Cover
| Cover | Jun. 22, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 22, 2020 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --01-01 |
| Entity File Number | 001-10212 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000052795 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 94-1658138 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2301 Patriot Blvd. |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Glenview |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60026 |
| City Area Code | 224 |
| Local Phone Number | 521-8000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, $1 par value |
| Trading Symbol | AXE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |