain employees who are eligible to participate in certain non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans. These insurance contracts will be used to fund the non-qualified pension and deferred compensation arrangements. The insurance contracts are held in a trust and are available to general creditors in the event of the Company's insolvency. Changes in cash surrender value are recorded in operating expense and were not significant in 2012 and 2011. In 2013, increases in cash surrender value totaled $1.6 million and were offset by expenses related to the non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans funded by the insurance contracts.
Capitalized software is amortized over its estimated useful life (generally 2 to 5 years) beginning at date of implementation.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The Company evaluates long-lived assets (including property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets) for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization are also reviewed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter. There were no write-downs of long-lived assets in the periods presented.
Other Current Liabilities. Components of other current liabilities were (in thousands):
	2013			2012
Accrued self-insurance retentions	$	6,381		$	6,952
Accrued warranty and service liabilities		7,771			7,943
Accrued trade promotions		7,245			5,669
Payable for employee stock purchases		7,908			7,203
Customer advances and deferred revenue		11,693			10,617
Income taxes payable		4,561			4,305
Other		23,608			22,704
Total	$	69,167		$	65,393
Self-Insurance. The Company is self-insured for certain losses and costs relating to product liability, workers' compensation and employee medical benefits claims. The Company has purchased stop-loss coverage in order to limit its exposure to significant claims. Accrued self-insured retentions are based on claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported.
Product Warranties. A liability is established for estimated future warranty and service claims that relate to current and prior period sales. The Company estimates warranty costs based on historical claim experience and other factors including evaluating specific product warranty issues. Following is a summary of activity in accrued warranty and service liabilities (in thousands):
	2013			2012
Balance, beginning of year	$	7,943		$	6,709
Assumed in business acquisition		-			1,121
Charged to expense		6,119			6,182
Margin on parts sales reversed		3,819			2,244
Reductions for claims settled		-10,110			-8,313
Balance, end of year	$	7,771		$	7,943
Revenue Recognition. Sales are recognized when revenue is realized or realizable and has been earned. The Company's policy is to recognize revenue when risk and title passes to the customer. This is generally on the date of shipment, however certain sales have terms requiring recognition when received by the customer. In cases where there are specific customer acceptance provisions, revenue is recognized at the later of customer acceptance or shipment (subject to shipping terms). Payment terms are established based on the type of product, distributor capabilities and competitive market conditions. Rights of return are typically contractually limited, amounts are estimable, and the Company records provisions for anticipated returns and warranty claims at the time revenue is recognized. Historically, sales returns have been approximately 2 percent of sales. Provisions for sales returns are recorded as a reduction of net sales, and provisions for warranty claims are recorded in selling, marketing and distribution expenses. From time to time, the Company may promote the sale of new products by agreeing to accept returns of superseded products. In such cases, provisions for estimated returns are recorded as a reduction of net sales.
Trade promotions are offered to distributors and end users through various programs, generally with terms of one year or less. Such promotions include cooperative advertising arrangements, rebates based on annual purchases, coupons and reimbursement for competitive products. Payment of incentives may take the form of cash, trade credit, promotional merchandise or free product. Under cooperative advertising arrangements, the Company reimburses the distributor for a portion of its advertising costs related to the Company's products; estimated costs are accrued at the time of sale and classified as selling, marketing and distribution expense. Rebates are accrued based on the program rates and progress toward the estimated annual sales amount, and are recorded as a reduction of sales (cash, trade credit) or cost of products sold (free goods). The estimated costs related to coupon programs are accrued at the time of sale and classified as selling, marketing and distribution expense or cost of products sold, depending on the type of incentive offered.
Shipping and Handling. Shipping and handling costs incurred for the delivery of goods to customers are included in cost of goods sold in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included in net sales.
Earnings Per Common Share. Basic net earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net earnings per share is computed after giving effect to the exercise of all dilutive outstanding option grants.
Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income is a measure of all changes in shareholders' equity except those resulting from investments by and distributions to owners, and includes such items as net earnings, certain foreign currency translation items, changes in the value of qualifying hedges and pension liability adjustments.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Company accounts for all derivatives, including those embedded in other contracts, as either assets or liabilities and measures those financial instruments at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on their intended use and designation.
As part of its risk management program, the Company may periodically use forward exchange contracts and interest rate swaps to manage known market exposures. Terms of derivative instruments are structured to match the terms of the risk being managed and are generally held to maturity. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. All other contracts that contain provisions meeting the definition of a derivative also meet the requirements of, and have been designated as, normal purchases or sales. The Company's policy is to not enter into contracts with terms that cannot be designated as normal purchases or sales.
The Company periodically evaluates its monetary asset and liability positions denominated in foreign currencies. The Company enters into forward contracts or options, or borrows in various currencies, in order to hedge its net monetary positions. These instruments are recorded at fair value and the gains and losses are included in other expense, net. The notional amounts of contracts outstanding as of December 27, 2013 totaled $22 million. The Company believes it uses strong financial counterparts in these transactions and that the resulting credit risk under these hedging strategies is not significant.
The Company uses significant other observable inputs (level 2 in the fair value hierarchy) to value the derivative instruments used to hedge interest rate volatility and net monetary positions, including reference to market prices and financial models that incorporate relevant market assumptions. The fair market value and balance sheet classification of such instruments follows (in thousands):
		Balance Sheet Classification		2013			2012
Gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts
	Gains			$	306		$	553
	Losses				-15			-62
	Net	Accounts receivable		$	291		$	491
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. The accounting standards updates issued by The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) that will be effective for the Company in 2014 will not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	B. Segment Information
	The Company has three reportable segments: Industrial (which aggregates four operating segments), Contractor and Lubrication. The Industrial segment markets equipment and pre-engineered packages for moving and applying paints, coatings, sealants, adhesives and other fluids. Markets served include automotive and truck assembly and components plants, wood and metal products, rail, marine, aerospace, farm, construction, bus, recreational vehicles, and various other industries. The Contractor segment markets sprayers for architectural coatings for painting, corrosion control, texture, and line striping. The Lubrication segment markets products to move and dispense lubricants for fast oil change facilities, service garages, fleet service centers, automobile dealerships, the mining industry and industrial lubrication applications. All segments market parts and accessories for their products.
	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The cost of manufacturing for each segment is based on product cost, and expenses are based on actual costs incurred along with cost allocations of shared and centralized functions based on activities performed, sales or space utilization. Depreciation expense is charged to the manufacturing or operating cost center that utilizes the asset, and is then allocated to segments on the same basis as other expenses within that cost center.
	Reportable segments are defined by product. Segments are responsible for development, manufacturing, marketing and sales of their products. This allows for focused marketing and efficient product development. The segments share common purchasing, certain manufacturing, distribution and administration functions.
	Reportable Segments (in thousands)		2013		2012		2011
	Net Sales
		Industrial	$	652,344	$	603,398	$	501,841
		Contractor		342,546		298,811		290,732
		Lubrication		109,134		110,247		102,710
	Total		$	1,104,024	$	1,012,456	$	895,283
	Operating Earnings
		Industrial	$	211,265	$	186,129	$	173,694
		Contractor		72,245		54,310		50,581
		Lubrication		22,512		22,535		18,928
		Unallocated corporate (expense)		-26,253		-38,297		-23,689
	Total		$	279,769	$	224,677	$	219,514
	Assets
		Industrial	$	591,135	$	567,879
		Contractor		152,300		141,094
		Lubrication		82,503		84,079
		Unallocated corporate		501,290		528,682
	Total		$	1,327,228	$	1,321,734
	Unallocated corporate (expense) is not included in management's measurement of segment performance and includes such items as acquisition and divestiture transaction costs, stock compensation, bad debt expense, charitable contributions and certain portions of pension expense. Unallocated assets include cash, allowances and valuation reserves, deferred income taxes, certain capital items and other assets.
	Geographic Information (in thousands)		2013		2012		2011
	Net Sales (based on customer location)
		United States	$	498,478	$	440,757	$	394,318
		Other countries		605,546		571,699		500,965
	Total		$	1,104,024	$	1,012,456	$	895,283
	Long-lived Assets
		United States	$	120,262	$	119,331
		Other countries		31,455		32,213
	Total		$	151,717	$	151,544
	Sales to Major Customers
	There were no customers that accounted for 10 percent or more of consolidated sales in 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	C. Inventories
	Major components of inventories were as follows (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Finished products and components	$	65,963	$	58,703
	Products and components in various stages of completion		41,458		44,001
	Raw materials and purchased components		69,051		59,190
			176,472		161,894
	Reduction to LIFO cost		-42,685		-40,345
	Total	$	133,787	$	121,549
	Inventories valued under the LIFO method were $76.9 million in 2013 and $72.6 million in 2012. All other inventory was valued on the FIFO method.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Property Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property Plant and Equipment	'
	D. Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment were as follows (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Land and improvements	$	16,506	$	16,261
	Buildings and improvements		118,460		115,774
	Manufacturing equipment		222,810		214,073
	Office, warehouse and automotive equipment		35,887		33,388
	Additions in progress		14,224		9,571
	Total property, plant and equipment		407,887		389,067
	Accumulated depreciation		-256,170		-237,523
	Net property, plant and equipment	$	151,717	$	151,544
	Depreciation expense was $23.4 million in 2013, $22.2 million in 2012 and $20.6 million in 2011.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	E. Income Taxes
	Earnings before income tax expense consist of (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Domestic	$	238,928		$	184,132		$	186,374
	Foreign		49,894			33,194			23,354
	Total	$	288,822		$	217,326		$	209,728
	Income tax expense consists of (in thousands):
				2013			2012			2011
	Current
		Domestic
			Federal	$	64,753		$	61,989		$	58,192
			State and local		2,470			5,180			3,920
		Foreign			11,569			11,218			7,161
					78,792			78,387			69,273
	Deferred
		Domestic			-553			-5,431			-1,496
		Foreign			-239			-4,756			-377
					-792			-10,187			-1,873
	Total			$	78,000		$	68,200		$	67,400
	Income taxes paid were $78.0 million, $71.7 million and $61.3 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	A reconciliation between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Statutory tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	Tax effect of international operations	-1			-1			-
	State taxes, net of federal effect	1			1			1
	U.S. general business tax credits	-2			-			-2
	Domestic production deduction	-3			-2			-3
	Dividends from Liquid Finishing	-3			-2			-
	Other	-			-			1
	Effective tax rate	27	%		31	%		32	%
	Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the financial reporting and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. The deferred tax assets (liabilities) resulting from these differences are as follows (in thousands):
			2013			2012
	Inventory valuations		$	8,825		$	8,289
	Self-insurance retention accruals			1,887			2,035
	Warranty reserves			2,089			2,091
	Vacation accruals			2,740			2,406
	Bad debt reserves			1,961			1,753
	Other			1,325			1,168
		Deferred income taxes, current		18,827			17,742
		Included in other current liabilities		-1,095			-1,042
		Total Current		17,732			16,700
	Unremitted earnings of consolidated foreign subsidiaries			-6,316			-4,016
	Excess of tax over book depreciation			-42,322			-42,195
	Pension liability			20,798			36,821
	Postretirement medical			8,097			7,998
	Acquisition costs			3,644			4,024
	Stock compensation			14,401			13,046
	Deferred compensation			1,193			982
	Other			-64			200
		Total Non-current		-569			16,860
	Net deferred tax assets		$	17,163		$	33,560
	Total deferred tax assets were $78.6 million and $93.2 million, and total deferred tax liabilities were $61.4 million and $59.6 million on December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012.
	The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2007.
	The Company records penalties and accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. Total reserves for uncertain tax positions were not material.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	F. Debt
	A summary of debt follows (dollars in thousands):
					Average
					Interest Rate
					December 27,
					2013		Maturity	2013		2012
		Private placement unsecured fixed-rate notes
			Series A		4	%	Mar-18	$	75,000	$	75,000
			Series B		5.01	%	Mar-23		75,000		75,000
			Series C		4.88	%	Jan-20		75,000		75,000
			Series D		5.35	%	Jul-26		75,000		75,000
		Unsecured revolving credit facility			1.42	%	Mar-17		108,370		256,480
		Notes payable to banks			0.81	%	2014		9,584		8,133
		Total debt, including current portion						$	417,954	$	564,613
	The estimated fair value of debt with fixed interest rates was $320 million on December 27, 2013 and $330 million on December 28, 2012. The fair value of variable rate borrowings approximates carrying value. The Company uses significant other observable inputs to estimate fair value (level 2 of the fair value hierarchy) based on the present value of future cash flows and rates that would be available for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.
	On March 27, 2012, the Company's $250 million credit agreement was terminated in connection with the execution of an amendment to a new unsecured revolving credit agreement. The new agreement is with a syndicate of lenders and expires in March 2017. It provides up to $450 million of committed credit, available for general corporate purposes, working capital needs, share repurchases and acquisitions. The Company may borrow up to $50 million under the swingline portion of the facility for daily working capital needs.
	Under terms of the revolving credit agreement, loans denominated in U.S. dollars bear interest, at the Company's option, at either a base rate or a LIBOR-based rate. Loans denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars bear interest at a LIBOR-based rate. The base rate is an annual rate equal to a margin ranging from zero percent to 1 percent, depending on the Company's cash flow leverage ratio (debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and extraordinary non-operating or non-cash charges and expenses) plus the highest of (i) the bank's prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5 percent or (iii) one-month LIBOR plus 1.5 percent. In general, LIBOR-based loans bear interest at LIBOR plus 1 percent to 2 percent, depending on the Company's cash flow leverage ratio. The Company is also required to pay a fee on the undrawn amount of the loan commitment at an annual rate ranging from 0.15 percent to 0.40 percent, depending on the Company's cash flow leverage ratio.
	On December 27, 2013, the Company had $502 million in lines of credit, including the $450 million in committed credit facilities described above and $52 million with foreign banks. The unused portion of committed credit lines was $355 million as of December 27, 2013. In addition, the Company has unused, uncommitted lines of credit with foreign banks totaling $32 million. Borrowing rates under these credit lines vary with the prime rate, rates on domestic certificates of deposit and the London Interbank market. The Company pays facility fees of up to 0.15 percent per annum on certain of these lines. No compensating balances are required.
	Various debt agreements require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios as to cash flow leverage and interest coverage. The Company is in compliance with all financial covenants of its debt agreements.
	Annual maturities of debt are as follows (in thousands):
		2014		$	9,584
		2015			-
		2016			-
		2017			108,370
		2018			75,000
		Thereafter			225,000
	Interest paid on debt during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $18.3 million, $19.0 million and $8.7 million.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Shareholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'
	G. Shareholders' Equity
	At December 27, 2013, the Company had 22,549 authorized, but not issued, cumulative preferred shares, $100 par value. The Company also has authorized, but not issued, a separate class of 3 million shares of preferred stock, $1 par value.
	The Company maintained a plan in which one preferred share purchase right (“Right”) existed for each common share of the Company. Each Right entitled its holder to purchase one one-thousandth of a share of a new series of junior participating preferred stock at an exercise price of $150, subject to adjustment. The Rights were exercisable only if a person or group acquired beneficial ownership of 15 percent or more of the Company's outstanding common stock. On February 15, 2013, the Company terminated the plan and all of the Rights expired.
	Changes in components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax were (in thousands):
			Pension						Gain (Loss)
			and Post-			Cumulative			on Interest
			retirement			Translation			Rate Hedge
			Medical			Adjustment			Contracts		Total
	2011
	Beginning balance		$	-51,334		$	-823		$	-286	$	-52,443
		Other comprehensive income (loss)
		before reclassifications		-28,112			-			-		-28,112
		Amounts reclassified from accumulated
		other comprehensive income		3,788			-			286		4,074
	Ending balance		$	-75,658		$	-823		$	-	$	-76,481
	2012
	Beginning balance		$	-75,658		$	-823		$	-	$	-76,481
		Other comprehensive income (loss)
		before reclassifications		-10,993			-3,206			-		-14,199
		Amounts reclassified from accumulated
		other comprehensive income		6,935			-			-		6,935
	Ending balance		$	-79,716		$	-4,029		$	-	$	-83,745
	2013
	Beginning balance		$	-79,716		$	-4,029		$	-	$	-83,745
		Other comprehensive income (loss)
		before reclassifications		23,103			7,812			-		30,915
		Amounts reclassified from accumulated
		other comprehensive income		6,481			-			-		6,481
	Ending balance		$	-50,132		$	3,783		$	-	$	-46,349
	Amounts related to pension and postretirement medical adjustments are reclassified to pension cost, which is allocated to cost of products sold and operating expenses based on salaries and wages, approximately as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Cost of products sold	$	3,635		$	3,900		$	2,122
	Product development		1,699			1,728			901
	Selling, marketing and distribution		2,828			2,886			1,636
	General and administrative		2,124			2,032			1,065
	Total before tax	$	10,286		$	10,546		$	5,724
	Income tax (benefit)		-3,805			-3,611			-1,936
	Total after tax	$	6,481		$	6,935		$	3,788

ShareBased_Awards

Share-Based Awards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Awards, Purchase Plans and Compensation Cost	'
	H. Share-Based Awards, Purchase Plans and Compensation Cost
	Stock Option and Award Plan. The Company has a stock incentive plan under which it grants stock options and share awards to directors, officers and other employees. Option price is the market price on the date of grant. Options become exercisable at such time, generally over three or four years, and in such installments as set by the Company, and expire ten years from the date of grant.
	Restricted share awards have been made to certain key employees under the plan. The market value of restricted stock at the date of grant is charged to operations over the vesting period. Compensation cost charged to operations for restricted share awards was $528,000 in 2013, $408,000 in 2012 and $291,000 in 2011. Individual nonemployee directors of the Company may elect to receive, either currently or deferred, all or part of their annual retainer, and/or payment for attendance at Board or Committee meetings, in the form of shares of the Company's common stock instead of cash. Under this arrangement, the Company issued 6,079 shares in 2013, 7,656 shares in 2012 and 8,190 shares in 2011. The expense related to this arrangement is not significant. The Company has a stock appreciation plan that provides for payments of cash to eligible foreign employees based on the change in the market price of the Company's common stock over a period of time. Compensation cost related to this plan was $1,900,000 in 2013, $470,000 in 2012 and $851,000 in 2011.
	Options on common shares granted and outstanding, as well as the weighted average exercise price, are shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts):
					Weighted					Weighted
					Average					Average
			Option		Exercise			Options		Exercise
			Shares		Price			Exercisable		Price
	Outstanding, December 31, 2010		5,509		$	30.42		2,980		$	31.99
		Granted	569			43.15
		Exercised	-553			26.19
		Canceled	-47			35.55
	Outstanding, December 30, 2011		5,478			32.12		3,211			32.27
		Granted	566			50.33
		Exercised	-805			27.14
		Canceled	-47			35.24
	Outstanding, December 28, 2012		5,192			34.85		3,194			32.99
		Granted	969			65.97
		Exercised	-990			33.04
		Canceled	-22			40.71
	Outstanding, December 27, 2013		5,149		$	41.03		3,311		$	33.2
	The following table summarizes information for options outstanding and exercisable at December 27, 2013 (in thousands, except per share and contractual term amounts):
					Options
					Outstanding
					Weighted Avg.		Options					Options
					Remaining		Outstanding					Exercisable
	Range of		Options	Contractual Term			Weighted Avg.			Options		Weighted Avg.
	Prices		Outstanding		in Years		Exercise Price			Exercisable		Exercise Price
	$ 16-30		1,469		5		$	23.62		1,295		$	23.16
	$ 30-45		2,062		5			38.97		1,805			38.5
	$ 45-60		1,211		8			53.97		211			49.44
	$ 60-76		407		10			75.88		-			-
	$ 16-76		5,149		6		$	41.03		3,311		$	33.2
	The aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable option shares was $147.7 million as of December 27, 2013, with a weighted average contractual term of 4.9 years. There were approximately 5.1 million vested share options and share options expected to vest as of December 27, 2013, with an aggregate intrinsic value of $71.3 million, a weighted average exercise price of $40.71 and a weighted average contractual term of 6.2 years.
	Information related to options exercised follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Cash received	$	32,630		$	21,687		$	14,476
	Aggregate intrinsic value		33,028			18,195			10,485
	Tax benefit realized		11,200			6,200			3,500
	Stock Purchase Plan. Under the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the purchase price of the shares is the lesser of 85 percent of the fair market value on the first day or the last day of the plan year. The Company issued 196,913 shares under this plan in 2013, 238,621 shares in 2012 and 313,013 shares in 2011.
	Authorized Shares. Shares authorized for issuance under the stock option and purchase plans are shown below (in thousands):
				Available for Future
		Total Shares		Issuance as of
		Authorized		27-Dec-13
	Stock Incentive Plan (2010)	5,100		2,473
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2006)	7,000		5,288
	Total	12,100		7,761
	Amounts available for future issuance exclude outstanding options. Options outstanding as of December 27, 2013, include options granted under three plans that were replaced by subsequent plans. No shares are available for future grants under those plans.
	Share-based Compensation. The Company recognized share-based compensation cost of $16.5 million in 2013, $12.4 million in 2012 and $11.0 million in 2011, which reduced net income by $12.6 million, or $0.20 per weighted common share in 2013, $9.5 million, or $0.15 per weighted common share in 2012 and $8.4 million, or $0.14 per weighted common share in 2011. As of December 27, 2013, there was $15.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options, expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately two years.
	The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions and results:
		2013				2012				2011
	Expected life in years		5.9				6.5				6.5
	Interest rate		1.3	%			1.3	%			2.8	%
	Volatility		35.4	%			36.6	%			33.7	%
	Dividend yield		1.6	%			1.8	%			2	%
	Weighted average fair value per share	$	19.44			$	15.6			$	13.35
	Expected life is estimated based on vesting terms and exercise and termination history. Interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate on zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the option. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility over a period commensurate with the expected life of options.
	The fair value of employees' purchase rights under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan was estimated on the date of grant. The benefit of the 15 percent discount from the lesser of the fair market value per common share on the first day and the last day of the plan year was added to the fair value of the employees' purchase rights determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions and results:
		2013				2012				2011
	Expected life in years		1				1				1
	Interest rate		0.2	%			0.2	%			0.3	%
	Volatility		26	%			40.6	%			27.8	%
	Dividend yield		1.7	%			1.7	%			2.1	%
Weighted average fair value per share	$	14.16			$	15.58			$	10.05

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	I. Earnings per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
			2013		2012		2011
	Net earnings available to common shareholders		$	210,822	$	149,126	$	142,328
	Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share			61,203		60,451		60,286
	Dilutive effect of stock options computed based on the treasury
		stock method using the average market price		1,587		1,260		1,084
	Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share			62,790		61,711		61,370
	Basic earnings per share		$	3.44	$	2.47	$	2.36
	Diluted earnings per share		$	3.36	$	2.42	$	2.32
	Stock options to purchase 0.4 million, 0.6 million and 1.6 million shares were not included in the 2013, 2012 and 2011 computations of diluted earnings per share, respectively, because they would have been anti-dilutive.

Retirement_Benefits

Retirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement Benefits	'
	J. Retirement Benefits
	The Company has a defined contribution plan, under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, which provides retirement benefits to most U.S. employees. For all employees who choose to participate, the Company matches employee contributions at a 100 percent rate, up to 3 percent of the employee's compensation. For employees not covered by a defined benefit plan, the Company contributes an amount equal to 1.5 percent of the employee's compensation. Employer contributions totaled $6.3 million in 2013, $5.6 million in 2012 and $4.2 million in 2011.
	The Company's postretirement medical plan provides certain medical benefits for retired U.S. employees. Employees hired before January 1, 2005, are eligible for these benefits upon retirement and fulfillment of other eligibility requirements as specified by the plan.
	The Company has both funded and unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that together cover most U.S. employees hired before January 1, 2006, certain directors and some of the employees of the Company's non-U.S. subsidiaries. For U.S. plans, benefits are based on years of service and the highest five consecutive years' earnings in the ten years preceding retirement. The Company funds annually in amounts consistent with minimum funding levels and maximum tax deduction limits.
	In 2012, the Company assumed the obligations and assets of a defined contribution plan with a guaranteed return that covers employees of an acquired business in Switzerland. The Swiss plan is funded by company and employee contributions. In 2013, the Company transferred responsibility for pension coverage under Swiss law to an insurance company. To effect the change, plan assets were converted to cash and deposited with the insurance company for investment under an insurance contract. Assets of the plan are valued at the amount of benefits liability of the insurance company and classified in the “other” assets category, level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The transfer of responsibility for current retirees to the new plan carrier was treated as a settlement under ASC 715 and resulted in a reduction of plan obligations and assets, and a small settlement gain.
	Investment policies and strategies of the U.S. funded pension plan are based on a long-term view of economic growth and heavily weighted toward equity securities. The primary goal of the plan's investments is to ensure that the plan's liabilities are met over time. In developing strategic asset allocation guidelines, an emphasis is placed on the long-term characteristics of individual asset classes, and the benefits of diversification among multiple asset classes. The plan invests primarily in domestic and international equities, fixed income securities, which include treasuries, highly-rated corporate bonds and high-yield bonds and real estate. The midpoints of the ranges of strategic target allocations for plan assets are 65 percent equity securities, 22 percent fixed income securities and 13 percent real estate and alternative investments.
	Plan assets are held in a trust for the benefit of plan participants and are invested in various commingled funds, most of which are sponsored by the trustee. Equity securities are valued using quoted prices in active markets. The fair values for commingled equity and fixed-income funds, international equity funds, and real estate investments are measured using net asset values, which take into consideration the value of underlying fund investments, as well as the other accrued assets and liabilities of a fund, in order to determine a per share market value. Commingled fund and international equity funds are classified as level 2 because the net asset value is not directly traded on an active exchange. Certain trustee-sponsored funds allow redemptions monthly or quarterly, with 10 or 60 days advance notice, while most of the funds allow redemptions daily.
	Level 3 assets consist of investments in real estate investment trust funds whose assets are valued at least annually by independent appraisal firms, using market, income and cost approaches. Significant unobservable quantitative inputs used in determining the fair value of each investment include cash flow assumptions, capitalization rates and discount rates. These inputs are subject to change based on changes in economic and market conditions and/or changes in use or timing of exit. Changes in cash flows, discount rates and terminal capitalization rates will result in increases or decreases in the fair values of these investments. It is not possible for us to predict the effect of future economic or market conditions on the estimated fair values of plan assets.
	Plan assets by category and fair value measurement level were as follows (in thousands):
					Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	27-Dec-13
	Equity
		U.S. Large Cap			$	95,025		$	-		$	95,025		$	-
		U.S. Small/Mid Cap				18,020			-			18,020			-
		International				69,140			-			69,140			-
			Total Equity			182,185			-			182,185			-
	Fixed income					48,718			-			40,158			8,560
	Real estate and other					49,704			1,149			31,271			17,284
			Total		$	280,607		$	1,149		$	253,614		$	25,844
	28-Dec-12
	Equity
		Graco common stock			$	7,196		$	7,196		$	-		$	-
		U.S. Large Cap				78,263			-			78,263			-
		U.S. Small/Mid Cap				12,282			-			12,282			-
		International				67,459			-			67,459			-
			Total Equity			165,200			7,196			158,004			-
	Fixed income					63,592			-			63,592			-
	Real estate and other					17,814			2,676			-			15,138
			Total		$	246,606		$	9,872		$	221,596		$	15,138
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of level 3 plan assets follows:
			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year		$	15,138		$	9,247
	Pension assets of acquired businesses			-			5,216
	Purchases			14,277			4,443
	Redemptions			-5,351			-4,891
	Change in unrealized gains (losses)			1,780			1,123
	Balance, end of year		$	25,844		$	15,138
	The Company uses a year-end measurement date for all of its plans. The following provides a reconciliation of the changes in the plans' benefit obligations and fair value of assets over the periods ending December 27, 2013, and December 28, 2012, and a statement of the funded status as of the same dates (in thousands):
			Pension Benefits						Postretirement Medical Benefits
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Change in benefit obligation
		Obligation, beginning of year	$	359,701		$	278,611		$	23,472		$	23,445
		Pension obligation of acquired businesses		-			39,139			-			-
		Service cost		7,447			6,414			626			589
		Interest cost		14,149			13,729			961			986
		Actuarial loss (gain)		-15,653			31,869			-2,582			-294
		Plan changes		3,197			-			-			-
		Benefit payments		-10,762			-9,717			-1,135			-1,254
		Settlements		-7,430			-			-			-
		Exchange rate changes		1,622			-344			-			-
		Obligation, end of year	$	352,271		$	359,701		$	21,342		$	23,472
	Change in plan assets
		Fair value, beginning of year	$	246,606		$	181,319		$	-		$	-
		Pension assets of acquired businesses		-			32,132			-			-
		Actual return on assets		40,280			30,861			-			-
		Employer contributions		10,728			12,437			1,135			1,254
		Benefit payments		-10,762			-9,717			-1,135			-1,254
		Settlements		-7,241			-			-			-
		Exchange rate changes		996			-426			-			-
		Fair value, end of year	$	280,607		$	246,606		$	-		$	-
	Funded status		$	-71,664		$	-113,095		$	-21,342		$	-23,472
	Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets
		Current liabilities	$	1,116		$	850		$	1,256		$	1,254
	Non-current liabilities		70,548			112,245			20,086			22,218
	Total liabilities	$	71,664		$	113,095		$	21,342		$	23,472
The accumulated benefit obligation as of year-end for all defined benefit pension plans was $326 million for 2013 and $330 million for 2012. Information for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets follows (in thousands):
	2013			2012
Projected benefit obligation	$	352,271		$	359,701
Accumulated benefit obligation		326,030			329,530
Fair value of plan assets		280,607			246,606
The components of net periodic benefit cost for the plans for 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands):
		Pension Benefits									Postretirement Medical Benefits
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
Service cost-benefits earned during the period		$	7,447		$	6,414		$	4,429		$	626		$	589		$	602
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation			14,149			13,729			13,072			961			986			1,219
Expected return on assets			-18,508			-15,907			-15,802			-			-			-
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)			8			-5			-5			-658			-658			-658
Amortization of net loss (gain)			10,456			10,814			5,819			480			395			568
Cost of pension plans which are not significant
	and have not adopted ASC 715		94			121			97			N/A			N/A			N/A
Net periodic benefit cost		$	13,646		$	15,166		$	7,610		$	1,409		$	1,312		$	1,731
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss in 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Medical Benefits
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Net loss (gain) arising during the period	$	-37,284		$	17,011		$	-2,582		$	-294
Prior service cost (credit) arising during the period		3,197			-			-			-
Amortization of net gain (loss)		-10,456			-10,814			-480			-395
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)		-8			5			658			658
Total	$	-44,551		$	6,202		$	-2,404		$	-31
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss as of December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, that had not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, were as follows (in thousands):
	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Medical Benefits
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Prior service cost (credit)	$	3,271		$	-123		$	-2,444		$	-3,101
Net loss		73,200			121,146			3,325			6,385
Net before income taxes		76,471			121,023			881			3,284
Income taxes		-26,903			-43,409			-317			-1,182
Net	$	49,568		$	77,614		$	564		$	2,102
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
					Postretirement
	Pension				Medical
	Benefits				Benefits
Prior service cost (credit)	$	330			$	-658
Net loss (gain)		4,883				149
Net before income taxes		5,213				-509
Income taxes		-1,877				183
Net	$	3,336			$	-326
Assumptions used to determine the Company's benefit obligations are shown below:
			Pension Benefits						Postretirement Medical Benefits
Weighted average assumptions			2013			2012			2013			2012
U.S. Plans
	Discount rate		5	%		4.2	%		5	%		4.2	%
	Rate of compensation increase		3	%		3	%		N/A			N/A
Non-U.S. Plans
	Discount rate		2.5	%		2.3	%		N/A			N/A
	Rate of compensation increase		1.3	%		1.3	%		N/A			N/A
Assumptions used to determine the Company's net periodic benefit cost are shown below:
			Pension Benefits									Postretirement Medical Benefits
Weighted average assumptions			2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
U.S. Plans
	Discount rate		4.2	%		4.6	%		5.5	%		4.2	%		4.6	%		5.5	%
	Rate of compensation increase		3	%		3	%		3.8	%		N/A			N/A			N/A
	Expected return on assets		8.5	%		8.5	%		8.5	%		N/A			N/A			N/A
Non-U.S. Plans
	Discount rate		2.3	%		2.9	%		4.7	%		N/A			N/A			N/A
	Rate of compensation increase		1.2	%		1.2	%		3	%		N/A			N/A			N/A
	Expected return on assets		3	%		3	%		N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
Several sources of information are considered in determining the expected rate of return assumption, including the allocation of plan assets, the input of actuaries and professional investment advisors, and historical long-term returns. In setting the return assumption, the Company recognizes that historical returns are not always indicative of future returns and also considers the long-term nature of its pension obligations.
The Company's U.S. retirement medical plan limits the annual cost increase that will be paid by the Company to 3 percent. In measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO), the annual trend rate for health care costs was assumed to be 7.4 percent for 2014, decreasing each year to a constant rate of 4.5 percent for 2026 and thereafter, subject to the plan's annual increase limitation.
At December 27, 2013, a one percent change in assumed health care cost trend rates would not have a significant impact on the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement health care benefit cost or the APBO for health care benefits.
The Company expects to contribute $2.3 million to its unfunded pension plans and $1.3 million to the postretirement medical plan in 2014. The Company expects that contributions to the funded pension plan under minimum funding requirements for 2014 will not exceed $9 million, and that the amounts payable in 2014 may be eliminated by available credits. Estimated future benefit payments are as follows (in thousands):
					Postretirement
	Pension				Medical
	Benefits				Benefits
2014	$	13,999			$	1,256
2015		15,045				1,314
2016		17,926				1,361
2017		16,675				1,395
2018		18,007				1,458
Years 2019 - 2023		104,174				8,032

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Text Block]	'
	K. Commitments and Contingencies
	Lease Commitments. Aggregate annual rental commitments under operating leases with noncancelable terms of more than one year were $13.2 million at December 27, 2013, payable as follows (in thousands):
				Vehicles &
		Buildings		Equipment		Total
	2014	$	2,170	$	3,214	$	5,384
	2015		1,914		2,083		3,997
	2016		1,350		1,250		2,600
	2017		1,338		841		2,179
	2018		1,360		555		1,915
	Thereafter		7,655		764		8,419
	Total	$	15,787	$	8,707	$	24,494
	Total rental expense was $3.6 million for 2013, $3.3 million for 2012 and $3.0 million for 2011.
	Other Commitments. The Company is committed to pay suppliers under the terms of open purchase orders issued in the normal course of business totaling approximately $57 million at December 27, 2013. The Company also has commitments with certain suppliers to purchase minimum quantities, and under the terms of certain agreements, the Company is committed for certain portions of the supplier's inventory. The Company does not purchase, or commit to purchase, quantities in excess of normal usage or amounts that cannot be used within one year. The Company estimates that the maximum commitment amount under such agreements does not exceed $43 million. In addition, the Company could be obligated to perform under standby letters of credit totaling $3 million at December 27, 2013. The Company has also guaranteed the debt of its subsidiaries for up to $10 million. All debt of subsidiaries is reflected in the consolidated balance sheets.
	Contingencies. The Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. The Company is actively pursuing and defending these matters and has recorded an estimate of the probable costs. Management does not expect that resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company, although the ultimate outcome cannot be determined based on available information.
	As more fully described in Note L, under terms of orders issued by the FTC, the Company is required to separately maintain the Liquid Finishing businesses as viable and competitive while it seeks a buyer for those businesses. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the Liquid Finishing businesses would include the entirety of its investment of $422 million and reimbursement of losses of the operations of the Liquid Finishing businesses in accordance with the hold separate order, which cannot be quantified. The operating earnings of the Liquid Finishing businesses exceed $100 million (unaudited) since the date of acquisition, and no additional financial resources were required to be funded by the Company.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	L. Acquisitions
	On April 2, 2012, the Company completed the purchase of the finishing businesses of Illinois Tool Works Inc. The acquisition includes powder and liquid finishing equipment operations, technologies and brands. In Powder Finishing, Graco acquired the Gema® businesses. Gema is a global leader in powder coating technology, a market in which Graco had no previous product offerings, with global manufacturing and distribution capabilities. Results of the Powder Finishing businesses have been included in the Industrial segment since the date of acquisition. In Liquid Finishing, Graco acquired the Binks® spray finishing equipment businesses, DeVilbiss® spray guns and accessories businesses, Ransburg® electrostatic equipment and accessories businesses, and BGK curing technology businesses.
	Sales of the ITW Finishing Group were $375 million in 2011, of which Powder Finishing contributed approximately one-third and Liquid Finishing contributed approximately two-thirds. Acquisition and divestiture-related expenses are included in general and administrative expense in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings, and totaled $2 million in 2013, $16 million in 2012 and $8 million in 2011.
	In December 2011, the FTC filed a formal complaint to challenge the proposed acquisition on the grounds that the addition of the Liquid Finishing businesses to Graco would be anti-competitive, a position which Graco denied. In March 2012, the FTC issued an order that allowed the acquisition to proceed to closing on April 2, 2012, subject to certain conditions, while it evaluated a settlement proposal from Graco. Pursuant to the order, the Liquid Finishing businesses were to be held separate from the rest of Graco's businesses until the FTC determined which portions of the Liquid Finishing businesses Graco must divest.
	In May 2012, the FTC issued a proposed decision and order which requires Graco to sell the Liquid Finishing business assets, including business activities related to the development, manufacture, and sale of products under the Binks, DeVilbiss, Ransburg and BGK brand names, no later than 180 days from the date the order becomes final. The FTC has not yet issued its final decision and order.
	The Company has retained the services of an investment bank to help it market the Liquid Finishing businesses and identify potential buyers. While it seeks a buyer, Graco must continue to hold the Liquid Finishing business assets separate from its other businesses and maintain them as viable and competitive. In accordance with the hold separate order, the Liquid Finishing business is managed independently by experienced Liquid Finishing business managers, under the supervision of a trustee appointed by the FTC, who reports directly to the FTC.
	The hold separate order requires the Company to provide sufficient resources to maintain the viability, competitiveness and marketability of the Liquid Finishing businesses, including general funds, capital, working capital and reimbursement of losses. To the extent that the Liquid Finishing businesses generate funds in excess of financial resources needed, the Company has access to such funds consistent with practices in place prior to the acquisition.
	Under terms of the hold separate order, the Company does not have a controlling interest in the Liquid Finishing businesses, nor is it able to exert significant influence over the Liquid Finishing businesses. Consequently, the Company's investment in the shares of the Liquid Finishing businesses, totaling $422 million, has been reflected as a cost-method investment on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 27, 2013, and its results of operations have not been consolidated with those of the Company.
	As a cost-method investment, income is recognized based on dividends received from current earnings of Liquid Finishing. Dividends of $28 million received in 2013 and $12 million received in 2012 are included in other expense (income) on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Once the FTC issues its final decision and order, and the Company completes the sale of its investment, there will be no further dividends from Liquid Finishing.
	The Company evaluates its cost-method investment for other-than-temporary impairment at each reporting period. As of December 27, 2013, the Company evaluated its investment in Liquid Finishing and determined that there is no impairment.
	Sales and operating earnings of the Liquid Finishing businesses for the years 2013 and 2012 were as follows (unaudited, in thousands):
				2013			2012
		Net Sales		$	278,543		$	269,099
		Operating Earnings			61,174			52,256
	The Company transferred cash purchase consideration of $660 million to the seller on April 2, 2012. In July 2012, the Company transferred additional cash purchase consideration of $8 million, representing the difference between cash balances acquired and the amount estimated at the time of closing. In 2013, the seller reimbursed Graco approximately $5 million for payments of pre-acquisition tax liabilities paid by Liquid Finishing businesses after the acquisition date. This reimbursement was recorded as a reduction of the cost-method investment.
	Purchase consideration was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values as follows (in thousands):
		Cash and cash equivalents	$	6,007
		Accounts receivable		17,835
		Inventories		21,733
		Other current assets		2,534
		Property, plant and equipment		18,359
		Other non-current assets		50
		Identifiable intangible assets		150,500
		Goodwill		86,056
		Total assets acquired		303,074
		Current liabilities assumed		-27,434
		Non-current liabilities assumed		-7,984
		Deferred income taxes		-26,105
		Net assets acquired, Powder Finishing		241,551
		Investment in businesses held separate		426,813
		Total purchase consideration	$	668,364
	Identifiable intangible assets and estimated useful life are as follows (dollars in thousands):
						Estimated
						Life (years)
		Customer relationships	$	103,500		14
		Developed technology		9,600		11
		Trade names		37,400		Indefinite
		Total identifiable intangible assets	$	150,500
	The Company adjusted the preliminary purchase price allocation in the fourth quarter of 2012 to recognize deferred tax liability on certain identifiable intangible assets, which resulted in an $8 million increase in goodwill. Substantially none of the goodwill acquired in 2012 is deductible for tax purposes. The Company completed other business acquisitions in 2013, 2012 and 2011 that were not material to the consolidated financial statements.
	Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of a manufacturer of fluid management solutions for environmental monitoring and remediation, markets where Graco had little or no previous exposure. This business acquisition will not be material to the consolidated financial statements.
	The following unaudited pro forma information reflects the combined results of Graco and Powder Finishing operations as if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of 2011 (unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts):
				2012			2011
		Net Sales		$	1,042,701		$	1,020,823
		Operating Earnings			249,789			236,284
		Net Earnings			153,008			147,290
		Basic earnings per share			2.53			2.44
		Diluted earnings per share			2.48			2.4
	Additional depreciation and amortization of $2 million and $8 million are reflected in the 2012 and 2011 pro forma results, respectively, as if the acquisition of Powder Finishing had occurred at the beginning of 2011. Non-recurring acquisition expenses of $16 million were eliminated from the 2012 pro forma results, and $8 million were eliminated from the 2011 pro forma results. Purchase accounting effects of $7 million related to inventory were removed from 2012 and reflected in 2011. For pro forma purposes, dividend income from Liquid Finishing of $12 million was eliminated from other income in 2012.

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	'
	M. Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	2013
	Net Sales	$	269,046	$	286,020	$	277,035	$	271,923
	Gross Profit		150,644		158,739		150,873		147,199
	Net Earnings		52,130		57,843		56,101		44,748
	Basic Net Earnings per Common Share	$	0.86	$	0.94	$	0.91	$	0.73
	Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share		0.84		0.92		0.89		0.71
	Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share		0.25		0.25		0.25		0.28
	2012
	Net Sales	$	234,122	$	268,184	$	256,472	$	253,678
	Gross Profit		132,179		139,530		139,933		138,888
	Net Earnings		35,381		34,352		37,131		42,262
	Basic Net Earnings per Common Share	$	0.59	$	0.57	$	0.61	$	0.7
	Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share		0.58		0.56		0.6		0.68
	Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share		0.23		0.23		0.23		0.25

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Schedule Of Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries
	(in thousands)
						Additions
				Balance at		charged to		Deductions		Other		Balance at
				beginning		costs and		from		add		end
				of year		expenses		reserves1		(deduct)2		of year
	Year ended
		27-Dec-13
			Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	2,100	$	600	$	1,400	$	-	$	1,300
			Allowance for returns and credits		4,500		17,300		16,800		-		5,000
				$	6,600	$	17,900	$	18,200	$	-	$	6,300
		28-Dec-12
			Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,400	$	500	$	100	$	300	$	2,100
			Allowance for returns and credits		4,100		13,700		13,300		-		4,500
				$	5,500	$	14,200	$	13,400	$	300	$	6,600
		30-Dec-11
			Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,300	$	500	$	400	$	-	$	1,400
			Allowance for returns and credits		4,300		12,500		12,700		-		4,100
				$	5,600	$	13,000	$	13,100	$	-	$	5,500
	1	For doubtful accounts, represents amounts determined to be uncollectible and charged against reserve, net of collections on accounts previously charged against reserves. For returns and credits, represents amounts of credits issued and returns processed.
	2	Includes amounts assumed or established in connection with acquisitions and effects of foreign currency translation.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Fiscal Year	'
	The fiscal year of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) is 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the last Friday in December. The years ended December 27, 2013, December 28, 2012 and December 30, 2011, were 52-week years.
Basis of Statement Presentation	'
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany balances and transactions. As of December 27, 2013, all subsidiaries are 100 percent owned.
	As more fully described in Note L, the Company purchased the Powder Finishing and Liquid Finishing businesses in April 2012. The FTC issued an order requiring the Company to hold the Liquid Finishing businesses separate from the rest of the Company's businesses until the FTC determines which portions of the businesses must be divested. Under terms of the hold separate order, the Company does not have the power to direct the activities of the Liquid Finishing businesses that most significantly impact the economic performance of those businesses. Therefore, the Company has determined that the Liquid Finishing businesses are variable interest entities for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary, and that they should not be consolidated. Furthermore, the Company does not have a controlling interest in the Liquid Finishing businesses, nor is it able to exert significant influence over the Liquid Finishing businesses. Consequently, the Company's investment in the shares of the Liquid Finishing businesses, totaling $422 million, has been reflected as a cost-method investment on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 27, 2013, and their results of operations have not been consolidated with those of the Company.
Foreign Currency Translation	'
	The functional currency of certain subsidiaries is the local currency. Accordingly, adjustments resulting from the translation of those subsidiaries' financial statements into U.S. dollars are charged or credited to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for all other foreign subsidiaries. Accordingly, gains and losses from the translation of foreign currency balances and transactions of those subsidiaries are included in other expense, net.
Accounting Estimates	'
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Such estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	The three levels of inputs in the fair value measurement hierarchy are as follows:
	Level 1 – based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
	Level 2 – based on significant observable inputs
	Level 3 – based on significant unobservable inputs
	Contracts insuring the lives of certain employees who are eligible to participate in certain non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans are held in trust. Cash surrender value of the contracts is based on performance measurement funds that shadow the deferral investment allocations made by participants in certain deferred compensation plans. The deferred compensation liability balances are valued based on amounts allocated by participants to the underlying performance measurement funds.
Cash Equivalents	'
	All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents.
Inventory Valuation	'
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost method is used for valuing most U.S. inventories. Inventories of foreign subsidiaries are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost method.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	For financial reporting purposes, plant and equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives, primarily by using the straight-line method
Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill has been assigned to reporting units.
Other Assets (Software Amortization)	'
	Capitalized software is amortized over its estimated useful life (generally 2 to 5 years) beginning at date of implementation.
Impairment or Long-Lived Assets	'
	The Company evaluates long-lived assets (including property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets) for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization are also reviewed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter. There were no write-downs of long-lived assets in the periods presented.
Self-Insurance	'
	The Company is self-insured for certain losses and costs relating to product liability, workers' compensation and employee medical benefits claims. The Company has purchased stop-loss coverage in order to limit its exposure to significant claims. Accrued self-insured retentions are based on claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported.
Product Warranties	'
	A liability is established for estimated future warranty and service claims that relate to current and prior period sales. The Company estimates warranty costs based on historical claim experience and other factors including evaluating specific product warranty issues.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Sales are recognized when revenue is realized or realizable and has been earned. The Company's policy is to recognize revenue when risk and title passes to the customer. This is generally on the date of shipment, however certain sales have terms requiring recognition when received by the customer. In cases where there are specific customer acceptance provisions, revenue is recognized at the later of customer acceptance or shipment (subject to shipping terms). Payment terms are established based on the type of product, distributor capabilities and competitive market conditions. Rights of return are typically contractually limited, amounts are estimable, and the Company records provisions for anticipated returns and warranty claims at the time revenue is recognized. Historically, sales returns have been approximately 2 percent of sales. Provisions for sales returns are recorded as a reduction of net sales, and provisions for warranty claims are recorded in selling, marketing and distribution expenses. From time to time, the Company may promote the sale of new products by agreeing to accept returns of superseded products. In such cases, provisions for estimated returns are recorded as a reduction of net sales.
	Trade promotions are offered to distributors and end users through various programs, generally with terms of one year or less. Such promotions include cooperative advertising arrangements, rebates based on annual purchases, coupons and reimbursement for competitive products. Payment of incentives may take the form of cash, trade credit, promotional merchandise or free product. Under cooperative advertising arrangements, the Company reimburses the distributor for a portion of its advertising costs related to the Company's products; estimated costs are accrued at the time of sale and classified as selling, marketing and distribution expense. Rebates are accrued based on the program rates and progress toward the estimated annual sales amount, and are recorded as a reduction of sales (cash, trade credit) or cost of products sold (free goods). The estimated costs related to coupon programs are accrued at the time of sale and classified as selling, marketing and distribution expense or cost of products sold, depending on the type of incentive offered.
Shipping and Handling	'
	Shipping and handling costs incurred for the delivery of goods to customers are included in cost of goods sold in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included in net sales.
Earnings Per Common Share	'
	Basic net earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net earnings per share is computed after giving effect to the exercise of all dilutive outstanding option grants.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	The Company periodically evaluates its monetary asset and liability positions denominated in foreign currencies. The Company enters into forward contracts or options, or borrows in various currencies, in order to hedge its net monetary positions. These instruments are recorded at fair value and the gains and losses are included in other expense, net.
	The Company accounts for all derivatives, including those embedded in other contracts, as either assets or liabilities and measures those financial instruments at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on their intended use and designation.
	As part of its risk management program, the Company may periodically use forward exchange contracts and interest rate swaps to manage known market exposures. Terms of derivative instruments are structured to match the terms of the risk being managed and are generally held to maturity. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. All other contracts that contain provisions meeting the definition of a derivative also meet the requirements of, and have been designated as, normal purchases or sales. The Company's policy is to not enter into contracts with terms that cannot be designated as normal purchases or sales.
	The Company uses significant other observable inputs (level 2 in the fair value hierarchy) to value the derivative instruments used to hedge interest rate volatility and net monetary positions, including reference to market prices and financial models that incorporate relevant market assumptions.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Table	'
			Level		2013			2012
	Assets
		Cash surrender value of life insurance	2		$	12,611		$	9,483
		Forward exchange contracts	2			291			491
		Total assets at fair value			$	12,902		$	9,974
	Liabilities
		Deferred compensation	2		$	2,296		$	1,759
Other Current Assets	'
		2013			2012
	Prepaid income taxes	$	7,894		$	2,155
	Prepaid expenses and other		6,739			5,474
	Total	$	14,633		$	7,629
Property, Plant and Equipment, estimated useful lives	'
	Buildings and improvements	10 to 30 years
	Leasehold improvements	lesser of 5 to 10 years or life of lease
	Manufacturing equipment	lesser of 5 to 10 years or life of equipment
	Office, warehouse and automotive equipment	3 to 10 years
Goodwill by reporting segment	'
			Industrial			Contractor			Lubrication		Total
	27-Dec-13
	Beginning balance		$	148,999		$	12,732		$	19,497	$	181,228
	Additions from business acquisitions			6,626			-			-		6,626
	Foreign currency translation			2,998			-			-		2,998
	Other			-885			-			-		-885
	Ending balance		$	157,738		$	12,732		$	19,497	$	189,967
	28-Dec-12
	Beginning balance		$	61,171		$	12,732		$	19,497	$	93,400
	Additions from business acquisitions			89,044			-			-		89,044
	Foreign currency translation			-1,216			-			-		-1,216
	Ending balance		$	148,999		$	12,732		$	19,497	$	181,228
Intangible assets	'
				Estimated							Foreign
				Life					Accumulated		Currency		Book
				(years)		Cost			Amortization		Translation		Value
	27-Dec-13
	Customer relationships			14-Mar		$	121,205		$	-26,377	$	1,458	$	96,286
	Patents, proprietary technology
		and product documentation		11-Mar			16,125			-5,869		118		10,374
	Trademarks, trade names and other			5			175			-9		-		166
							137,505			-32,255		1,576		106,826
	Not Subject to Amortization
		Brand names					40,400			-		714		41,114
	Total					$	177,905		$	-32,255	$	2,290	$	147,940
	28-Dec-12
	Customer relationships			14-Feb		$	132,245		$	-30,041	$	-1,510	$	100,694
	Patents, proprietary technology
		and product documentation		11-Mar			20,830			-9,679		-147		11,004
	Trademarks, trade names and other			5-Jan			85			-27		-		58
							153,160			-39,747		-1,657		111,756
	Not Subject to Amortization
		Brand names					40,580			-		-563		40,017
	Total					$	193,740		$	-39,747	$	-2,220	$	151,773
Components of other assets	'
		2013			2012
	Cash surrender value of life insurance	$	12,611		$	9,483
	Capitalized software		3,448			3,291
	Equity method investment		5,569			5,224
	Deposits and other		3,017			3,645
	Total	$	24,645		$	21,643
Components of other current liabilities	'
		2013			2012
	Accrued self-insurance retentions	$	6,381		$	6,952
	Accrued warranty and service liabilities		7,771			7,943
	Accrued trade promotions		7,245			5,669
	Payable for employee stock purchases		7,908			7,203
	Customer advances and deferred revenue		11,693			10,617
	Income taxes payable		4,561			4,305
	Other		23,608			22,704
	Total	$	69,167		$	65,393
Accrued warranty liabilities activity	'
		2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year	$	7,943		$	6,709
	Assumed in business acquisition		-			1,121
	Charged to expense		6,119			6,182
	Margin on parts sales reversed		3,819			2,244
	Reductions for claims settled		-10,110			-8,313
	Balance, end of year	$	7,771		$	7,943
Fair Market Value and Classification of Derivative Instruments	'
			Balance Sheet Classification		2013			2012
	Gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts
		Gains			$	306		$	553
		Losses				-15			-62
		Net	Accounts receivable		$	291		$	491

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Information - Operations and Assets	'
	Reportable Segments (in thousands)		2013		2012		2011
	Net Sales
		Industrial	$	652,344	$	603,398	$	501,841
		Contractor		342,546		298,811		290,732
		Lubrication		109,134		110,247		102,710
	Total		$	1,104,024	$	1,012,456	$	895,283
	Operating Earnings
		Industrial	$	211,265	$	186,129	$	173,694
		Contractor		72,245		54,310		50,581
		Lubrication		22,512		22,535		18,928
		Unallocated corporate (expense)		-26,253		-38,297		-23,689
	Total		$	279,769	$	224,677	$	219,514
	Assets
		Industrial	$	591,135	$	567,879
		Contractor		152,300		141,094
		Lubrication		82,503		84,079
		Unallocated corporate		501,290		528,682
	Total		$	1,327,228	$	1,321,734
Segment Reporting Information - Geographic	'
	Geographic Information (in thousands)		2013		2012		2011
	Net Sales (based on customer location)
		United States	$	498,478	$	440,757	$	394,318
		Other countries		605,546		571,699		500,965
	Total		$	1,104,024	$	1,012,456	$	895,283
	Long-lived Assets
		United States	$	120,262	$	119,331
		Other countries		31,455		32,213
	Total		$	151,717	$	151,544

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Components of Inventories	'
		2013		2012
	Finished products and components	$	65,963	$	58,703
	Products and components in various stages of completion		41,458		44,001
	Raw materials and purchased components		69,051		59,190
			176,472		161,894
	Reduction to LIFO cost		-42,685		-40,345
	Total	$	133,787	$	121,549

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Property Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	'
		2013		2012
	Land and improvements	$	16,506	$	16,261
	Buildings and improvements		118,460		115,774
	Manufacturing equipment		222,810		214,073
	Office, warehouse and automotive equipment		35,887		33,388
	Additions in progress		14,224		9,571
	Total property, plant and equipment		407,887		389,067
	Accumulated depreciation		-256,170		-237,523
	Net property, plant and equipment	$	151,717	$	151,544

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Earnings before income tax expense	'
		2013			2012			2011
	Domestic	$	238,928		$	184,132		$	186,374
	Foreign		49,894			33,194			23,354
	Total	$	288,822		$	217,326		$	209,728
Components of income tax expense	'
				2013			2012			2011
	Current
		Domestic
			Federal	$	64,753		$	61,989		$	58,192
			State and local		2,470			5,180			3,920
		Foreign			11,569			11,218			7,161
					78,792			78,387			69,273
	Deferred
		Domestic			-553			-5,431			-1,496
		Foreign			-239			-4,756			-377
					-792			-10,187			-1,873
	Total			$	78,000		$	68,200		$	67,400
Federal tax rate reconciliation	'
		2013			2012			2011
	Statutory tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	Tax effect of international operations	-1			-1			-
	State taxes, net of federal effect	1			1			1
	U.S. general business tax credits	-2			-			-2
	Domestic production deduction	-3			-2			-3
	Dividends from Liquid Finishing	-3			-2			-
	Other	-			-			1
	Effective tax rate	27	%		31	%		32	%
Deferred income taxes, current and non-current	'
			2013			2012
	Inventory valuations		$	8,825		$	8,289
	Self-insurance retention accruals			1,887			2,035
	Warranty reserves			2,089			2,091
	Vacation accruals			2,740			2,406
	Bad debt reserves			1,961			1,753
	Other			1,325			1,168
		Deferred income taxes, current		18,827			17,742
		Included in other current liabilities		-1,095			-1,042
		Total Current		17,732			16,700
	Unremitted earnings of consolidated foreign subsidiaries			-6,316			-4,016
	Excess of tax over book depreciation			-42,322			-42,195
	Pension liability			20,798			36,821
	Postretirement medical			8,097			7,998
	Acquisition costs			3,644			4,024
	Stock compensation			14,401			13,046
	Deferred compensation			1,193			982
	Other			-64			200
		Total Non-current		-569			16,860
	Net deferred tax assets		$	17,163		$	33,560

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt summary	'
					Average
					Interest Rate
					December 27,
					2013		Maturity	2013		2012
		Private placement unsecured fixed-rate notes
			Series A		4	%	Mar-18	$	75,000	$	75,000
			Series B		5.01	%	Mar-23		75,000		75,000
			Series C		4.88	%	Jan-20		75,000		75,000
			Series D		5.35	%	Jul-26		75,000		75,000
		Unsecured revolving credit facility			1.42	%	Mar-17		108,370		256,480
		Notes payable to banks			0.81	%	2014		9,584		8,133
		Total debt, including current portion						$	417,954	$	564,613
Annual maturities of debt	'
		2014		$	9,584
		2015			-
		2016			-
		2017			108,370
		2018			75,000
		Thereafter			225,000

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Components of AOCI [Abstract]	'
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
			Pension						Gain (Loss)
			and Post-			Cumulative			on Interest
			retirement			Translation			Rate Hedge
			Medical			Adjustment			Contracts		Total
	2011
	Beginning balance		$	-51,334		$	-823		$	-286	$	-52,443
		Other comprehensive income (loss)
		before reclassifications		-28,112			-			-		-28,112
		Amounts reclassified from accumulated
		other comprehensive income		3,788			-			286		4,074
	Ending balance		$	-75,658		$	-823		$	-	$	-76,481
	2012
	Beginning balance		$	-75,658		$	-823		$	-	$	-76,481
		Other comprehensive income (loss)
		before reclassifications		-10,993			-3,206			-		-14,199
		Amounts reclassified from accumulated
		other comprehensive income		6,935			-			-		6,935
	Ending balance		$	-79,716		$	-4,029		$	-	$	-83,745
	2013
	Beginning balance		$	-79,716		$	-4,029		$	-	$	-83,745
		Other comprehensive income (loss)
		before reclassifications		23,103			7,812			-		30,915
		Amounts reclassified from accumulated
		other comprehensive income		6,481			-			-		6,481
	Ending balance		$	-50,132		$	3,783		$	-	$	-46,349
		2013			2012			2011
	Cost of products sold	$	3,635		$	3,900		$	2,122
	Product development		1,699			1,728			901
	Selling, marketing and distribution		2,828			2,886			1,636
	General and administrative		2,124			2,032			1,065
	Total before tax	$	10,286		$	10,546		$	5,724
	Income tax (benefit)		-3,805			-3,611			-1,936
	Total after tax	$	6,481		$	6,935		$	3,788

ShareBased_Awards_Purchase_Pla

Share-Based Awards, Purchase Plans and Compensation Cost (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share Based Awards - Option shares activity	'
					Weighted					Weighted
					Average					Average
			Option		Exercise			Options		Exercise
			Shares		Price			Exercisable		Price
	Outstanding, December 31, 2010		5,509		$	30.42		2,980		$	31.99
		Granted	569			43.15
		Exercised	-553			26.19
		Canceled	-47			35.55
	Outstanding, December 30, 2011		5,478			32.12		3,211			32.27
		Granted	566			50.33
		Exercised	-805			27.14
		Canceled	-47			35.24
	Outstanding, December 28, 2012		5,192			34.85		3,194			32.99
		Granted	969			65.97
		Exercised	-990			33.04
		Canceled	-22			40.71
	Outstanding, December 27, 2013		5,149		$	41.03		3,311		$	33.2
Options outstanding and exercisable	'
					Options
					Outstanding
					Weighted Avg.		Options					Options
					Remaining		Outstanding					Exercisable
	Range of		Options	Contractual Term			Weighted Avg.			Options		Weighted Avg.
	Prices		Outstanding		in Years		Exercise Price			Exercisable		Exercise Price
	$ 16-30		1,469		5		$	23.62		1,295		$	23.16
	$ 30-45		2,062		5			38.97		1,805			38.5
	$ 45-60		1,211		8			53.97		211			49.44
	$ 60-76		407		10			75.88		-			-
	$ 16-76		5,149		6		$	41.03		3,311		$	33.2
Options exercised	'
		2013			2012			2011
	Cash received	$	32,630		$	21,687		$	14,476
	Aggregate intrinsic value		33,028			18,195			10,485
	Tax benefit realized		11,200			6,200			3,500
Authorized shares	'
				Available for Future
		Total Shares		Issuance as of
		Authorized		27-Dec-13
	Stock Incentive Plan (2010)	5,100		2,473
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2006)	7,000		5,288
	Total	12,100		7,761
Stock Options - Valuation assumptions	'
		2013				2012				2011
	Expected life in years		5.9				6.5				6.5
	Interest rate		1.3	%			1.3	%			2.8	%
	Volatility		35.4	%			36.6	%			33.7	%
	Dividend yield		1.6	%			1.8	%			2	%
	Weighted average fair value per share	$	19.44			$	15.6			$	13.35
Employee Stock Purchase Plan - Valuation assumptions	'
		2013				2012				2011
	Expected life in years		1				1				1
	Interest rate		0.2	%			0.2	%			0.3	%
	Volatility		26	%			40.6	%			27.8	%
	Dividend yield		1.7	%			1.7	%			2.1	%
	Weighted average fair value per share	$	14.16			$	15.58			$	10.05

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Earnings Per Share Details [Abstract]	'
Computation of basic and diluted earnings per share	'
			2013		2012		2011
	Net earnings available to common shareholders		$	210,822	$	149,126	$	142,328
	Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share			61,203		60,451		60,286
	Dilutive effect of stock options computed based on the treasury
		stock method using the average market price		1,587		1,260		1,084
	Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share			62,790		61,711		61,370
	Basic earnings per share		$	3.44	$	2.47	$	2.36
	Diluted earnings per share		$	3.36	$	2.42	$	2.32

Retirement_Benefits_Tables

Retirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Retirement Benefits Tables [Abstract]	'
Plan assets by category and fair value measurement level	'
					Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	27-Dec-13
	Equity
		U.S. Large Cap			$	95,025		$	-		$	95,025		$	-
		U.S. Small/Mid Cap				18,020			-			18,020			-
		International				69,140			-			69,140			-
			Total Equity			182,185			-			182,185			-
	Fixed income					48,718			-			40,158			8,560
	Real estate and other					49,704			1,149			31,271			17,284
			Total		$	280,607		$	1,149		$	253,614		$	25,844
	28-Dec-12
	Equity
		Graco common stock			$	7,196		$	7,196		$	-		$	-
		U.S. Large Cap				78,263			-			78,263			-
		U.S. Small/Mid Cap				12,282			-			12,282			-
		International				67,459			-			67,459			-
			Total Equity			165,200			7,196			158,004			-
	Fixed income					63,592			-			63,592			-
	Real estate and other					17,814			2,676			-			15,138
			Total		$	246,606		$	9,872		$	221,596		$	15,138
Level 3 plan assets activity	'
			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year		$	15,138		$	9,247
	Pension assets of acquired businesses			-			5,216
	Purchases			14,277			4,443
	Redemptions			-5,351			-4,891
	Change in unrealized gains (losses)			1,780			1,123
	Balance, end of year		$	25,844		$	15,138
Funded status of plans	'
			Pension Benefits						Postretirement Medical Benefits
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Change in benefit obligation
		Obligation, beginning of year	$	359,701		$	278,611		$	23,472		$	23,445
		Pension obligation of acquired businesses		-			39,139			-			-
		Service cost		7,447			6,414			626			589
		Interest cost		14,149			13,729			961			986
		Actuarial loss (gain)		-15,653			31,869			-2,582			-294
		Plan changes		3,197			-			-			-
		Benefit payments		-10,762			-9,717			-1,135			-1,254
		Settlements		-7,430			-			-			-
		Exchange rate changes		1,622			-344			-			-
		Obligation, end of year	$	352,271		$	359,701		$	21,342		$	23,472
	Change in plan assets
		Fair value, beginning of year	$	246,606		$	181,319		$	-		$	-
		Pension assets of acquired businesses		-			32,132			-			-
		Actual return on assets		40,280			30,861			-			-
		Employer contributions		10,728			12,437			1,135			1,254
		Benefit payments		-10,762			-9,717			-1,135			-1,254
		Settlements		-7,241			-			-			-
		Exchange rate changes		996			-426			-			-
		Fair value, end of year	$	280,607		$	246,606		$	-		$	-
	Funded status		$	-71,664		$	-113,095		$	-21,342		$	-23,472
Amounts recognized in balance sheets	'
	Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets
		Current liabilities	$	1,116		$	850		$	1,256		$	1,254
		Non-current liabilities		70,548			112,245			20,086			22,218
		Total liabilities	$	71,664		$	113,095		$	21,342		$	23,472
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets	'
		2013			2012
	Projected benefit obligation	$	352,271		$	359,701
	Accumulated benefit obligation		326,030			329,530
	Fair value of plan assets		280,607			246,606
Components of Net Periodic Benefic Cost	'
			Pension Benefits									Postretirement Medical Benefits
			2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
	Service cost-benefits earned during the period		$	7,447		$	6,414		$	4,429		$	626		$	589		$	602
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation			14,149			13,729			13,072			961			986			1,219
	Expected return on assets			-18,508			-15,907			-15,802			-			-			-
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)			8			-5			-5			-658			-658			-658
	Amortization of net loss (gain)			10,456			10,814			5,819			480			395			568
	Cost of pension plans which are not significant
		and have not adopted ASC 715		94			121			97			N/A			N/A			N/A
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	13,646		$	15,166		$	7,610		$	1,409		$	1,312		$	1,731
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income	'
		Pension Benefits						Postretirement Medical Benefits
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net loss (gain) arising during the period	$	-37,284		$	17,011		$	-2,582		$	-294
	Prior service cost (credit) arising during the period		3,197			-			-			-
	Amortization of net gain (loss)		-10,456			-10,814			-480			-395
	Amortization of prior service credit (cost)		-8			5			658			658
	Total	$	-44,551		$	6,202		$	-2,404		$	-31
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income	'
		Pension Benefits						Postretirement Medical Benefits
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Prior service cost (credit)	$	3,271		$	-123		$	-2,444		$	-3,101
	Net loss		73,200			121,146			3,325			6,385
	Net before income taxes		76,471			121,023			881			3,284
	Income taxes		-26,903			-43,409			-317			-1,182
	Net	$	49,568		$	77,614		$	564		$	2,102
Amounts in AOCI expected to be recognized as cost in next year	'
						Postretirement
		Pension				Medical
		Benefits				Benefits
	Prior service cost (credit)	$	330			$	-658
	Net loss (gain)		4,883				149
	Net before income taxes		5,213				-509
	Income taxes		-1,877				183
	Net	$	3,336			$	-326
Assumptions used to determine obligations and cost	'
				Pension Benefits						Postretirement Medical Benefits
	Weighted average assumptions			2013			2012			2013			2012
	U.S. Plans
		Discount rate		5	%		4.2	%		5	%		4.2	%
		Rate of compensation increase		3	%		3	%		N/A			N/A
	Non-U.S. Plans
		Discount rate		2.5	%		2.3	%		N/A			N/A
		Rate of compensation increase		1.3	%		1.3	%		N/A			N/A
				Pension Benefits									Postretirement Medical Benefits
	Weighted average assumptions			2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
	U.S. Plans
		Discount rate		4.2	%		4.6	%		5.5	%		4.2	%		4.6	%		5.5	%
		Rate of compensation increase		3	%		3	%		3.8	%		N/A			N/A			N/A
		Expected return on assets		8.5	%		8.5	%		8.5	%		N/A			N/A			N/A
	Non-U.S. Plans
		Discount rate		2.3	%		2.9	%		4.7	%		N/A			N/A			N/A
		Rate of compensation increase		1.2	%		1.2	%		3	%		N/A			N/A			N/A
		Expected return on assets		3	%		3	%		N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
Estimated future benefit payments	'
						Postretirement
		Pension				Medical
		Benefits				Benefits
	2014	$	13,999			$	1,256
	2015		15,045				1,314
	2016		17,926				1,361
	2017		16,675				1,395
	2018		18,007				1,458
	Years 2019 - 2023		104,174				8,032

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Lease commitments	'
				Vehicles &
		Buildings		Equipment		Total
	2014	$	2,170	$	3,214	$	5,384
	2015		1,914		2,083		3,997
	2016		1,350		1,250		2,600
	2017		1,338		841		2,179
	2018		1,360		555		1,915
	Thereafter		7,655		764		8,419
	Total	$	15,787	$	8,707	$	24,494

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	'
		Cash and cash equivalents	$	6,007
		Accounts receivable		17,835
		Inventories		21,733
		Other current assets		2,534
		Property, plant and equipment		18,359
		Other non-current assets		50
		Identifiable intangible assets		150,500
		Goodwill		86,056
		Total assets acquired		303,074
		Current liabilities assumed		-27,434
		Non-current liabilities assumed		-7,984
		Deferred income taxes		-26,105
		Net assets acquired, Powder Finishing		241,551
		Investment in businesses held separate		426,813
		Total purchase consideration	$	668,364
Schedule of identifiable intangible assets and estimated usefule life	'
						Estimated
						Life (years)
		Customer relationships	$	103,500		14
		Developed technology		9,600		11
		Trade names		37,400		Indefinite
		Total identifiable intangible assets	$	150,500
Liquid Finishing	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Operating Results of Business Held Separate [Table Text Block]	'
				2013			2012
		Net Sales		$	278,543		$	269,099
		Operating Earnings			61,174			52,256
Graco and Powder Finishing	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business acquisition pro forma information	'
				2012			2011
		Net Sales		$	1,042,701		$	1,020,823
		Operating Earnings			249,789			236,284
		Net Earnings			153,008			147,290
		Basic earnings per share			2.53			2.44
		Diluted earnings per share			2.48			2.4

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	'
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	2013
	Net Sales	$	269,046	$	286,020	$	277,035	$	271,923
	Gross Profit		150,644		158,739		150,873		147,199
	Net Earnings		52,130		57,843		56,101		44,748
	Basic Net Earnings per Common Share	$	0.86	$	0.94	$	0.91	$	0.73
	Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share		0.84		0.92		0.89		0.71
	Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share		0.25		0.25		0.25		0.28
	2012
	Net Sales	$	234,122	$	268,184	$	256,472	$	253,678
	Gross Profit		132,179		139,530		139,933		138,888
	Net Earnings		35,381		34,352		37,131		42,262
	Basic Net Earnings per Common Share	$	0.59	$	0.57	$	0.61	$	0.7
	Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share		0.58		0.56		0.6		0.68
	Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share		0.23		0.23		0.23		0.25

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries
	(in thousands)
						Additions
				Balance at		charged to		Deductions		Other		Balance at
				beginning		costs and		from		add		end
				of year		expenses		reserves1		(deduct)2		of year
	Year ended
		27-Dec-13
			Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	2,100	$	600	$	1,400	$	-	$	1,300
			Allowance for returns and credits		4,500		17,300		16,800		-		5,000
				$	6,600	$	17,900	$	18,200	$	-	$	6,300
		28-Dec-12
			Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,400	$	500	$	100	$	300	$	2,100
			Allowance for returns and credits		4,100		13,700		13,300		-		4,500
				$	5,500	$	14,200	$	13,400	$	300	$	6,600
		30-Dec-11
			Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,300	$	500	$	400	$	-	$	1,400
			Allowance for returns and credits		4,300		12,500		12,700		-		4,100
				$	5,600	$	13,000	$	13,100	$	-	$	5,500
	1	For doubtful accounts, represents amounts determined to be uncollectible and charged against reserve, net of collections on accounts previously charged against reserves. For returns and credits, represents amounts of credits issued and returns processed.
	2	Includes amounts assumed or established in connection with acquisitions and effects of foreign currency translation.

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Cost-method investment	$422,297,000	$426,813,000
Other Current Assets	'	'
Prepaid income taxes	7,894,000	2,155,000
Prepaid expenses and other	6,739,000	5,474,000
Total	14,633,000	7,629,000
Goodwill Roll Forward	'	'
Beginning balance	181,228,000	93,400,000
Additions from business acquisitions	6,626,000	89,044,000
Foreign currency translation	2,998,000	-1,216,000
Other	-885,000	'
Ending balance	189,967,000	181,228,000
Purchase price allocated to goodwill	189,967,000	181,228,000
Industrial	'	'
Goodwill Roll Forward	'	'
Beginning balance	148,999,000	61,171,000
Additions from business acquisitions	6,626,000	89,044,000
Foreign currency translation	2,998,000	-1,216,000
Other	-885,000	'
Ending balance	157,738,000	148,999,000
Purchase price allocated to goodwill	157,738,000	148,999,000
Contractor	'	'
Goodwill Roll Forward	'	'
Beginning balance	12,732,000	12,732,000
Additions from business acquisitions	0	0
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Other	0	'
Ending balance	12,732,000	12,732,000
Purchase price allocated to goodwill	12,732,000	12,732,000
Lubrication	'	'
Goodwill Roll Forward	'	'
Beginning balance	19,497,000	19,497,000
Additions from business acquisitions	0	0
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Other	0	'
Ending balance	19,497,000	19,497,000
Purchase price allocated to goodwill	19,497,000	19,497,000
Buildings and improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'10 to 30 years	'
Leasehold improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'lesser of 5 to 10 years or life of lease	'
Manufacturing equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'lesser of 5 to 10 years or life of equipment	'
Office, warehouse and automotive equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'3 to 10 years	'
Trade accounts receivable	'	'
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts Receivable Net	178,000,000	161,000,000
Other receivables	'	'
Accounts Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts Receivable Net	5,000,000	11,000,000
Level 2	'	'
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash surrender value of life insurance	12,611,000	9,483,000
Forward exchange contracts	291,000	491,000
Total assets at fair value	12,902,000	9,974,000
Deferred compensation	$2,296,000	$1,759,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Other Intangibles) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cost	$137,505,000	$153,160,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-32,255,000	-39,747,000	'
Foreign Currency Translation	1,576,000	-1,657,000	'
Book Value	106,826,000	111,756,000	'
Not Subject to Amortization	'	'	'
Total Original Cost	177,905,000	193,740,000	'
Total Book Value	147,940,000	151,773,000	'
Current and future amortization expense	'	'	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	12,500,000	15,000,000	10,900,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	10,000,000	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	9,500,000	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	9,200,000	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	9,000,000	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	8,900,000	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five	60,200,000	'	'
Customer Relationships	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cost	121,205,000	132,245,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-26,377,000	-30,041,000	'
Foreign Currency Translation	1,458,000	-1,510,000	'
Book Value	96,286,000	100,694,000	'
Customer Relationships | Minimum	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Life (years)	'3 years	'2 years	'
Customer Relationships | Maximum	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Life (years)	'14 years	'14 years	'
Patents, proprietary technology and product documentation	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cost	16,125,000	20,830,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-5,869,000	-9,679,000	'
Foreign Currency Translation	118,000	-147,000	'
Book Value	10,374,000	11,004,000	'
Patents, proprietary technology and product documentation | Minimum	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Life (years)	'3 years	'3 years	'
Patents, proprietary technology and product documentation | Maximum	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Life (years)	'11 years	'11 years	'
Trademarks, trade names and other	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cost	175,000	85,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-9,000	-27,000	'
Foreign Currency Translation	0	0	'
Book Value	166,000	58,000	'
Trademarks, trade names and other | Minimum	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Life (years)	'5 years	'1 year	'
Trademarks, trade names and other | Maximum	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated Life (years)	'5 years	'5 years	'
Brand Names	'	'	'
Not Subject to Amortization	'	'	'
Cost	40,400,000	40,580,000	'
Foreign Currency Translation	714,000	-563,000	'
Book Value	$41,114,000	$40,017,000	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Other) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012
Components of other assets [Abstract]	'	'
Cash surrender value of life insurance	$12,611,000	$9,483,000
Capitalized software	3,448,000	3,291,000
Equity method investment	5,569,000	5,224,000
Deposits and other	3,017,000	3,645,000
Total	24,645,000	21,643,000
Other Assets Details [Abstract]	'	'
Life insurance premiums paid amount	1,500,000	1,500,000
Change in cash surrender value of life insurance	1,600,000	'
Capitalized Computer Software, Estimated Useful Life, Minimum	'2 years	'
Capitalized Computer Software, Estimated Useful Life, Maximum	'5 years	'
Other Current Liabilities	'	'
Accrued self-insurance retentions	6,381,000	6,952,000
Accrued warranty and service liabilities	7,771,000	7,943,000
Accrued trade promotions	7,245,000	5,669,000
Payable for employee stock purchases	7,908,000	7,203,000
Customer advances and deferred revenue	11,693,000	10,617,000
Income taxes payable	4,561,000	4,305,000
Other	23,608,000	22,704,000
Total	69,167,000	65,393,000
Accrued warranty and service liabilities	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	7,943,000	6,709,000
Assumed in business acquisition	0	1,121,000
Charged to expense	6,119,000	6,182,000
Margin on parts sales reversed	3,819,000	2,244,000
Reductions for claims settled	-10,110,000	-8,313,000
Balance, end of year	7,771,000	7,943,000
Revenue Recognition Policy Details [Abstract]	'	'
Sales returns as a percentage of sales	2.00%	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivatives	22,000,000	'
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
UnrealizedGainOnDerivatives	306,000	553,000
UnrealizedLossOnDerivatives	-15,000	-62,000
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Accounts Receivable	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Net gains on derivative contracts	$291,000	$491,000

Segment_Information_by_Reporta

Segment Information (by Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Sep. 28, 2012	Jun. 29, 2012	Mar. 30, 2012	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	$271,923	$277,035	$286,020	$269,046	$253,678	$256,472	$268,184	$234,122	$1,104,024	$1,012,456	$895,283
Operating earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	279,769	224,677	219,514
Segment Assets Reconciliation	1,327,228	'	'	'	1,321,734	'	'	'	1,327,228	1,321,734	'
Industrial	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	652,344	603,398	501,841
Operating earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	211,265	186,129	173,694
Segment Assets Reconciliation	591,135	'	'	'	567,879	'	'	'	591,135	567,879	'
Contractor	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	342,546	298,811	290,732
Operating earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	72,245	54,310	50,581
Segment Assets Reconciliation	152,300	'	'	'	141,094	'	'	'	152,300	141,094	'
Lubrication	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	109,134	110,247	102,710
Operating earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,512	22,535	18,928
Segment Assets Reconciliation	82,503	'	'	'	84,079	'	'	'	82,503	84,079	'
Unallocated Corporate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-26,253	-38,297	-23,689
Segment Assets Reconciliation	$501,290	'	'	'	$528,682	'	'	'	$501,290	$528,682	'

Segment_Information_Geographic

Segment Information (Geographic Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Sep. 28, 2012	Jun. 29, 2012	Mar. 30, 2012	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Geographic Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	$271,923	$277,035	$286,020	$269,046	$253,678	$256,472	$268,184	$234,122	$1,104,024	$1,012,456	$895,283
Long-Lived Assets	151,717	'	'	'	151,544	'	'	'	151,717	151,544	'
US	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Geographic Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	498,478	440,757	394,318
Long-Lived Assets	120,262	'	'	'	119,331	'	'	'	120,262	119,331	'
Other Countries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Geographic Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	605,546	571,699	500,965
Long-Lived Assets	$31,455	'	'	'	$32,213	'	'	'	$31,455	$32,213	'

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Finished products and components	$65,963,000	$58,703,000
Products and components in various stages of completion	41,458,000	44,001,000
Raw materials and purchased components	69,051,000	59,190,000
Inventory gross total	176,472,000	161,894,000
Reduction to LIFO cost	-42,685,000	-40,345,000
Total	133,787,000	121,549,000
Inventories valued under the LIFO method	$76,900,000	$72,600,000

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'
Land and improvements	$16,506,000	$16,261,000	'
Buildings and improvements	118,460,000	115,774,000	'
Manufacturing equipment	222,810,000	214,073,000	'
Office, warehouse and automotive equipment	35,887,000	33,388,000	'
Additions in progress	14,224,000	9,571,000	'
Total property, plant and equipment	407,887,000	389,067,000	'
Accumulated depreciation	-256,170,000	-237,523,000	'
Net property, plant and equipment	151,717,000	151,544,000	'
Depreciation	$23,400,000	$22,200,000	$20,600,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Domestic	$238,928,000	$184,132,000	$186,374,000
Foreign	49,894,000	33,194,000	23,354,000
Earnings Before Income Taxes	288,822,000	217,326,000	209,728,000
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal	64,753,000	61,989,000	58,192,000
State and local	2,470,000	5,180,000	3,920,000
Foreign	11,569,000	11,218,000	7,161,000
Total Current	78,792,000	78,387,000	69,273,000
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Domestic	-553,000	-5,431,000	-1,496,000
Foreign	-239,000	-4,756,000	-377,000
Total Deferred	-792,000	-10,187,000	-1,873,000
Total income tax expense	78,000,000	68,200,000	67,400,000
Income taxes paid	78,000,000	71,700,000	61,300,000
Federal income tax rate reconciliation	'	'	'
Statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Tax effect of international operations	-1.00%	-1.00%	0.00%
State taxes, net of federal effect	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
U.S. general business tax credits	-2.00%	0.00%	-2.00%
Domestic production deduction	-3.00%	-2.00%	-3.00%
Dividends from Liquid Finishing	-3.00%	-2.00%	0.00%
Other	0.00%	0.00%	1.00%
Effective tax rate	27.00%	31.00%	32.00%
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred income taxes, current	18,827,000	17,742,000	'
Net deferred tax assets	17,163,000	33,560,000	'
Deferred tax assets	78,600,000	93,200,000	'
Deferred tax liabilities	61,400,000	59,600,000	'
Current	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Inventory valuations	8,825,000	8,289,000	'
Self-insurance retention accruals	1,887,000	2,035,000	'
Warranty reserves	2,089,000	2,091,000	'
Vacation accruals	2,740,000	2,406,000	'
Bad debt reserves	1,961,000	1,753,000	'
Other	1,325,000	1,168,000	'
Deferred income taxes, current	18,827,000	17,742,000	'
Included in other current liabilities	-1,095,000	-1,042,000	'
Total Current	17,732,000	16,700,000	'
Noncurrent	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Other	-64,000	200,000	'
Unremitted earnings of consolidated foreign subsidiaries	-6,316,000	-4,016,000	'
Excess of tax over book depreciation	-42,322,000	-42,195,000	'
Pension liability	20,798,000	36,821,000	'
Postretirement medical	8,097,000	7,998,000	'
Acquisition costs	3,644,000	4,024,000	'
Stock compensation	14,401,000	13,046,000	'
Deferred compensation	1,193,000	982,000	'
Total Non-current	($569,000)	$16,860,000	'

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated fair value of debt	$320,000,000	$330,000,000
Series A maturing March 2018	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Average Interest Rate	4.00%	'
Amount	75,000,000	75,000,000
Series B maturing March 2023	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Average Interest Rate	5.01%	'
Amount	75,000,000	75,000,000
Series C maturing January 2020	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Average Interest Rate	4.88%	'
Amount	75,000,000	75,000,000
Series D maturing July 2026	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Average Interest Rate	5.35%	'
Amount	75,000,000	75,000,000
Unsecured revolving credit facility maturing March 2017	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Average Interest Rate	1.42%	'
Amount	108,370,000	256,480,000
Notes payable to banks maturing 2014	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Average Interest Rate	0.81%	'
Amount	9,584,000	8,133,000
Total debt, including current portion	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Amount	$417,954,000	$564,613,000

Debt_Credit_Facility_and_Other

Debt (Credit Facility and Other Disclosures) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011	Mar. 27, 2012
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Credit agreement that is terminated	'	'	'	$250,000,000
Maximum borrowing amount - credit facility	502,000,000	'	'	'
Interest rate description	'Under terms of the revolving credit agreement, loans denominated in U.S. dollars bear interest, at the Company’s option, at either a base rate or a LIBOR-based rate. Loans denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars bear interest at a LIBOR-based rate. The base rate is an annual rate equal to a margin ranging from zero percent to 1 percent, depending on the Company’s cash flow leverage ratio (debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and extraordinary non-operating or non-cash charges and expenses) plus the highest of (i) the bank’s prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5 percent or (iii) one-month LIBOR plus 1.5 percent. In general, LIBOR-based loans bear interest at LIBOR plus 1 percent to 2 percent, depending on the Company’s cash flow leverage ratio.	'	'	'
Annual Maturities of Debt	'	'	'	'
2014	9,584,000	'	'	'
2015	0	'	'	'
2016	0	'	'	'
2017	108,370,000	'	'	'
2018	75,000,000	'	'	'
Thereafter	225,000,000	'	'	'
Interest Paid	18,300,000	19,000,000	8,700,000	'
Minimum	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Loan commitment fee percentage	0.15%	'	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Loan commitment fee percentage	0.40%	'	'	'
Committed Facility	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing amount - credit facility	450,000,000	'	'	'
Unused portion of credit facility	355,000,000	'	'	'
Committed Facility | Domestic Line of Credit	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing amount - swingline facility	50,000,000	'	'	'
Committed Facility | Foreign Line of Credit	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing amount - credit facility	52,000,000	'	'	'
Uncommitted Facility | Foreign Line of Credit	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unused portion of credit facility	$32,000,000	'	'	'

Shareholders_Equity_Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	($83,745)	($76,481)	($52,443)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	30,915	-14,199	-28,112
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	6,481	6,935	4,074
Ending balance	-46,349	-83,745	-76,481
Reclassification detail	'	'	'
Reclassification after tax	6,481	6,935	4,074
Pension and Postretirement Medical	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	-79,716	-75,658	-51,334
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	23,103	-10,993	-28,112
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	6,481	6,935	3,788
Ending balance	-50,132	-79,716	-75,658
Reclassification detail	'	'	'
Reclassification before tax	10,286	10,546	5,724
Income tax (benefit)	-3,805	-3,611	-1,936
Reclassification after tax	6,481	6,935	3,788
Pension and Postretirement Medical | Cost of products sold	'	'	'
Reclassification detail	'	'	'
Reclassification before tax	3,635	3,900	2,122
Pension and Postretirement Medical | Product development	'	'	'
Reclassification detail	'	'	'
Reclassification before tax	1,699	1,728	901
Pension and Postretirement Medical | Selling, marketing and distribution	'	'	'
Reclassification detail	'	'	'
Reclassification before tax	2,828	2,886	1,636
Pension and Postretirement Medical | General and administrative	'	'	'
Reclassification detail	'	'	'
Reclassification before tax	2,124	2,032	1,065
Cumulative Translation Adjustment	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	-4,029	-823	-823
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	7,812	-3,206	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Ending balance	3,783	-4,029	-823
Reclassification detail	'	'	'
Reclassification after tax	0	0	0
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Hedge Contracts	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	0	0	-286
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0	286
Ending balance	0	0	0
Reclassification detail	'	'	'
Reclassification after tax	$0	$0	$286

Shareholders_Equity_Narratives

Shareholders' Equity (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'
Purchase rights plan - exercise price	$150
Purchase rights plan - expiration	15-Feb-13
Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'
Preferred stock authorized	22,549
Preferred stock par value	$100
Preferred Stock [Member]	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'
Preferred stock authorized	3,000,000
Preferred stock par value	$1

ShareBased_Awards_Purchase_Pla1

Share-Based Awards, Purchase Plans and Compensation Cost (Stock Options Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, beginning	5,192	5,478	5,509	'
Granted	969	566	569	'
Exercised	-990	-805	-553	'
Canceled	-22	-47	-47	'
Outstanding, ending	5,149	5,192	5,478	'
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, beginning	$34.85	$32.12	$30.42	'
Granted	$65.97	$50.33	$43.15	'
Exercised	$33.04	$27.14	$26.19	'
Canceled	$40.71	$35.24	$35.55	'
Outstanding, ending	$41.03	$34.85	$32.12	'
Options, Exercisable	3,311	3,194	3,211	2,980
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Exercisable Options	$33.20	$32.99	$32.27	$31.99

ShareBased_Awards_Purchase_Pla2

Share-Based Awards, Purchase Plans and Compensation Cost (Stock Options by Exercise Price Range) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013
$ 16-30	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Options Outstanding	1,469
Options Outsanding Weighted Avg. Remaining Contractual Term in Years	'5 years
Options Outstanding Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$23.62
Options Exercisable	1,295
Options Exercisable Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$23.16
$ 30-45	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Options Outstanding	2,062
Options Outsanding Weighted Avg. Remaining Contractual Term in Years	'5 years
Options Outstanding Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$38.97
Options Exercisable	1,805
Options Exercisable Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$38.50
$ 45-60	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Options Outstanding	1,211
Options Outsanding Weighted Avg. Remaining Contractual Term in Years	'8 years
Options Outstanding Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$53.97
Options Exercisable	211
Options Exercisable Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$49.44
$ 60-76	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Options Outstanding	407
Options Outsanding Weighted Avg. Remaining Contractual Term in Years	'10 years
Options Outstanding Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$75.88
Options Exercisable	0
Options Exercisable Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$0
$ 16-76	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Options Outstanding	5,149
Options Outsanding Weighted Avg. Remaining Contractual Term in Years	'6 years
Options Outstanding Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$41.03
Options Exercisable	3,311
Options Exercisable Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$33.20

ShareBased_Awards_Purchase_Pla3

Share-Based Awards, Purchase Plans and Compensation Cost (Stock Options Exercised and Authorized, and Valuation Assumptions) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Cash received	$32,630	$21,687	$14,476
Aggregate intrinsic value	33,028	18,195	10,485
Tax benefit realized	$11,200	$6,200	$3,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Shares Authorized	12,100	'	'
Available for Future Issuance	7,761	'	'
Stock Options	'	'	'
Fair value assumptions and methodology	'	'	'
Expected life in years	'5 years 11 months	'6 years 6 months	'6 years 6 months
Interest rate	1.30%	1.30%	2.80%
Volatility	35.40%	36.60%	33.70%
Dividend yield	1.60%	1.80%	2.00%
Weighted average fair value per share	$19.44	$15.60	$13.35
Stock Incentive Plan (2010)	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Shares Authorized	5,100	'	'
Available for Future Issuance	2,473	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2006)	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Shares Authorized	7,000	'	'
Available for Future Issuance	5,288	'	'
Fair value assumptions and methodology	'	'	'
Expected life in years	'1 year	'1 year	'1 year
Interest rate	0.20%	0.20%	0.30%
Volatility	26.00%	40.60%	27.80%
Dividend yield	1.70%	1.70%	2.10%
Weighted average fair value per share	$14.16	$15.58	$10.05

ShareBased_Awards_Purchase_Pla4

Share-Based Awards, Purchase Plans and Compensation Cost (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$16,500,000	$12,400,000	$11,000,000
Intrinsic value of exercisable option shares	147,700,000	'	'
Exercisable option weighted average contractual term	'4 years 11 months	'	'
Share options vested and expected to vest	5,100,000	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of share options vested and expected to vest	71,300,000	'	'
Weighted average exercise price of share options vested and expected to vest (per share)	$40.71	'	'
Weighted average contractual term of share options vested and expected to vest	'6 years 2 months	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan shares granted	196,913	238,621	313,013
Share-based compensation impact on net income	12,600,000	9,500,000	8,400,000
Share-based compenstion impact on EPS	$0.20	$0.15	$0.14
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options	15,200,000	'	'
Weighted average recognition period for unvested options	'2 years	'	'
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	1,900,000	470,000	851,000
Stock Incentive Plan (2010)	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award expiration period	'10 years	'	'
Stock Incentive Plan (2010) | Minimum	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'3 years	'	'
Stock Incentive Plan (2010) | Maximum	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'4 years	'	'
Stock Incentive Plan (2010) | Nonemployee Director	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares issued under the plan	6,079	7,656	8,190
Stock Incentive Plan (2010) | Restricted Share Awards	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$528,000	$408,000	$291,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2006)	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share purchase price as percentage of fair value	85.00%	'	'
Stock purchase plan discount percentage	15.00%	'	'

Earnings_per_Share_Details

Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Sep. 28, 2012	Jun. 29, 2012	Mar. 30, 2012	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share Details [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings available to common shareholders	$44,748	$56,101	$57,843	$52,130	$42,262	$37,131	$34,352	$35,381	$210,822	$149,126	$142,328
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	61,203	60,451	60,286
Dilutive effect of stock options computed based on the treasury stock method using the average market price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,587	1,260	1,084
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	62,790	61,711	61,370
Basic earnings per share	$0.73	$0.91	$0.94	$0.86	$0.70	$0.61	$0.57	$0.59	$3.44	$2.47	$2.36
Diluted earnings per share	$0.71	$0.89	$0.92	$0.84	$0.68	$0.60	$0.56	$0.58	$3.36	$2.42	$2.32
Antidilutive options excluded from computation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	400,000	600,000	1,600,000

Retirement_Benefits_Plan_Asset

Retirement Benefits (Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	$280,607	$246,606
Level 1	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	1,149	9,872
Level 2	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	253,614	221,596
Level 3	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, beginning of year	15,138	9,247
Pension assets of acquired businesses	0	5,216
Purchases	14,277	4,443
Redemptions	-5,351	-4,891
Change in unrealized gains (losses)	1,780	1,123
Fair value, end of year	25,844	15,138
Equity	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target plan asset allocations	65.00%	'
Fair value, beginning of year	165,200	'
Fair value, end of year	182,185	'
Equity | Level 1	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	0	7,196
Equity | Level 2	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	182,185	158,004
Equity | Level 3	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	0	0
Graco Common Stock	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	'	7,196
Graco Common Stock | Level 1	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	'	7,196
Graco Common Stock | Level 2	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	'	0
Graco Common Stock | Level 3	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	'	0
U.S. Large Cap	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	95,025	78,263
U.S. Large Cap | Level 1	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	0	0
U.S. Large Cap | Level 2	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	95,025	78,263
U.S. Large Cap | Level 3	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	0	0
U.S. Small Cap	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	18,020	12,282
U.S. Small Cap | Level 1	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	0	0
U.S. Small Cap | Level 2	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	18,020	12,282
U.S. Small Cap | Level 3	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	0	0
International	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	69,140	67,459
International | Level 1	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	0	0
International | Level 2	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	69,140	67,459
International | Level 3	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	0	0
Fixed Income	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target plan asset allocations	22.00%	'
Fair value, beginning of year	63,592	'
Fair value, end of year	48,718	'
Fixed Income | Level 1	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	0	0
Fixed Income | Level 2	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	40,158	63,592
Fixed Income | Level 3	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	8,560	0
Real Estate and Other	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target plan asset allocations	13.00%	'
Fair value, beginning of year	17,814	'
Fair value, end of year	49,704	'
Real Estate and Other | Level 1	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	1,149	2,676
Real Estate and Other | Level 2	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	31,271	0
Real Estate and Other | Level 3	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, end of year	$17,284	$15,138

Retirement_Benefits_Other_Tabu

Retirement Benefits (Other Tabular Disclosures) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Change in plan assets	'	'	'
Fair value, beginning of year	$246,606	'	'
Fair value, end of year	280,607	246,606	'
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets	'	'	'
Non-current liabilities	94,705	137,779	'
Information for plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	352,271	359,701	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	326,030	329,530	'
Fair value of plan assets	280,607	246,606	'
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	'	'	'
Total	-46,955	6,171	36,760
Pension Benefits	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation	'	'	'
Obligation, beginning of year	359,701	278,611	'
Pension obligation of acquired businesses	0	39,139	'
Service cost	7,447	6,414	4,429
Interest cost	14,149	13,729	13,072
Actuarial loss (gain)	-15,653	31,869	'
Plan changes	3,197	0	'
Benefit payments	-10,762	-9,717	'
Settlements	-7,430	0	'
Exchange rate changes	1,622	-344	'
Obligation, end of year	352,271	359,701	278,611
Change in plan assets	'	'	'
Fair value, beginning of year	246,606	181,319	'
Pension assets of acquired businesses	0	32,132	'
Actual return on assets	40,280	30,861	'
Employer contributions	10,728	12,437	'
Benefit payments	-10,762	-9,717	'
Settlements	-7,241	0	'
Exchange rate changes	996	-426	'
Fair value, end of year	280,607	246,606	181,319
Funded status	-71,664	-113,095	'
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets	'	'	'
Current liabilities	1,116	850	'
Non-current liabilities	70,548	112,245	'
Total liabilities	71,664	113,095	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'
Service cost-benefits earned during the period	7,447	6,414	4,429
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	14,149	13,729	13,072
Expected return on assets	-18,508	-15,907	-15,802
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	8	-5	-5
Amortization of net loss (gain)	10,456	10,814	5,819
Cost of pension plans which are not significant and have not adopted ASC 715	94	121	97
Net periodic benefit cost	13,646	15,166	7,610
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	'	'	'
Net loss (gain) arising during the period	-37,284	17,011	'
Prior service cost (credit) arising during the period	3,197	0	'
Amortization of net gain (loss)	-10,456	-10,814	'
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)	-8	5	'
Total	-44,551	6,202	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated ther comprehensive income	'	'	'
Prior service cost (credit)	3,271	-123	'
Net loss	73,200	121,146	'
Net before income taxes	76,471	121,023	'
Income taxes	-26,903	-43,409	'
Net	49,568	77,614	'
Expected to be recognized in following year	'	'	'
Prior service cost (credit)	330	'	'
Net loss (gain)	4,883	'	'
Net before income taxes	5,213	'	'
Income taxes	-1,877	'	'
Net	3,336	'	'
Estimated future benefit payments	'	'	'
2014	13,999	'	'
2015	15,045	'	'
2016	17,926	'	'
2017	16,675	'	'
2018	18,007	'	'
Years 2019 - 2023	104,174	'	'
U.S. Plans	'	'	'
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations	'	'	'
Discount rate	5.00%	4.20%	'
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%	'
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.20%	4.60%	5.50%
Expected return on assets	8.50%	8.50%	8.50%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%	3.80%
Non-U.S. Plans	'	'	'
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations	'	'	'
Discount rate	2.50%	2.30%	'
Rate of compensation increase	1.30%	1.30%	'
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'
Discount rate	2.30%	2.90%	4.70%
Expected return on assets	3.00%	3.00%	'
Rate of compensation increase	1.20%	1.20%	3.00%
Postretirement Medical Benefits	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation	'	'	'
Obligation, beginning of year	23,472	23,445	'
Pension obligation of acquired businesses	0	0	'
Service cost	626	589	602
Interest cost	961	986	1,219
Actuarial loss (gain)	-2,582	-294	'
Plan changes	0	0	'
Benefit payments	-1,135	-1,254	'
Settlements	0	0	'
Exchange rate changes	0	0	'
Obligation, end of year	21,342	23,472	23,445
Change in plan assets	'	'	'
Fair value, beginning of year	0	0	'
Pension assets of acquired businesses	0	0	'
Actual return on assets	0	0	'
Employer contributions	1,135	1,254	'
Benefit payments	-1,135	-1,254	'
Settlements	0	0	'
Exchange rate changes	0	0	'
Fair value, end of year	0	0	0
Funded status	-21,342	-23,472	'
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets	'	'	'
Current liabilities	1,256	1,254	'
Non-current liabilities	20,086	22,218	'
Total liabilities	21,342	23,472	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'
Service cost-benefits earned during the period	626	589	602
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	961	986	1,219
Expected return on assets	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-658	-658	-658
Amortization of net loss (gain)	480	395	568
Net periodic benefit cost	1,409	1,312	1,731
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	'	'	'
Net loss (gain) arising during the period	-2,582	-294	'
Prior service cost (credit) arising during the period	0	0	'
Amortization of net gain (loss)	-480	-395	'
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)	658	658	'
Total	-2,404	-31	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated ther comprehensive income	'	'	'
Prior service cost (credit)	-2,444	-3,101	'
Net loss	3,325	6,385	'
Net before income taxes	881	3,284	'
Income taxes	-317	-1,182	'
Net	564	2,102	'
Expected to be recognized in following year	'	'	'
Prior service cost (credit)	-658	'	'
Net loss (gain)	149	'	'
Net before income taxes	-509	'	'
Income taxes	183	'	'
Net	-326	'	'
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations	'	'	'
Discount rate	5.00%	4.20%	'
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.20%	4.60%	5.50%
Estimated future benefit payments	'	'	'
2014	1,256	'	'
2015	1,314	'	'
2016	1,361	'	'
2017	1,395	'	'
2018	1,458	'	'
Years 2019 - 2023	$8,032	'	'

Retirement_Benefits_Disclosure

Retirement Benefits (Disclosures in Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Defined Contribution Plan	'	'	'
Percent at which employer matches employee contribution	100.00%	'	'
Maximum percent of participant's compensation employer contributes to DCP	3.00%	'	'
Company contribution rate for employees not covered by DBP	1.50%	'	'
Company contributions to 401K	$6.30	$5.60	$4.20
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit plans	326	330	'
Assumed health care trend rates	'	'	'
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	7.40%	'	'
Ultimate health care cost trend rate	4.50%	'	'
Year that rate reaches ultimate trend rate	'2026	'	'
Retirement Medical Plan	'	'	'
Retirement medical plan limit on annual increase in company cost	3.00%	'	'
Expected company contributions to retirement medical plan in next year	1.3	'	'
Funded	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected company contributions to DBP in next year amount	9	'	'
Unfunded	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected company contributions to DBP in next year amount	$2.30	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]	'	'	'
2014	$5,384,000	'	'
2015	3,997,000	'	'
2016	2,600,000	'	'
2017	2,179,000	'	'
2018	1,915,000	'	'
Thereafter	8,419,000	'	'
Total	24,494,000	'	'
Rental expense	3,600,000	3,300,000	3,000,000
Open purchase order commitments	57,000,000	'	'
Maximum purchase quantities and supplier inventory commitments	43,000,000	'	'
Standby letters of credit commitments	3,000,000	'	'
Guarantees of subsidiary debt	10,000,000	'	'
Net operating earnings since the date of acquisition	100,000,000	'	'
Cost-method investment	422,297,000	426,813,000	'
Buildings	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]	'	'	'
2014	2,170,000	'	'
2015	1,914,000	'	'
2016	1,350,000	'	'
2017	1,338,000	'	'
2018	1,360,000	'	'
Thereafter	7,655,000	'	'
Total	15,787,000	'	'
Vehicles & Equipment	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]	'	'	'
2014	3,214,000	'	'
2015	2,083,000	'	'
2016	1,250,000	'	'
2017	841,000	'	'
2018	555,000	'	'
Thereafter	764,000	'	'
Total	$8,707,000	'	'

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2013

Sep. 27, 2013

Jun. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2013

Dec. 28, 2012

Sep. 28, 2012

Jun. 29, 2012

Mar. 30, 2012

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 28, 2012

Dec. 30, 2011

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 28, 2012

Dec. 30, 2011

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 28, 2012

Apr. 02, 2012

Finishing Group

Finishing Group

Finishing Group

Liquid Finishing

Liquid Finishing

Liquid Finishing

Business Acquisition Descriptions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sales reported by acquired entity for last annual period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$375,000,000

'

'

'

Acquisition-related expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

16,000,000

8,000,000

'

'

'

Investment in businesses held separate

422,297,000

'

'

'

426,813,000

'

'

'

422,297,000

426,813,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

426,813,000

Dividend from investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28,000,000

12,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Sales

271,923,000

277,035,000

286,020,000

269,046,000

253,678,000

256,472,000

268,184,000

234,122,000

1,104,024,000

1,012,456,000

895,283,000

'

'

'

278,543,000

269,099,000

'

Operating earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$279,769,000

$224,677,000

$219,514,000

'

'

'

$61,174,000

$52,256,000

'

Acquisitions_Purchase_Price_Al

Acquisitions (Purchase Price Allocation) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 28, 2012

Dec. 30, 2011

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 28, 2012

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 28, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Apr. 02, 2012

Dec. 27, 2013

Apr. 02, 2012

Apr. 02, 2012

Apr. 02, 2012

Apr. 02, 2012

Apr. 02, 2012

Customer Relationships

Customer Relationships

Brand Names

Brand Names

Finishing Group

Finishing Group

Powder Finishing

Powder Finishing

Powder Finishing

Powder Finishing

Powder Finishing

Liquid Finishing

Customer Relationships

Developed Technology

Brand Names

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash purchase consideration

($5,000,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

$8,000,000

$660,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase Price Allocation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,007,000

'

'

'

'

Accounts receivable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,835,000

'

'

'

'

Inventories

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,733,000

'

'

'

'

Other current assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,534,000

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,359,000

'

'

'

'

Other non-current assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000

'

'

'

'

Identifiable intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,500,000

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

189,967,000

181,228,000

93,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

86,056,000

'

'

'

'

Total assets acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

303,074,000

'

'

'

'

Current liabilities assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-27,434,000

'

'

'

'

Non-current liabilities assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,984,000

'

'

'

'

Deferred income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-26,105,000

'

'

'

'

Net assets acquired/total purchase consideration

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

668,364,000

'

241,551,000

'

'

'

'

Investment in businesses held separate

422,297,000

426,813,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

426,813,000

Identifiable Intangible Assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-lived intangible assets

106,826,000

111,756,000

'

96,286,000

100,694,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)

'

'

'

'

'

41,114,000

40,017,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total identifiable intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,500,000

103,500,000

9,600,000

37,400,000

'

Estimated Life (years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'14 years

'11 years

'

'

Goodwill adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$8,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisitions_Pro_Forma_Informa

Acquisitions (Pro Forma Information) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012
	Depreciation and Amortization	Depreciation and Amortization	Acquisition Expenses	Acquisition Expenses	Purchase Accounting Effects Related to Inventory	Dividend Income from Liquid Finishing	Graco and Powder Finishing	Graco and Powder Finishing
Pro Forma Information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,042,701,000	$1,020,823,000
Operating earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	249,789,000	236,284,000
Net earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	153,008,000	147,290,000
Basic earnings per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	$2.53	$2.44
Diluted earnings per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	$2.48	$2.40
Business Acquisition Pro Forma Adjustments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Pro forma adjustments	$2,000,000	$8,000,000	$16,000,000	$8,000,000	$7,000,000	$12,000,000	'	'

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Sep. 28, 2012	Jun. 29, 2012	Mar. 30, 2012	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	$271,923	$277,035	$286,020	$269,046	$253,678	$256,472	$268,184	$234,122	$1,104,024	$1,012,456	$895,283
Gross Profit	147,199	150,873	158,739	150,644	138,888	139,933	139,530	132,179	607,455	550,530	500,205
Net Earnings	$44,748	$56,101	$57,843	$52,130	$42,262	$37,131	$34,352	$35,381	$210,822	$149,126	$142,328
Basic Net Earnings per Common Share	$0.73	$0.91	$0.94	$0.86	$0.70	$0.61	$0.57	$0.59	$3.44	$2.47	$2.36
Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share	$0.71	$0.89	$0.92	$0.84	$0.68	$0.60	$0.56	$0.58	$3.36	$2.42	$2.32
Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share	$0.28	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.25	$0.23	$0.23	$0.23	$1.03	$0.93	$0.86

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual2

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$6,600	$5,500	$5,600
Additions charged to costs and expenses	17,900	14,200	13,000
Deductions from reserves	18,200	13,400	13,100
Other add (deduct)	0	300	0
Balance at end of year	6,300	6,600	5,500
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	2,100	1,400	1,300
Additions charged to costs and expenses	600	500	500
Deductions from reserves	1,400	100	400
Other add (deduct)	0	300	0
Balance at end of year	1,300	2,100	1,400
Allowance for returns and credits [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	4,500	4,100	4,300
Additions charged to costs and expenses	17,300	13,700	12,500
Deductions from reserves	16,800	13,300	12,700
Other add (deduct)	0	0	0
Balance at end of year	$5,000	$4,500	$4,100