Snap-on (SNA) 10-Q 17 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Oct. 11, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	28-Sep-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	SNA
Entity Registrant Name	SNAP-ON Inc
Entity Central Index Key	91440
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-16
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		58,149,740

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$753.20	$711.60	$2,259	$2,184.70
Cost of goods sold	-388.9	-371.2	-1,164.60	-1,146.70
Gross profit	364.3	340.4	1,094.40	1,038
Operating expenses	-253	-244.2	-757.5	-739.7
Operating earnings before financial services	111.3	96.2	336.9	298.3
Financial services revenue	45.1	40.5	133.6	118.4
Financial services expenses	-13.5	-12.6	-40.9	-41
Operating earnings from financial services	31.6	27.9	92.7	77.4
Operating earnings	142.9	124.1	429.6	375.7
Interest expense	-14.4	-13.6	-41.8	-41.4
Other income (expense) - net	-0.8	-0.2	-3.1	-0.5
Earnings before income taxes and equity earnings	127.7	110.3	384.7	333.8
Income tax expense	-40.8	-34.9	-122.1	-108.4
Earnings before equity earnings	86.9	75.4	262.6	225.4
Equity earnings, net of tax	0.1	1	0.2	2.5
Net earnings	87	76.4	262.8	227.9
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	-2.4	-2.3	-7	-6.4
Net earnings attributable to Snap-on Incorporated	$84.60	$74.10	$255.80	$221.50
Net earnings per share attributable to Snap-on Incorporated:
Basic	$1.45	$1.27	$4.40	$3.81
Diluted	$1.43	$1.26	$4.33	$3.77
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	58,163,261	58,257,569	58,221,047	58,195,162
Effect of dilutive options	837,840	600,067	848,938	619,474
Diluted	59,001,101	58,857,636	59,069,985	58,814,636
Dividends declared per common share	$0.38	$0.34	$1.14	$1.02

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 29, 2012		Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 29, 2012
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings	$87		$76.40		$262.80		$227.90
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation	39.3	[1]	43.3	[1]	-4.9	[1]	20.3	[1]
Unrealized cash flow hedges, net of tax:
Amortization of cash flow hedges to net earnings	-0.1		-0.1		-0.3		-0.3
Defined benefit pension plans:
Prior service costs and unrecognized loss			-0.1				-2
Income tax benefit							0.5
Net of tax			-0.1				-1.5
Realized settlement loss							6.8
Income tax expense							-1.7
Net of tax							5.1
Amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized loss included in net periodic benefit cost	10.2		10.7		30.5		32.1
Income tax expense	-4.6		-4		-12.2		-12.1
Net of tax	5.6		6.7		18.3		20
Total comprehensive income	131.8		126.2		275.9		271.5
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-2.4		-2.3		-7		-6.4
Comprehensive income attributable to Snap-on Incorporated	$129.40		$123.90		$268.90		$265.10
[1]	As there was no sale or liquidation of an investment in a foreign entity, there is no reclassification adjustment for the periods presented.

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$182.50	$214.50
Trade and other accounts receivable - net	521.9	497.9
Finance receivables - net	367.4	323.1
Contract receivables - net	73.1	62.7
Inventories - net	440.3	404.2
Deferred income tax assets	88.8	81.8
Prepaid expenses and other assets	109.1	84.8
Total current assets	1,783.10	1,669
Property and equipment:
Land	19.5	19.4
Buildings and improvements	290.9	286.2
Machinery, equipment and computer software	714	684.6
Total property and equipment	1,024.40	990.2
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-640	-615
Property and equipment - net	384.4	375.2
Deferred income tax assets	95	110.4
Long-term finance receivables - net	540.8	494.6
Long-term contract receivables - net	211.4	194.4
Goodwill	837.4	807.4
Other intangibles - net	192.5	187.2
Other assets	56.4	64.1
Total assets	4,101	3,902.30
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	117.7	5.2
Accounts payable	161.8	142.5
Accrued benefits	47.9	50.6
Accrued compensation	84.2	88.3
Franchisee deposits	64.4	54.7
Other accrued liabilities	249.7	247.9
Total current liabilities	725.7	589.2
Long-term debt	861.1	970.4
Deferred income tax liabilities	137.9	127.1
Retiree health care benefits	44.8	48.4
Pension liabilities	239.8	260.7
Other long-term liabilities	85.6	87.5
Total liabilities	2,094.90	2,083.30
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Equity
Preferred stock (authorized 15,000,000 shares of $1 par value; none outstanding)
Common stock (authorized 250,000,000 shares of $1 par value; issued 67,371,435 and 67,356,950 shares, respectively)	67.4	67.4
Additional paid-in capital	226.6	204.6
Retained earnings	2,255.40	2,067
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-111.1	-124.2
Treasury stock at cost (9,224,395 and 9,102,154 shares, respectively)	-449.1	-412.7
Total shareholders' equity attributable to Snap-on Incorporated	1,989.20	1,802.10
Noncontrolling interests	16.9	16.9
Total equity	2,006.10	1,819
Total liabilities and equity	$4,101	$3,902.30

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	15,000,000	15,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Preferred Stock, Par Value	$1	$1
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common Stock, Par Value	$1	$1
Common Stock, Shares Issued	67,371,435	67,356,950
Treasury stock shares at cost	9,224,395	9,102,154

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
In Millions
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$1,547.30	$67.30	$181.40	$1,843.70	($174.60)	($386.90)	$16.40
Net earnings	227.9			221.5			6.4
Other comprehensive income	43.6				43.6
Cash dividends	-59.4			-59.4
Dividend reinvestment plan and other	-5.7	0.1	1.4	-1			-6.2
Stock compensation plans	59.4		17.2			42.2
Share repurchases	-61.8					-61.8
Tax benefit from certain stock options	5		5
Balance at Sep. 29, 2012	1,756.30	67.4	205	2,004.80	-131	-406.5	16.6
Balance at Dec. 29, 2012	1,819	67.4	204.6	2,067	-124.2	-412.7	16.9
Net earnings	262.8			255.8			7
Other comprehensive income	13.1				13.1
Cash dividends	-66.5			-66.5
Dividend reinvestment plan and other	-7.9			-0.9			-7
Stock compensation plans	46.6		15.5			31.1
Share repurchases	-67.5					-67.5
Tax benefit from certain stock options	6.5		6.5
Balance at Sep. 28, 2013	$2,006.10	$67.40	$226.60	$2,255.40	($111.10)	($449.10)	$16.90

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Cash dividends per share	$1.14	$1.02
Share repurchases, shares	782,000	967,000
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cash dividends per share	$1.14	$1.02
Treasury Stock [Member]
Share repurchases, shares	782,000	967,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Operating activities:
Net earnings	$262.80	$227.90
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation	38.3	37.6
Amortization of other intangibles	19.4	19.6
Provision for losses on finance receivables	15	13.8
Provision for losses on non-finance receivables	7.9	7.6
Stock-based compensation expense	28.9	25
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	-6.5	-5
Deferred income tax provision	2.8	3.6
Gain on sale of assets		-0.9
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisition:
Increase in trade and other accounts receivable	-27.8	-18.9
Increase in contract receivables	-31.4	-37.9
Increase in inventories	-35.5	-27.4
Increase in prepaid and other assets	-25.5	-32
Increase in accounts payable	16.7	23.8
Increase (decrease) in accruals and other liabilities	5	-10.4
Net cash provided by operating activities	270.1	226.4
Investing activities:
Additions to finance receivables	-482.4	-426.1
Collections of finance receivables	373.7	328.9
Capital expenditures	-50.7	-59.5
Acquisition of business	-38.2
Disposal of property and equipment	0.7	2.4
Other	-9	0.7
Net cash used by investing activities	-205.9	-153.6
Financing activities:
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	1.6	11.2
Repayments of short-term borrowings	-0.5	-14.1
Net increase in other short-term borrowings	12.1	5.4
Cash dividends paid	-66.5	-59.4
Purchase of treasury stock	-67.5	-61.8
Proceeds from stock purchase and option plans	27.9	40.3
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	6.5	5
Other	-8.7	-8.7
Net cash used by financing activities	-95.1	-82.1
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-1.1	-0.2
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-32	-9.5
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	214.5	185.6
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	182.5	176.1
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Cash paid for interest	-53.8	-53.8
Net cash paid for income taxes	($117.40)	($59.80)

Summary_of_Accounting_Policies

Summary of Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Accounting Policies	Note 1: Summary of Accounting Policies
	Principles of consolidation and presentation
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Snap-on Incorporated and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “Snap-on” or “the company”). These financial statements should be read in conjunction with, and have been prepared in conformity with, the accounting principles reflected in the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Snap-on’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012 (“2012 year end”). The company’s 2013 fiscal third quarter ended on September 28, 2013; the 2012 fiscal third quarter ended on September 29, 2012.
	Snap-on accounts for investments in unconsolidated affiliates where Snap-on has a greater than 20% but less than 50% ownership interest under the equity method of accounting. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates of $14.0 million as of September 28, 2013, and $13.5 million as of December 29, 2012, are included in “Other assets” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. No equity investment dividends were received in the first nine months of 2013 or 2012. In the normal course of business, the company may purchase products or services from unconsolidated affiliates; purchases from unconsolidated affiliates were $3.5 million and $2.7 million in the third quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and were $11.2 million and $10.8 million in the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements do not include the accounts of the company’s independent franchisees. Snap-on’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair presentation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, have been made. Interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Financial Instruments
	The fair value of the company’s derivative financial instruments is generally determined using quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities. The carrying value of the company’s non-derivative financial instruments either approximates fair value, due to their short-term nature, or fair value is based upon a discounted cash flow analysis or quoted market values. See Note 9 for further information on financial instruments.
	New Accounting Standards
	Disclosures Relating to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance in February 2013 that amends the presentation of accumulated other comprehensive income and clarifies how to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance, which became effective for Snap-on on a prospective basis at the beginning of its 2013 fiscal year, requires footnote disclosures regarding the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component and the line items affected in the statements of earnings. The adoption of this updated authoritative guidance did not have a significant impact on the company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 16 for additional information.
	Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
	The FASB issued updated authoritative guidance in July 2012 to amend its previous guidance on the annual and interim testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment; the guidance became effective for Snap-on at the beginning of its 2013 fiscal year. The guidance provides entities with the option of first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If it is determined, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is more-likely-than-not less than the carrying amount, a quantitative impairment test would still be required. The company did not elect to perform a qualitative assessment in 2013. Annual impairment tests are performed by the company in the second quarter of each fiscal year. The adoption of this updated authoritative guidance had no impact on the company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Note 2: Acquisitions
	On May 13, 2013, Snap-on acquired Challenger Lifts, Inc. (“Challenger”) for a preliminary cash purchase price of $38.2 million. The preliminary purchase price is subject to the finalization of income tax accounting for pre-acquisition tax periods that is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2013. The preliminary purchase price was also subject to the finalization of a working capital adjustment that was concluded in the third quarter of 2013 and was not material.
	Challenger, with 2012 sales of approximately $45 million, designs, manufactures and distributes a comprehensive line of vehicle lifts and accessories to a diverse customer base in the automotive repair sector. For segment reporting purposes, the results of operations and assets of Challenger have been included in the Repair Systems & Information Group since the date of acquisition. Pro forma financial information has not been presented as the net effects of the Challenger acquisition were neither significant nor material to Snap-on’s results of operations or financial position.

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable	Note 3: Accounts Receivable
	Trade and Other Accounts Receivable
	Snap-on’s trade and other accounts receivable primarily arise from the sale of tools, diagnostics and equipment to a broad range of industrial and commercial customers and to Snap-on’s independent franchise van channel on a non-extended-term basis with payment terms generally ranging from 30 to 120 days.
	The components of Snap-on’s trade and other accounts receivable as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, are as follows:
		September 28,			December 29,
	(Amounts in millions)	2013			2012
	Trade and other accounts receivable	$	538.2		$	516.9
	Allowances for doubtful accounts		(16.3	)		(19.0	)
	Total trade and other accounts receivable – net	$	521.9		$	497.9
	Finance and Contract Receivables
	Snap-on Credit LLC (“SOC”), the company’s financial services operation in the United States, originates extended-term finance and contract receivables on sales of Snap-on product sold through the U.S. franchisee and customer network and to Snap-on’s industrial and other customers; Snap-on’s foreign finance subsidiaries provide similar financing internationally. Interest income on finance and contract receivables is included in “Financial services revenue” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
	Snap-on’s finance receivables are comprised of extended-term installment contracts to both technicians and independent shop owners (i.e., franchisees’ customers) to enable them to purchase tools, diagnostics and equipment on an extended-term payment plan, generally with expected average payment terms of 34 months. Contract receivables, with payment terms of up to 10 years, are comprised of extended-term installment payment contracts to a broad base of industrial and other customers worldwide, including shop owners, both independents and national chains, for their purchase of tools, diagnostics and equipment. Contract receivables also include extended-term installment loans to franchisees to meet a number of financing needs including working capital loans, loans to enable new franchisees to fund the purchase of the franchise and van leases. Finance and contract receivables are generally secured by the underlying tools, diagnostics or equipment financed and, for installment loans to franchisees, other franchisee assets.
	During both the nine months ended September 28, 2013, and the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012, Snap-on did not have any significant purchases or sales of finance or contract receivables.
	The components of Snap-on’s current finance and contract receivables as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, are as follows:
		September 28,			December 29,
	(Amounts in millions)	2013			2012
	Finance receivables, net of unearned finance charges of $13.6 million and $8.4 million, respectively	$	378.1		$	331.7
	Contract receivables, net of unearned finance charges of $12.4 million and $9.3 million, respectively		74.5			63.7
	Total		452.6			395.4
	Allowances for doubtful accounts:
	Finance receivables		(10.7	)		(8.6	)
	Contract receivables		(1.4	)		(1.0	)
	Total		(12.1	)		(9.6	)
	Total current finance and contract receivables – net	$	440.5		$	385.8
	Finance receivables – net	$	367.4		$	323.1
	Contract receivables – net		73.1			62.7
	Total current finance and contract receivables – net	$	440.5		$	385.8
	The components of Snap-on’s finance and contract receivables with payment terms beyond one year as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, are as follows:
		September 28,			December 29,
	(Amounts in millions)	2013			2012
	Finance receivables, net of unearned finance charges of $8.5 million and $11.8 million, respectively	$	557.8		$	512.5
	Contract receivables, net of unearned finance charges of $16.6 million and $18.1 million, respectively		213.4			196.6
	Total		771.2			709.1
	Allowances for doubtful accounts:
	Finance receivables		(17.0	)		(17.9	)
	Contract receivables		(2.0	)		(2.2	)
	Total		(19.0	)		(20.1	)
	Total long-term finance and contract receivables – net	$	752.2		$	689
	Finance receivables – net	$	540.8		$	494.6
	Contract receivables – net		211.4			194.4
	Total long-term finance and contract receivables – net	$	752.2		$	689
	Delinquency is the primary indicator of credit quality for finance and contract receivables. Receivable balances are considered delinquent when contractual payments become 30 days past due.
	Finance receivables are generally placed on nonaccrual status (nonaccrual of interest and other fees) (i) when a customer is placed on repossession status; (ii) upon receipt of notification of bankruptcy; (iii) upon notification of the death of a customer; or (iv) in other instances in which management concludes collectability is not reasonably assured. Finance receivables that are considered nonperforming include receivables that are on nonaccrual status and receivables that are generally more than 90 days past due.
	Contract receivables are generally placed on nonaccrual status (i) when a receivable is more than 90 days past due or at the point a customer’s account is placed on terminated status regardless of its delinquency status; (ii) upon notification of the death of a customer; or (iii) in other instances in which management concludes collectability is not reasonably assured. Contract receivables that are considered nonperforming include receivables that are on nonaccrual status and receivables that are generally more than 90 days past due.
	The accrual of interest and other fees is resumed when the finance or contract receivable becomes contractually current and collection of all remaining contractual amounts due is reasonably assured. Finance and contract receivables are evaluated for impairment on a collective basis; however, in circumstances where the company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific reserve is recorded against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount reasonably expected to be collected. A receivable is impaired when it is probable that all amounts related to the receivable will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the applicable agreement. Impaired receivables are covered by the company’s finance and contract allowances for doubtful accounts reserves and are charged-off against the reserves when appropriate. As of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, there were $13.8 million and $13.4 million, respectively, of impaired finance receivables, and $1.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of impaired contract receivables.
	It is the general practice of Snap-on’s financial services business to not engage in contract or loan modifications. In limited instances, Snap-on’s financial services business may modify certain impaired receivables in troubled debt restructurings. The amount and number of restructured finance and contract receivables as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, were immaterial to both the financial services portfolio and the company’s results of operations and financial position.
	The aging of finance and contract receivables as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, is as follows:
	(Amounts in millions)	30-59			60-90			Greater			Total Past			Total Not		Total		Greater
		Days Past			Days Past			Than 90			Due			Past Due				Than 90
		Due			Due			Days Past										Days Past
								Due										Due and
																		Accruing
	September 28, 2013:
	Finance receivables	$	8.9		$	5.5		$	8.3		$	22.7		$	913.2	$	935.9	$	6
	Contract receivables		0.6			0.3			0.9			1.8			286.1		287.9		0.1
	December 29, 2012:
	Finance receivables	$	9.2		$	5.5		$	8.4		$	23.1		$	821.1	$	844.2	$	6.2
	Contract receivables		1.3			0.6			1			2.9			257.4		260.3		0.3
	The amount of performing and nonperforming finance and contract receivables based on payment activity as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, is as follows:
		September 28, 2013						December 29, 2012
	(Amounts in millions)	Finance			Contract			Finance			Contract
		Receivables			Receivables			Receivables			Receivables
	Performing	$	922.1		$	286.8		$	830.8		$	259.4
	Nonperforming		13.8			1.1			13.4			0.9
Total	$	935.9		$	287.9		$	844.2		$	260.3
The amount of finance and contract receivables on nonaccrual status as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, is as follows:
	September 28,			December 29,
(Amounts in millions)	2013			2012
Finance receivables	$	7.9		$	7.2
Contract receivables		1.1			0.9
The following is a rollforward of the allowances for credit losses for finance and contract receivables for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013:
	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 28, 2013						September 28, 2013
(Amounts in millions)	Finance			Contract			Finance			Contract
	Receivables			Receivables			Receivables			Receivables
Allowances for doubtful accounts:
Beginning of period	$	26.6		$	3.5		$	26.5		$	3.2
Provision for bad debt expense		5.5			0.2			15			1.7
Charge-offs		(5.5	)		(0.4	)		(17.1	)		(1.6	)
Recoveries		1.1			0.1			3.4			0.2
Currency translation		—			—			(0.1	)		(0.1	)
End of period	$	27.7		$	3.4		$	27.7		$	3.4
The following is a rollforward of the allowances for credit losses for finance and contract receivables for the three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2012:
	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 29, 2012						September 29, 2012
(Amounts in millions)	Finance			Contract			Finance			Contract
	Receivables			Receivables			Receivables			Receivables
Allowances for doubtful accounts:
Beginning of period	$	25.4		$	4.2		$	24.2		$	4.1
Provision for bad debt expense		5.1			(0.5	)		13.8			0.1
Charge-offs		(4.9	)		(0.5	)		(14.5	)		(1.2	)
Recoveries		1.1			0.1			3.2			0.3
End of period	$	26.7		$	3.3		$	26.7		$	3.3

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Note 4: Inventories
	Inventories by major classification were as follows:
		September 28,			December 29,
	(Amounts in millions)	2013			2012
	Finished goods	$	380.2		$	353.6
	Work in progress		43.1			38.6
	Raw materials		89.2			83.8
	Total FIFO value		512.5			476
	Excess of current cost over LIFO cost		(72.2	)		(71.8	)
	Total inventories – net	$	440.3		$	404.2
	Inventories accounted for using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method as of both September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, approximated 60% of total inventories. The company accounts for its non-U.S. inventory on the FIFO basis. As of September 28, 2013, approximately 31% of the company’s U.S. inventory was accounted for using the FIFO basis and 69% was accounted for using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) basis. There were no LIFO inventory liquidations in the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, or September 29, 2012.

Intangible_and_Other_Assets

Intangible and Other Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible and Other Assets	Note 5: Intangible and Other Assets
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the nine month period ended September 28, 2013, are as follows:
	(Amounts in millions)	Commercial		Snap-on			Repair		Total
		& Industrial		Tools			Systems &
		Group		Group			Information
							Group
	Balance as of December 29, 2012	$	306.9	$	12.5		$	488	$	807.4
	Currency translation		5		—			0.3		5.3
	Acquisition		—		—			24.7		24.7
	Balance as of September 28, 2013	$	311.9	$	12.5		$	513	$	837.4
	Goodwill of $837.4 million as of September 28, 2013, includes $24.7 million resulting from the preliminary purchase accounting related to the May 2013 Challenger acquisition. See Note 2 for additional information on the company’s acquisition of Challenger.
	Additional disclosures related to other intangible assets are as follows:
		September 28, 2013					December 29, 2012
	(Amounts in millions)	Gross		Accumulated			Gross		Accumulated
		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying		Amortization
		Value					Value
	Amortized other intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	$	140.4	$	(60.5	)	$	135.3	$	(54.1	)
	Developed technology		19.4		(19.0	)		19.4		(18.8	)
	Internally developed software		121.4		(76.8	)		107.2		(66.1	)
	Patents		28.6		(20.1	)		28.1		(19.4	)
	Trademarks		2.8		(1.6	)		2.6		(1.4	)
	Other		7.2		(1.3	)		7.1		(1.2	)
	Total		319.8		(179.3	)		299.7		(161.0	)
	Non-amortized trademarks		52		—			48.5		—
	Total other intangible assets	$	371.8	$	(179.3	)	$	348.2	$	(161.0	)
	The gross carrying values of customer relationships and non-amortized trademarks as of September 28, 2013, include $5.2 million and $3.2 million, respectively, related to the Challenger acquisition. See Note 2 for additional information on the company’s acquisition of Challenger.
	Snap-on completed its annual impairment testing of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets in the second quarter of 2013, the results of which did not result in any impairment. Significant and unanticipated changes in circumstances, such as declines in profitability and cash flow due to significant and long-term deterioration in macroeconomic, industry and market conditions, the loss of key customers, changes in technology or markets, significant changes in key personnel or litigation, a significant and sustained decrease in share price and/or other events, including effects from the sale or disposal of a reporting unit, could require a provision for impairment of goodwill and/or other intangible assets in a future period. As of September 28, 2013, the company had no accumulated impairment losses.
	The weighted-average amortization periods related to other intangible assets are as follows:
		In Years
	Customer relationships		16
	Developed technology		5
	Internally developed software		3
	Patents		10
	Trademarks		6
	Other		39
	Snap-on is amortizing its customer relationships on both an accelerated and straight-line basis over a 16 year weighted-average life; the remaining intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis. The weighted-average amortization period for all amortizable intangibles on a combined basis is 12 years.
	The company’s customer relationships generally have contractual terms of three to five years and are typically renewed without significant cost to the company. The weighted-average 16 year life for customer relationships is based on the company’s historical renewal experience. Intangible asset renewal costs are expensed as incurred.
	The aggregate amortization expense was $6.6 million and $19.4 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, respectively, and $6.6 million and $19.6 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2012, respectively. Based on current levels of amortizable intangible assets and estimated weighted-average useful lives, estimated annual amortization expense is expected to be $25.3 million in 2013, $22.2 million in 2014, $15.9 million in 2015, $12.4 million in 2016, $10.1 million in 2017 and $9.0 million in 2018.

Exit_and_Disposal_Activities

Exit and Disposal Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Exit and Disposal Activities	Note 6: Exit and Disposal Activities
	Snap-on recorded costs associated with exit and disposal activities for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 28,		September 29,		September 28,			September 29,
	(Amounts in millions)	2013		2012		2013			2012
	Exit and disposal costs:
	Cost of goods sold:						1.8			1.8
	Commercial & Industrial Group	$	0.3	$	0.9	$	2.5		$	3.6
	Snap-on Tools Group		0.1		0.1		0.2			7.1
	Repair Systems & Information Group		0.9		—		1.7			0.2
	Total cost of goods sold		1.3		1		4.4			10.9
	Operating expenses:
	Commercial & Industrial Group		0.3		1.3		0.4			5.3
	Snap-on Tools Group		0.1		—		0.3			0.1
	Repair Systems & Information Group		—		—		1.2			0.2
	Total operating expenses		0.4		1.3		1.9			5.6
	Financial Services		—		—		0.1			—
	Total exit and disposal costs:
	Commercial & Industrial Group		0.6		2.2		2.9			8.9
	Snap-on Tools Group		0.2		0.1		0.5			7.2
	Repair Systems & Information Group		0.9		—		2.9			0.4
	Financial Services		—		—		0.1			—
	Total exit and disposal costs	$	1.7	$	2.3	$	6.4		$	16.5
	Of the $1.7 million and $6.4 million of costs incurred during the respective three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, $1.7 million and $6.0 million, respectively, qualified for accrual treatment. Costs associated with exit and disposal activities in 2013 primarily related to headcount reductions from the ongoing optimization of the company’s cost structure in Europe and various other management and realignment actions. Costs associated with exit and disposal activities in 2012 primarily related to the settlement of a pension plan as a result of the 2011 closure of the company’s former Newmarket, Canada, facility, as well as other headcount reductions largely to improve the company’s cost structure in Europe. In the nine month period ended September 29, 2012, the Snap-on Tools Group incurred costs of $6.8 million (included in “Cost of goods sold” above) related to the Newmarket pension settlement.
	Snap-on’s exit and disposal accrual activity for the first nine months of 2013 is as follows:
		Balance at		Six Months					Balance at		Third Quarter					Balance at
		December 29,							June 29,							September 28,
	(Amounts in millions)	2012		Provision		Usage			2013		Provision		Usage			2013
	Severance costs:
	Commercial & Industrial Group	$	6.2	$	2.2	$	(4.9	)	$	3.5	$	0.6	$	(0.9	)	$	3.2
	Snap-on Tools Group		0.1		0.1		(0.1	)		0.1		0.2		—			0.3
	Repair Systems & Information Group		0.7		1.9		(0.8	)		1.8		0.9		(0.2	)		2.5
	Financial Services		—		0.1		(0.1	)		—		—		—			—
	Facility-related costs:
	Commercial & Industrial Group		0.2		—		(0.1	)		0.1		—		(0.1	)		—
	Total	$	7.2	$	4.3	$	(6.0	)	$	5.5	$	1.7	$	(1.2	)	$	6
	The majority of the exit and disposal accrual as of September 28, 2013, is expected to be utilized in 2013.
	Snap-on expects to fund the remaining cash requirements of its exit and disposal activities with available cash on hand, cash flows from operations and borrowings under the company’s existing credit facilities. The estimated costs for the exit and disposal activities were based on management’s best business judgment under prevailing circumstances.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 7: Income Taxes
	Snap-on’s effective income tax rate on earnings attributable to Snap-on was 32.3% and 33.1% in the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the nine month period ended September 28, 2013, Snap-on’s unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $2.4 million primarily due to the favorable resolution of a foreign tax audit.
	Snap-on and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the United States and in various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. It is reasonably possible that certain unrecognized tax benefits may either be settled with taxing authorities or the statutes of limitations for such items may lapse within the next 12 months, causing Snap-on’s gross unrecognized tax benefits to decrease by a range of zero to $1.0 million. Over the next 12 months, Snap-on anticipates taking certain tax positions on various tax returns for which the related tax benefit does not meet the recognition threshold. Accordingly, Snap-on’s gross unrecognized tax benefits may increase by a range of zero to $0.8 million over the next 12 months for uncertain tax positions expected to be taken in future tax filings.

Shortterm_and_Longterm_Debt

Short-term and Long-term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short-term and Long-term Debt	Note 8: Short-term and Long-term Debt
	Short-term and long-term debt as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, consisted of the following:
			September 28,			December 29,
	(Amounts in millions)		2013			2012
	5.85% unsecured notes due March 2014		$	100		$	100
	5.50% unsecured notes due 2017			150			150
	4.25% unsecured notes due 2018			250			250
	6.70% unsecured notes due 2019			200			200
	6.125% unsecured notes due 2021			250			250
	Other debt*			28.8			25.6
				978.8			975.6
	Less: notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt			(117.7	)		(5.2	)
	Total long-term debt		$	861.1		$	970.4
	*	Includes fair value adjustments related to interest rate swaps.
	Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt of $117.7 million as of September 28, 2013, includes $100.0 million of 5.85% unsecured notes that mature on March 1, 2014 (the “2014 Notes”), and $17.7 million of other notes. As of 2012 year end, the 2014 Notes were included in “Long-term debt” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as their scheduled maturity was in excess of one year of the December 29, 2012 year-end balance sheet date. Notes payable as of 2012 year end totaled $5.2 million.
	On September 27, 2013, Snap-on amended and restated its $500 million multi-currency revolving credit facility that was set to terminate on December 8, 2016, by entering into a five-year, $700 million multi-currency revolving credit facility that terminates on September 27, 2018 (the “Credit Facility”); no amounts were outstanding under the Credit Facility as of September 28, 2013. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at varying rates based on Snap-on’s then-current, long-term debt ratings. The Credit Facility’s financial covenant requires that Snap-on maintain, as of each fiscal quarter end, either (i) a ratio not greater than 0.60 to 1.00 of consolidated net debt (consolidated debt net of certain cash adjustments) to the sum of such consolidated net debt plus total equity and less accumulated other comprehensive income or loss; or (ii) a ratio not greater than 3.50 to 1.00 of such consolidated net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and certain other adjustments for the preceding four fiscal quarters then ended. As of September 28, 2013, the company’s actual ratios of 0.31 and 1.41, respectively, were both within the permitted ranges set forth in this financial covenant.
	Snap-on’s previous 364-day loan and servicing agreement, which allowed Snap-on to borrow up to $200 million (subject to borrowing base requirements) through the pledging of finance receivables under an asset-backed commercial paper conduit facility, expired at the end of its term on September 27, 2013, and was not renewed. At the time of its expiration, no amounts were outstanding under the loan and servicing agreement.
	Snap-on’s Credit Facility and other debt agreements also contain certain usual and customary borrowing, affirmative, negative and maintenance covenants. As of September 28, 2013, Snap-on was in compliance with all covenants of its Credit Facility and debt agreements.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	Note 9: Financial Instruments
	Derivatives: All derivative instruments are reported in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in earnings or on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, depending on whether the derivative is designated and effective as part of a hedged transaction. Gains or losses on derivative instruments recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“Accumulated OCI”) must be reclassified to earnings in the period in which earnings are affected by the underlying hedged item and the ineffective portion of all hedges must be recognized in earnings in the period that such portion is determined to be ineffective.
	The criteria used to determine if hedge accounting treatment is appropriate are (i) the designation of the hedge to an underlying exposure; (ii) whether or not overall risk is being reduced; and (iii) if there is a correlation between the value of the derivative instrument and the underlying hedged item. On the date a derivative contract is entered into, Snap-on designates the derivative as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, or a natural hedging instrument whose change in fair value is recognized as an economic hedge against changes in the value of the hedged item. Snap-on does not use derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.
	The company is exposed to global market risks, including the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, and therefore uses derivatives to manage financial exposures that occur in the normal course of business. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and stock-based deferred compensation risk.
	Foreign Currency Risk Management: Snap-on has significant international operations and is subject to certain risks inherent with foreign operations that include currency fluctuations. Foreign currency exchange risk exists to the extent that Snap-on has payment obligations or receipts denominated in currencies other than the functional currency, including intercompany loans denominated in foreign currencies. To manage these exposures, Snap-on identifies naturally offsetting positions and then purchases hedging instruments to protect the residual net exposures. Snap-on manages most of these exposures on a consolidated basis, which allows for netting of certain exposures to take advantage of natural offsets. Foreign currency forward contracts (“foreign currency forwards”) are used to hedge the net exposures. Gains or losses on net foreign currency hedges are intended to offset losses or gains on the underlying net exposures in an effort to reduce the earnings volatility resulting from fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates. Snap-on’s foreign currency forwards are typically not designated as hedges. The fair value changes of these contracts are reported in earnings as foreign exchange gain or loss, which is included in “Other income (expense) – net” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
	At September 28, 2013, Snap-on had $202.6 million of net foreign currency forward buy contracts outstanding comprised of buy contracts including $93.5 million in euros, $63.5 million in Swedish kronor, $34.0 million in Australian dollars, $19.9 million in British pounds, $14.0 million in Singapore dollars, $8.0 million in Hong Kong dollars, $4.8 million in South Korean won, and $5.9 million in other currencies, and sell contracts comprised of $23.8 million in Canadian dollars, $13.0 million in Japanese yen, and $4.2 million in other currencies. At December 29, 2012, Snap-on had $199.0 million of net foreign currency forward buy contracts outstanding comprised of buy contracts including $90.0 million in euros, $74.9 million in Swedish kronor, $34.7 million in Australian dollars, $33.0 million in British pounds, $12.0 million in Singapore dollars, $7.0 million in Hong Kong dollars, $5.1 million in South Korean won, $2.5 million in Chilean pesos, and $3.5 million in other currencies, and sell contracts including $41.6 million in Canadian dollars, $11.1 million in Japanese yen, $3.5 million in Argentine pesos, $2.6 million in Turkish lira, and $4.9 million in other currencies.
	Interest Rate Risk Management: Snap-on aims to control funding costs by managing the exposure created by the differing maturities and interest rate structures of Snap-on’s borrowings through the use of interest rate swap agreements. Treasury lock agreements are used from time to time to manage potential changes in interest rates in anticipation of the issuance or sale of certain financial instruments.
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements: Snap-on enters into interest rate swap agreements (“interest rate swaps”) to manage risks associated with changing interest rates related to the company’s fixed rate borrowings. Interest rate swaps are accounted for as fair value hedges. The differentials paid or received on interest rate swaps are recognized as adjustments to “Interest expense” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative is recorded in “Long-term debt” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, while any ineffective portion is recorded as an adjustment to “Interest expense” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The notional amount of interest rate swaps outstanding and designated as fair value hedges was $100.0 million as of both September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012.
	Treasury Lock Agreements: Snap-on enters into treasury lock agreements (“treasury locks”) from time to time to manage the potential change in interest rates in anticipation of issuing fixed rate debt. Treasury locks are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The effective differentials paid or received on treasury locks related to the anticipated issuance of fixed rate debt are recognized as adjustments to “Interest expense” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. There were no treasury locks outstanding as of September 28, 2013, or December 29, 2012, and no treasury locks were settled during either the first nine months of 2013 or 2012.
	Stock-based Deferred Compensation Risk Management: Snap-on aims to manage market risk associated with the stock-based portion of its deferred compensation plans through the use of prepaid equity forwards (“equity forwards”). Equity forwards are used to aid in offsetting the potential mark-to-market effect on stock-based deferred compensation from changes in Snap-on’s stock price. Since stock-based deferred compensation liabilities increase as the company’s stock price rises and decrease as the company’s stock price declines, the equity forwards are intended to mitigate the potential impact on compensation expense that may result from such mark-to-market changes. As of September 28, 2013, Snap-on had equity forwards in place intended to manage market risk with respect to 110,800 shares of Snap-on common stock associated with its deferred compensation plans.
	Fair Value Measurements: Snap-on has derivative assets and liabilities related to interest rate swaps, foreign currency forwards and equity forwards that are measured at Level 2 fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of derivative instruments included within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, are as follows:
					September 28, 2013								December 29, 2012
	(Amounts in millions)		Balance Sheet Presentation		Asset				Liability				Asset				Liability
					Derivatives				Derivatives				Derivatives				Derivatives
					Fair Value				Fair Value				Fair Value				Fair Value
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps		Other assets		$	11.3			$	—			$	21.4			$	—
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forwards		Prepaid expenses and other assets		$	14.1			$	—			$	8.9			$	—
	Foreign currency forwards		Other accrued liabilities			—				2.5				—				1.8
	Equity forwards		Prepaid expenses and other assets			11				—				—				—
	Total				$	25.1			$	2.5			$	8.9			$	1.8
	Total derivatives instruments				$	36.4			$	2.5			$	30.3			$	1.8
	As of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, the fair value adjustment to long-term debt related to the interest rate swaps was $11.3 million and $21.4 million, respectively.
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between participants at the measurement date. Level 2 fair value measurements for derivative assets and liabilities are measured using quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities. Interest rate swaps are valued based on the six-month LIBOR swap rate for similar instruments. Foreign currency forwards are valued based on exchange rates quoted by domestic and foreign banks for similar instruments. Equity forwards are valued using a market approach based primarily on the company’s stock price at the reporting date. The company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at Level 1 or Level 3, nor did it implement any changes in its valuation techniques as of and for the nine month period ended September 28, 2013.
	The effects of derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges as included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings are as follows:
					Effective Portion of Gain Recognized in Income
			Statement of		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
			Earnings
	(Amounts in millions)		Presentation		September 28,				September 29,				September 28,				September 29,
					2013				2012				2013				2012
	Derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
	Interest rate swaps		Interest expense		$	1			$	0.8			$	3			$	2.5
	The effects of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as included in Accumulated OCI on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings are as follows:
			Effective Portion of Gain /								Statement of		Effective Portion of Gain
			(Loss) Recognized in								Earnings		Reclassified from Accumulated
			Accumulated OCI								Presentation		OCI into Income
			Three Months Ended										Three Months Ended
	(Amounts in millions)		September 28,				September 29,						September 28,				September 29,
			2013				2012						2013				2012
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Treasury locks		$	—			$	—			Interest expense		$	0.1			$	0.1
			Effective Portion of Gain /								Statement of		Effective Portion of Gain
			(Loss) Recognized in								Earnings		Reclassified from Accumulated
			Accumulated OCI								Presentation		OCI into Income
			Nine Months Ended										Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in millions)		September 28,				September 29,						September 28,				September 29,
			2013				2012						2013				2012
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Treasury locks		$	—			$	—			Interest expense		$	0.3			$	0.3
	The effects of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments as included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings are as follows:
			Statement of Earnings		Gain Recognized in Income
			Presentation		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in millions)				September 28,				September 29,				September 28,				September 29,
					2013				2012				2013				2012
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forwards		Other income		$	8			$	7.9			$	2.1			$	5
			(expense) – net
	Equity forwards		Operating expenses			1.3				—				2.4				—
	Snap-on’s foreign currency forwards are typically not designated as hedges for financial reporting purposes. The fair value changes of foreign currency forwards not designated as hedging instruments are reported in earnings as foreign exchange gain or loss in “Other income (expense) – net” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The $8.0 million derivative gain recognized in the third quarter of 2013 was offset by transaction losses on net exposures of $8.9 million, resulting in a net foreign exchange loss of $0.9 million for the quarter. The $7.9 million derivative gain recognized in the third quarter of 2012 was offset by transaction losses on net exposures of $8.1 million, resulting in a net foreign exchange loss of $0.2 million for the quarter. The $2.1 million derivative gain recognized in the first nine months of 2013 was offset by transaction losses on net exposures of $5.5 million, resulting in a 2013 year-to-date net foreign exchange loss of $3.4 million. The $5.0 million derivative gain recognized in the first nine months of 2012 was offset by transaction losses on net exposures of $5.9 million, resulting in a 2012 year-to-date net foreign exchange loss of $0.9 million. The resulting net foreign exchange gains and losses are included in “Other income (expense) – net” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. See Note 15 for additional information on “Other income (expense) – net.”
	Snap-on’s equity forwards are not designated as hedges for financial reporting purposes. The fair value changes of equity forwards are reported in “Operating expenses” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
	As of September 28, 2013, the maximum maturity date of any fair value hedge was eight years. During the next 12 months, Snap-on expects to reclassify into earnings net gains from Accumulated OCI of approximately $0.2 million after tax at the time the underlying hedge transactions are realized.
	See the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for additional information on changes in comprehensive income.
	Counterparty Risk: Snap-on is exposed to credit losses in the event of non-performance by the counterparties to its various financial agreements, including its foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swap agreements and equity forward agreements. Snap-on does not obtain collateral or other security to support financial instruments subject to credit risk, but monitors the credit standing of the counterparties and generally enters into agreements with financial institution counterparties with a credit rating of A- or better. Snap-on does not anticipate non-performance by its counterparties, but cannot provide assurances.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The fair values of financial instruments that do not approximate the carrying values in the financial statements are as follows:
		September 28, 2013								December 29, 2012
(Amounts in millions)		Carrying				Fair				Carrying				Fair
		Value				Value				Value				Value
Finance receivables – net		$	908.2			$	1,054.00			$	817.7			$	948.9
Contract receivables – net			284.5				326				257.1				300.6
Long-term debt and notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt			978.8				1,090.00				975.6				1,126.70
The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of financial instruments:
	•		Finance and contract receivables include both short-term and long-term receivables. The fair value of finance and contract receivables was estimated, using Level 2 fair value measurements, based on a discounted cash flow analysis that was performed over the average life of the receivables using a current market discount rate of a similar term adjusted for credit quality.
	•		Fair value of long-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt was estimated, using Level 2 fair value measurements, based on quoted market values of Snap-on’s publicly traded senior debt. The carrying value of long-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt includes adjustments related to fair value hedges. The fair value of notes payable approximates such instruments’ carrying value due to their short-term nature.
	•		The fair value of all other financial instruments including cash equivalents, trade and other accounts receivable, accounts payable and other financial instruments approximates such instruments’ carrying value due to their short-term nature.

Pension_Plans

Pension Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension Plans	Note 10: Pension Plans
	Snap-on’s net periodic pension cost included the following components:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in millions)	September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	5.2		$	5.3		$	15.4		$	15.8
	Interest cost		12.9			12.9			38.7			38.7
	Expected return on plan assets		(17.7	)		(16.6	)		(53.0	)		(49.6	)
	Amortization of unrecognized loss		10.4			10.4			31.1			31.2
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(0.2	)		0.3			(0.6	)		0.9
	Settlement loss recognized		—			—			—			6.8
	Net periodic pension cost	$	10.6		$	12.3		$	31.6		$	43.8
	Snap-on intends to make contributions of $10.2 million to its foreign pension plans and $1.3 million to its domestic pension plans in 2013, as required by law. In the first nine months of 2013, Snap-on made $16.0 million of cash contributions to its domestic pension plans that included (i) $15.0 million of discretionary contributions; and (ii) $1.0 million of required contributions. Depending on market and other conditions, Snap-on may elect to make additional discretionary cash contributions to its pension plans in 2013.

Postretirement_Health_Care_Pla

Postretirement Health Care Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Postretirement Health Care Plans	Note 11: Postretirement Health Care Plans
	Snap-on’s net periodic postretirement health care cost included the following components:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in millions)	September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	0.1		$	0.1
	Interest cost		0.5			0.7			1.6			2
	Expected return on plan assets		(0.2	)		(0.2	)		(0.8	)		(0.7	)
	Net periodic postretirement cost	$	0.3		$	0.5		$	0.9		$	1.4

Stockbased_Compensation_and_Ot

Stock-based Compensation and Other Stock Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based Compensation and Other Stock Plans	Note 12: Stock-based Compensation and Other Stock Plans
	The 2011 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan (the “2011 Plan”) provides for the grant of stock options, performance awards, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) and restricted stock awards (which may be designated as “restricted stock units” or “RSUs”). No further grants are being made under its predecessor, the 2001 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan (the “2001 Plan”), although outstanding awards under the 2001 Plan will continue until exercised, vested, forfeited or expired. As of September 28, 2013, the 2011 Plan had 2,850,014 shares available for future grants. The company uses treasury stock to deliver shares under both the 2001 and 2011 Plans.
	Net stock-based compensation expense was $9.4 million and $28.9 million for the respective three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and $8.9 million and $25.0 million for the respective three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2012. Cash received from stock purchase and option plan exercises during the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, totaled $1.8 million and $27.9 million, respectively. Cash received from stock purchase and option plan exercises during the three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2012, totaled $17.8 million and $40.3 million, respectively. The tax benefit realized from the exercise of share-based payment arrangements was $0.7 million and $11.2 million for the respective three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and $3.8 million and $8.8 million for the respective three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2012.
	Stock Options
	Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market value of a share of Snap-on’s common stock on the date of grant and have a contractual term of ten years. Stock option grants vest ratably on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant.
	The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The company uses historical data regarding stock option exercise behaviors for different participating groups to estimate the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the company’s stock for the length of time corresponding to the expected term of the option. The expected dividend yield is based on the company’s historical dividend payments. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. treasury yield curve on the grant date for the expected term of the option.
	The following weighted-average assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of stock options granted during the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, using the Black-Scholes valuation model:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Expected term of option (in years)			3.67			5.29			4.29			5.36
	Expected volatility factor			26.39	%		37.33	%		33.79	%		36.93	%
	Expected dividend yield			2.68	%		2.73	%		2.67	%		2.72	%
	Risk-free interest rate			0.64	%		0.67	%		0.79	%		0.82	%
	A summary of stock option activity as of and for the nine month period ended September 28, 2013, is presented below:
			Shares			Exercise			Remaining			Aggregate
			(in thousands)			Price Per			Contractual			Intrinsic
						Share (*)			Term (*)			Value
									(in years)			(in millions)
	Outstanding at December 29, 2012			2,161		$	50.48
	Granted			641			79.07
	Exercised			(335	)		47.5
	Forfeited or expired			(13	)		64.18
	Outstanding at September 28, 2013			2,454			58.29			7.2		$	101.7
	Exercisable at September 28, 2013			1,226			46.88			5.7			64.8
	*	Weighted-average
	The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during the nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, was $17.36 and $15.46, respectively. The intrinsic value of options exercised was $1.7 million and $12.7 million during the respective three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and $10.1 million and $18.8 million during the respective three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2012. The fair value of stock options vested was $7.9 million and $5.7 million during the respective nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012.
	As of September 28, 2013, there was $14.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option compensation arrangements that is expected to be recognized as a charge to earnings over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years.
	Performance Awards
	Performance awards, which are granted as performance share units and performance-based RSUs, are earned and expensed using the fair value of the award over a contractual term of three years based on the company’s performance. Vesting of the performance awards is dependent upon performance relative to pre-defined goals for revenue growth and return on net assets for the applicable performance period. For performance achieved above a certain level, the recipient may earn additional shares of stock, not to exceed 100% of the number of performance awards initially granted.
	The performance share units have a three-year performance period based on the results of the consolidated financial metrics of the company. The performance-based RSUs have a one-year performance period based on the results of the consolidated financial metrics of the company followed by a two-year cliff vesting schedule.
	The fair value of performance awards is calculated using the market value of a share of Snap-on’s common stock on the date of grant. The weighted-average grant date fair value of performance awards granted during the nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, was $77.31 and $60.00, respectively. Performance share units of 213,459 shares and 53,990 shares were paid out during the respective nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012. Earned performance share units are generally paid out following the conclusion of the applicable performance period upon approval by the Organization and Executive Compensation Committee of the company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).
	Based on the company’s 2012 performance, 95,047 RSUs granted in 2012 were earned; assuming continued employment, these RSUs will vest at the end of fiscal 2014. Based on the company’s 2011 performance, 159,970 RSUs granted in 2011 were earned; assuming continued employment, these RSUs will vest at the end of fiscal 2013. As a result of employee retirements, a total of 1,614 of the RSUs earned in 2012 and 2011 vested pursuant to the terms of the related award agreements and the underlying shares were paid out in the third quarter of 2013.
	The changes to the company’s non-vested performance awards during the nine month period ended September 28, 2013, are as follows:
			Shares			Fair Value Price
			(in thousands)			per Share (*)
	Non-vested performance awards at December 29, 2012			509		$	59.36
	Granted			172			77.31
	Vested			(2	)		59.22
	Cancellations			(2	)		69.42
	Non-vested performance awards at September 28, 2013			677			63.89
	*	Weighted-average
	As of September 28, 2013, there was $15.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance awards that is expected to be recognized as a charge to earnings over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.
	Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”)
	The company also issues cash-settled and stock-settled SARs to certain key non-U.S. employees. SARs have a contractual term of ten years and vest ratably on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. SARs are granted with an exercise price equal to the market value of a share of Snap-on’s common stock on the date of grant.
	Cash-settled SARs provide for the cash payment of the excess of the fair market value of Snap-on’s common stock price on the date of exercise over the grant price. Cash-settled SARs have no effect on dilutive shares or shares outstanding as any appreciation of Snap-on’s common stock value over the grant price is paid in cash and not in common stock.
	In 2013, the company began issuing stock-settled SARs that are accounted for as equity instruments and provide for the issuance of Snap-on common stock equal to the amount by which the company’s stock has appreciated over the exercise price. As stock-settled SARs vest, they will have an effect on dilutive shares and shares outstanding, as any appreciation of Snap-on’s common stock value over the exercise price will be settled in shares of common stock.
	The fair value of cash-settled SARs is revalued (mark-to-market) each reporting period using the Black-Scholes valuation model based on Snap-on’s period-end stock price. The fair value of stock-settled SARs is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The company uses historical data regarding SARs exercise behaviors for different participating groups to estimate the expected term of the SARs granted based on the period of time that similar instruments granted are expected to be outstanding. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the company’s stock for the length of time corresponding to the expected term of the SARs. The expected dividend yield is based on the company’s historical dividend payments. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. treasury yield curve in effect as of the reporting date for the length of time corresponding to the expected term of the SARs.
	No cash-settled SARs were granted during either of the three month periods ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012. The following weighted-average assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of cash-settled SARs granted during the nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, using the Black-Scholes valuation model:
			Nine Months Ended
			September 28,			September 29,
			2013			2012
	Expected term of cash-settled SARs (in years)			3.55			4.74
	Expected volatility factor			26.12	%		37.11	%
	Expected dividend yield			2.68	%		2.72	%
	Risk-free interest rate			0.63	%		0.62	%
	The total intrinsic value of cash-settled SARs exercised was $0.9 million and $3.6 million during the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, respectively, and $1.0 million and $3.0 million during the three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2012, respectively. The total fair value of cash-settled SARs vested during the nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, was $4.8 million and $3.2 million, respectively.
	Changes to the company’s non-vested cash-settled SARs during the nine month period ended September 28, 2013, are as follows:
			Cash-settled			Fair Value Price
			SARs			per Share (*)
			(in thousands)
	Non-vested SARs at December 29, 2012			238		$	24.26
	Granted			4			23.89
	Vested			(113	)		41.95
Cancellations			(3	)		—
Non-vested SARs at September 28, 2013			126			36.17
*	Weighted-average
As of September 28, 2013, there was $4.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested cash-settled SARs that is expected to be recognized as a charge to earnings over a weighted-average period of 1.1 years.
The following weighted-average assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of stock-settled SARs granted during the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, using the Black-Scholes valuation model:
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		September 28, 2013			September 28, 2013
Expected term of stock-settled SARs (in years)			3.67			4.24
Expected volatility factor			26.39	%		33.92	%
Expected dividend yield			2.68	%		2.67	%
Risk-free interest rate			0.64	%		0.91	%
Changes to the company’s non-vested stock-settled SARs during the nine month period ended September 28, 2013, are as follows:
		Stock-settled			Exercise			Remaining			Aggregate
		SARs			Price Per			Contractual			Intrinsic
		(in thousands)			Share (*)			Term (*)			Value
								(in years)			(in millions)
Outstanding at December 29, 2012			—		$	—
Granted			122			79.29
Exercised			—			—
Forfeited or expired			—			—
Outstanding at September 28, 2013			122			79.29			9.4		$	2.5
Exercisable at September 28, 2013			—			—			—			—
*	Weighted-average
The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock-settled SARs granted during the nine month period ended September 28, 2013, was $17.47. As of September 28, 2013, there was $1.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-settled SARs that is expected to be recognized as a charge to earnings over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.
Restricted Stock Awards – Non-employee Directors
The company awarded a total of 13,437 shares of restricted stock to non-employee directors in the first nine months of 2013. The fair value of the restricted stock awards is expensed over the contractual term of the awards. All restrictions will lapse upon the earlier of the first anniversary of the grant date, the recipient’s death or disability or in the event of a change in control, as defined in the 2011 Plan. If termination of the recipient’s service occurs prior to the first anniversary of the grant date for reasons other than death or disability, the shares of restricted stock would be forfeited, unless otherwise determined by the Board.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
All Snap-on employees in the United States and Canada are eligible to participate in an employee stock purchase plan. The purchase price of the company’s common stock to participants is the lesser of the mean of the high and low price of the stock on the beginning date (May 15) or ending date (the following May 14) of each plan year. For the nine months ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, issuances under this plan totaled 93,442 shares and 33,596 shares, respectively. As of September 28, 2013, shares reserved for issuance under this plan totaled 921,624 shares and Snap-on held participant contributions of approximately $1.0 million. Participants are able to withdraw from the plan and receive all contributions made during the plan year. Compensation expense for plan participants was $0.1 million and $2.4 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, respectively, and $0.1 million for both the three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2012.
Franchisee Stock Purchase Plan
All franchisees in the United States and Canada are eligible to participate in a franchisee stock purchase plan. The purchase price of the company’s common stock to participants is the lesser of the mean of the high and low price of the stock on the beginning date (May 15) or ending date (the following May 14) of each plan year. For the nine months ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, issuances under this plan totaled 105,406 shares and 48,819 shares, respectively. As of September 28, 2013, shares reserved for issuance under this plan totaled 304,839 shares and Snap-on held participant contributions of approximately $1.6 million. Participants are able to withdraw from the plan and receive all contributions made during the plan year. Expense for plan participants was $0.2 million and $2.7 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, respectively, and $0.2 million for both the three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2012.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Note 13: Earnings Per Share
	The shares used in the computation of the company’s basic and diluted earnings per common share are as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding		58,163,261		58,257,569		58,221,047		58,195,162
	Dilutive effect of stock-based instruments		837,840		600,067		848,938		619,474
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution		59,001,101		58,857,636		59,069,985		58,814,636
	The dilutive effect of the potential exercise of outstanding stock-based instruments to purchase common shares is calculated using the treasury stock method. There were no options outstanding that were anti-dilutive for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and for the three month period ended September 29, 2012. Options to purchase 395,524 shares of Snap-on common stock for the nine month period ended September 29, 2012, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as the exercise price of the options was greater than the average market price of the common stock for the respective period and the effect on earnings per share would be anti-dilutive.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies
	Snap-on provides product warranties for specific product lines and accrues for estimated future warranty cost in the period in which the sale is recorded. Snap-on calculates its accrual requirements based on historic warranty loss experience that is periodically adjusted for recent actual experience, including the timing of claims during the warranty period and actual costs incurred. Snap-on’s product warranty accrual activity for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, is as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in millions)	September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Warranty reserve:
	Beginning of period	$	17.9		$	18.4		$	18.9		$	18.6
	Additions		3.5			2.6			8.3			7.7
	Usage		(2.4	)		(2.1	)		(8.2	)		(7.4	)
	End of period	$	19		$	18.9		$	19		$	18.9
	Snap-on has credit risk exposure for certain SOC-originated contracts with recourse provisions related to franchisee van leases sold by SOC; as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, $9.1 million and $13.3 million, respectively, of franchisee leases contain a recourse provision to Snap-on if the leases become more than 90 days past due. The asset value of the collateral underlying these recourse leases would serve to mitigate Snap-on’s loss in the event of default. The estimated fair value of the guarantees for all lease originations with recourse as of September 28, 2013, was not material.
	Snap-on is involved in various legal matters that are being litigated and/or settled in the ordinary course of business. Although it is not possible to predict the outcome of these legal matters, management believes that the results of these legal matters will not have a material impact on Snap-on’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Other_Income_Expense_Net

Other Income (Expense) - Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income (Expense) - Net	Note 15: Other Income (Expense) – Net
	“Other income (expense) – net” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings consists of the following:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in millions)	September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest income	$	0.1		$	—		$	0.3		$	0.5
	Foreign exchange loss		(0.9	)		(0.2	)		(3.4	)		(0.9	)
	Other		—			—			—			(0.1	)
	Total other income (expense) – net	$	(0.8	)	$	(0.2	)	$	(3.1	)	$	(0.5	)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Note 16: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The changes in Accumulated OCI by component, net of tax, for the third quarter of 2013 are as follows:
	(Amounts in millions)		Foreign			Cash Flow			Defined			Total
			Currency			Hedges			Benefit
			Translation						Pension and
									Postretirement
									Plans
	Balance as of June 29, 2013		$	85.5		$	1.5		$	(242.9	)	$	(155.9	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			39.3			—			—			39.3
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated OCI			—			(0.1	)		5.6			5.5
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			39.3			(0.1	)		5.6			44.8
	Balance as of September 28, 2013		$	124.8		$	1.4		$	(237.3	)	$	(111.1	)
	The changes in Accumulated OCI by component, net of tax, for the first nine months of 2013 are as follows:
	(Amounts in millions)		Foreign			Cash			Defined			Total
			Currency			Flow			Benefit
			Translation			Hedges			Pension and
									Postretirement
									Plans
	Balance as of December 29, 2012		$	129.7		$	1.7		$	(255.6	)	$	(124.2	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			(4.9	)		—			—			(4.9	)
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated OCI			—			(0.3	)		18.3			18
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			(4.9	)		(0.3	)		18.3			13.1
	Balance as of September 28, 2013		$	124.8		$	1.4		$	(237.3	)	$	(111.1	)
	The reclassifications out of Accumulated OCI for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, are as follows:
	Details about Accumulated OCI Components		Amount Reclassified from						Statement of Earnings
			Accumulated OCI						Presentation
	(Amounts in millions)		Three Months			Nine Months
			Ended			Ended
			September 28,			September 28,
			2013			2013
	Gains on cash flow hedges:
	Treasury locks		$	0.1		$	0.3		Interest expense
				—			—		Income tax expense
				0.1			0.3		Net of tax
	Amortization of defined benefit pension plan items:
	Prior service cost and unrecognized loss			(10.2	)		(30.5	)	See footnote below*
				4.6			12.2		Income tax expense
				(5.6	)		(18.3	)	Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(5.5	)	$	(18.0	)	Net of tax
	*	These Accumulated OCI components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 10 for more information.

Segments

Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments	Note 17: Segments
	Snap-on’s business segments are based on the organization structure used by management for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing performance. Snap-on’s reportable business segments are: (i) the Commercial & Industrial Group; (ii) the Snap-on Tools Group; (iii) the Repair Systems & Information Group; and (iv) Financial Services. The Commercial & Industrial Group consists of business operations serving a broad range of industrial and commercial customers worldwide, primarily through direct and distributor channels. The Snap-on Tools Group consists of business operations primarily serving automotive service technicians through the company’s worldwide mobile tool distribution channel. The Repair Systems & Information Group consists of business operations serving other professional vehicle repair customers worldwide, primarily owners and managers of independent repair shops and original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) dealership service and repair shops, through direct and distributor channels. Financial Services consists of the business operations of Snap-on’s finance subsidiaries.
	Snap-on evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on segment revenues, including both external and intersegment net sales, and segment operating earnings. Snap-on accounts for intersegment sales and transfers based primarily on standard costs with reasonable mark-ups established between the segments. Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in the respective reportable segment’s operations. Corporate assets consist of cash and cash equivalents (excluding cash held at Financial Services), deferred income taxes and certain other assets. All significant intersegment amounts are eliminated to arrive at Snap-on’s consolidated financial results.
	Financial data by segment was as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
	(Amounts in millions)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net sales:
	Commercial & Industrial Group	$	275.2		$	280.4		$	807.8		$	850.3
	Snap-on Tools Group		333.8			308.8			1,007.30			950.4
	Repair Systems & Information Group		252.7			222			745			675.5
	Segment net sales		861.7			811.2			2,560.10			2,476.20
	Intersegment eliminations		(108.5	)		(99.6	)		(301.1	)		(291.5	)
	Total net sales	$	753.2		$	711.6		$	2,259.00		$	2,184.70
	Financial Services revenue		45.1			40.5			133.6			118.4
	Total revenues	$	798.3		$	752.1		$	2,392.60		$	2,303.10
	Operating earnings:
	Commercial & Industrial Group	$	36		$	33.4		$	100.2		$	95.4
	Snap-on Tools Group		41.9			40.2			143.6			130.8
	Repair Systems & Information Group		57.9			49.5			171.1			150.3
	Financial Services		31.6			27.9			92.7			77.4
	Segment operating earnings		167.4			151			507.6			453.9
	Corporate		(24.5	)		(26.9	)		(78.0	)		(78.2	)
	Operating earnings	$	142.9		$	124.1		$	429.6		$	375.7
	Interest expense		(14.4	)		(13.6	)		(41.8	)		(41.4	)
	Other income (expense) – net		(0.8	)		(0.2	)		(3.1	)		(0.5	)
	Earnings before income taxes and equity earnings	$	127.7		$	110.3		$	384.7		$	333.8
	(Amounts in millions)	September 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
	Assets:
	Commercial & Industrial Group	$	973.2		$	935.2
	Snap-on Tools Group		567.2			537.7
	Repair Systems & Information Group		973.1			927.7
	Financial Services		1,196.40			1,076.30
	Total assets from reportable segments	$	3,709.90		$	3,476.90
	Corporate		443.4			477.7
	Elimination of intersegment receivables		(52.3	)		(52.3	)
	Total assets	$	4,101.00		$	3,902.30

Summary_of_Accounting_Policies1

Summary of Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation and Presentation	Principles of consolidation and presentation
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Snap-on Incorporated and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “Snap-on” or “the company”). These financial statements should be read in conjunction with, and have been prepared in conformity with, the accounting principles reflected in the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Snap-on’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012 (“2012 year end”). The company’s 2013 fiscal third quarter ended on September 28, 2013; the 2012 fiscal third quarter ended on September 29, 2012.
	Snap-on accounts for investments in unconsolidated affiliates where Snap-on has a greater than 20% but less than 50% ownership interest under the equity method of accounting. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates of $14.0 million as of September 28, 2013, and $13.5 million as of December 29, 2012, are included in “Other assets” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. No equity investment dividends were received in the first nine months of 2013 or 2012. In the normal course of business, the company may purchase products or services from unconsolidated affiliates; purchases from unconsolidated affiliates were $3.5 million and $2.7 million in the third quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and were $11.2 million and $10.8 million in the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements do not include the accounts of the company’s independent franchisees. Snap-on’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair presentation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, have been made. Interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments
	The fair value of the company’s derivative financial instruments is generally determined using quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities. The carrying value of the company’s non-derivative financial instruments either approximates fair value, due to their short-term nature, or fair value is based upon a discounted cash flow analysis or quoted market values. See Note 9 for further information on financial instruments.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards
	Disclosures Relating to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance in February 2013 that amends the presentation of accumulated other comprehensive income and clarifies how to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance, which became effective for Snap-on on a prospective basis at the beginning of its 2013 fiscal year, requires footnote disclosures regarding the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component and the line items affected in the statements of earnings. The adoption of this updated authoritative guidance did not have a significant impact on the company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 16 for additional information.
	Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
	The FASB issued updated authoritative guidance in July 2012 to amend its previous guidance on the annual and interim testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment; the guidance became effective for Snap-on at the beginning of its 2013 fiscal year. The guidance provides entities with the option of first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If it is determined, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is more-likely-than-not less than the carrying amount, a quantitative impairment test would still be required. The company did not elect to perform a qualitative assessment in 2013. Annual impairment tests are performed by the company in the second quarter of each fiscal year. The adoption of this updated authoritative guidance had no impact on the company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounts_Receivable_Tables

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]
Components of Trade and Other Accounts Receivable	The components of Snap-on’s trade and other accounts receivable as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, are as follows:
		September 28,			December 29,
	(Amounts in millions)	2013			2012
	Trade and other accounts receivable	$	538.2		$	516.9
	Allowances for doubtful accounts		(16.3	)		(19.0	)
	Total trade and other accounts receivable – net	$	521.9		$	497.9
Components of Current Finance and Contract Receivables	The components of Snap-on’s current finance and contract receivables as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, are as follows:
		September 28,			December 29,
	(Amounts in millions)	2013			2012
	Finance receivables, net of unearned finance charges of $13.6 million and $8.4 million, respectively	$	378.1		$	331.7
	Contract receivables, net of unearned finance charges of $12.4 million and $9.3 million, respectively		74.5			63.7
	Total		452.6			395.4
	Allowances for doubtful accounts:
	Finance receivables		(10.7	)		(8.6	)
	Contract receivables		(1.4	)		(1.0	)
	Total		(12.1	)		(9.6	)
	Total current finance and contract receivables – net	$	440.5		$	385.8
	Finance receivables – net	$	367.4		$	323.1
	Contract receivables – net		73.1			62.7
	Total current finance and contract receivables – net	$	440.5		$	385.8
Components of Finance and Contract Receivables Beyond One Year	The components of Snap-on’s finance and contract receivables with payment terms beyond one year as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, are as follows:
		September 28,			December 29,
	(Amounts in millions)	2013			2012
	Finance receivables, net of unearned finance charges of $8.5 million and $11.8 million, respectively	$	557.8		$	512.5
	Contract receivables, net of unearned finance charges of $16.6 million and $18.1 million, respectively		213.4			196.6
	Total		771.2			709.1
	Allowances for doubtful accounts:
	Finance receivables		(17.0	)		(17.9	)
	Contract receivables		(2.0	)		(2.2	)
	Total		(19.0	)		(20.1	)
	Total long-term finance and contract receivables – net	$	752.2		$	689
	Finance receivables – net	$	540.8		$	494.6
	Contract receivables – net		211.4			194.4
	Total long-term finance and contract receivables – net	$	752.2		$	689
Aging of Finance and Contract Receivables	The aging of finance and contract receivables as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, is as follows:
	(Amounts in millions)	30-59			60-90			Greater			Total Past			Total Not		Total		Greater
		Days Past			Days Past			Than 90			Due			Past Due				Than 90
		Due			Due			Days Past										Days Past
								Due										Due and
																		Accruing
	September 28, 2013:
	Finance receivables	$	8.9		$	5.5		$	8.3		$	22.7		$	913.2	$	935.9	$	6
	Contract receivables		0.6			0.3			0.9			1.8			286.1		287.9		0.1
	December 29, 2012:
	Finance receivables	$	9.2		$	5.5		$	8.4		$	23.1		$	821.1	$	844.2	$	6.2
	Contract receivables		1.3			0.6			1			2.9			257.4		260.3		0.3
Schedule of Performing and Nonperforming Finance and Contract Receivables	The amount of performing and nonperforming finance and contract receivables based on payment activity as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, is as follows:
		September 28, 2013						December 29, 2012
	(Amounts in millions)	Finance			Contract			Finance			Contract
		Receivables			Receivables			Receivables			Receivables
	Performing	$	922.1		$	286.8		$	830.8		$	259.4
	Nonperforming		13.8			1.1			13.4			0.9
	Total	$	935.9		$	287.9		$	844.2		$	260.3
Schedule of Finance and Contract Receivables on Nonaccrual Status	The amount of finance and contract receivables on nonaccrual status as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, is as follows:
		September 28,			December 29,
	(Amounts in millions)	2013			2012
	Finance receivables	$	7.9		$	7.2
	Contract receivables		1.1			0.9
Rollforward of Allowances for Credit Losses for Finance and Contract Receivables	The following is a rollforward of the allowances for credit losses for finance and contract receivables for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 28, 2013						September 28, 2013
	(Amounts in millions)	Finance			Contract			Finance			Contract
		Receivables			Receivables			Receivables			Receivables
	Allowances for doubtful accounts:
	Beginning of period	$	26.6		$	3.5		$	26.5		$	3.2
	Provision for bad debt expense		5.5			0.2			15			1.7
	Charge-offs		(5.5	)		(0.4	)		(17.1	)		(1.6	)
	Recoveries		1.1			0.1			3.4			0.2
	Currency translation		—			—			(0.1	)		(0.1	)
	End of period	$	27.7		$	3.4		$	27.7		$	3.4
	The following is a rollforward of the allowances for credit losses for finance and contract receivables for the three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2012:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 29, 2012						September 29, 2012
	(Amounts in millions)	Finance			Contract			Finance			Contract
		Receivables			Receivables			Receivables			Receivables
	Allowances for doubtful accounts:
	Beginning of period	$	25.4		$	4.2		$	24.2		$	4.1
	Provision for bad debt expense		5.1			(0.5	)		13.8			0.1
	Charge-offs		(4.9	)		(0.5	)		(14.5	)		(1.2	)
	Recoveries		1.1			0.1			3.2			0.3
	End of period	$	26.7		$	3.3		$	26.7		$	3.3

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories by Major Classification	Inventories by major classification were as follows:
		September 28,			December 29,
	(Amounts in millions)	2013			2012
	Finished goods	$	380.2		$	353.6
	Work in progress		43.1			38.6
	Raw materials		89.2			83.8
	Total FIFO value		512.5			476
	Excess of current cost over LIFO cost		(72.2	)		(71.8	)
	Total inventories – net	$	440.3		$	404.2

Intangible_and_Other_Assets_Ta

Intangible and Other Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the nine month period ended September 28, 2013, are as follows:
	(Amounts in millions)	Commercial		Snap-on			Repair		Total
		& Industrial		Tools			Systems &
		Group		Group			Information
							Group
	Balance as of December 29, 2012	$	306.9	$	12.5		$	488	$	807.4
	Currency translation		5		—			0.3		5.3
	Acquisition		—		—			24.7		24.7
	Balance as of September 28, 2013	$	311.9	$	12.5		$	513	$	837.4
Other Intangible Assets by Major Class	Additional disclosures related to other intangible assets are as follows:
		September 28, 2013					December 29, 2012
	(Amounts in millions)	Gross		Accumulated			Gross		Accumulated
		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying		Amortization
		Value					Value
	Amortized other intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	$	140.4	$	(60.5	)	$	135.3	$	(54.1	)
	Developed technology		19.4		(19.0	)		19.4		(18.8	)
	Internally developed software		121.4		(76.8	)		107.2		(66.1	)
	Patents		28.6		(20.1	)		28.1		(19.4	)
	Trademarks		2.8		(1.6	)		2.6		(1.4	)
	Other		7.2		(1.3	)		7.1		(1.2	)
	Total		319.8		(179.3	)		299.7		(161.0	)
	Non-amortized trademarks		52		—			48.5		—
	Total other intangible assets	$	371.8	$	(179.3	)	$	348.2	$	(161.0	)
Weighted-Average Amortization Period by Major Class	The weighted-average amortization periods related to other intangible assets are as follows:
		In Years
	Customer relationships		16
	Developed technology		5
	Internally developed software		3
	Patents		10
	Trademarks		6
	Other		39

Exit_and_Disposal_Activities_T

Exit and Disposal Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Recorded Costs Associated with Exit and Disposal Activities	Snap-on recorded costs associated with exit and disposal activities for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 28,		September 29,		September 28,			September 29,
	(Amounts in millions)	2013		2012		2013			2012
	Exit and disposal costs:
	Cost of goods sold:						1.8			1.8
	Commercial & Industrial Group	$	0.3	$	0.9	$	2.5		$	3.6
	Snap-on Tools Group		0.1		0.1		0.2			7.1
	Repair Systems & Information Group		0.9		—		1.7			0.2
	Total cost of goods sold		1.3		1		4.4			10.9
	Operating expenses:
	Commercial & Industrial Group		0.3		1.3		0.4			5.3
	Snap-on Tools Group		0.1		—		0.3			0.1
	Repair Systems & Information Group		—		—		1.2			0.2
	Total operating expenses		0.4		1.3		1.9			5.6
	Financial Services		—		—		0.1			—
	Total exit and disposal costs:
	Commercial & Industrial Group		0.6		2.2		2.9			8.9
	Snap-on Tools Group		0.2		0.1		0.5			7.2
	Repair Systems & Information Group		0.9		—		2.9			0.4
	Financial Services		—		—		0.1			—
	Total exit and disposal costs	$	1.7	$	2.3	$	6.4		$	16.5
Components of Exit and Disposal Accrual Activity	Snap-on’s exit and disposal accrual activity for the first nine months of 2013 is as follows:
		Balance at		Six Months					Balance at		Third Quarter					Balance at
		December 29,							June 29,							September 28,
	(Amounts in millions)	2012		Provision		Usage			2013		Provision		Usage			2013
	Severance costs:
	Commercial & Industrial Group	$	6.2	$	2.2	$	(4.9	)	$	3.5	$	0.6	$	(0.9	)	$	3.2
	Snap-on Tools Group		0.1		0.1		(0.1	)		0.1		0.2		—			0.3
	Repair Systems & Information Group		0.7		1.9		(0.8	)		1.8		0.9		(0.2	)		2.5
	Financial Services		—		0.1		(0.1	)		—		—		—			—
	Facility-related costs:
	Commercial & Industrial Group		0.2		—		(0.1	)		0.1		—		(0.1	)		—
	Total	$	7.2	$	4.3	$	(6.0	)	$	5.5	$	1.7	$	(1.2	)	$	6

Shortterm_and_Longterm_Debt_Ta

Short-term and Long-term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short-term and Long-term Debt	Short-term and long-term debt as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, consisted of the following:
			September 28,			December 29,
	(Amounts in millions)		2013			2012
	5.85% unsecured notes due March 2014		$	100		$	100
	5.50% unsecured notes due 2017			150			150
	4.25% unsecured notes due 2018			250			250
	6.70% unsecured notes due 2019			200			200
	6.125% unsecured notes due 2021			250			250
	Other debt*			28.8			25.6
				978.8			975.6
	Less: notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt			(117.7	)		(5.2	)
	Total long-term debt		$	861.1		$	970.4
	*	Includes fair value adjustments related to interest rate swaps.

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Included within Consolidated Balance Sheets	The fair value of derivative instruments included within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, are as follows:
				September 28, 2013								December 29, 2012
	(Amounts in millions)	Balance Sheet Presentation		Asset				Liability				Asset				Liability
				Derivatives				Derivatives				Derivatives				Derivatives
				Fair Value				Fair Value				Fair Value				Fair Value
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps	Other assets		$	11.3			$	—			$	21.4			$	—
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forwards	Prepaid expenses and other assets		$	14.1			$	—			$	8.9			$	—
	Foreign currency forwards	Other accrued liabilities			—				2.5				—				1.8
	Equity forwards	Prepaid expenses and other assets			11				—				—				—
	Total			$	25.1			$	2.5			$	8.9			$	1.8
	Total derivatives instruments			$	36.4			$	2.5			$	30.3			$	1.8
Derivative Instruments Designated as Fair Value Hedges Included in Consolidated Statements of Earnings	The effects of derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges as included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings are as follows:
				Effective Portion of Gain Recognized in Income
		Statement of		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		Earnings
	(Amounts in millions)	Presentation		September 28,				September 29,				September 28,				September 29,
				2013				2012				2013				2012
	Derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
	Interest rate swaps	Interest expense		$	1			$	0.8			$	3			$	2.5
Effects of Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated OCI on Consolidated Balance Sheets	The effects of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as included in Accumulated OCI on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings are as follows:
		Effective Portion of Gain /								Statement of		Effective Portion of Gain
		(Loss) Recognized in								Earnings		Reclassified from Accumulated
		Accumulated OCI								Presentation		OCI into Income
		Three Months Ended										Three Months Ended
	(Amounts in millions)	September 28,				September 29,						September 28,				September 29,
		2013				2012						2013				2012
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Treasury locks	$	—			$	—			Interest expense		$	0.1			$	0.1
		Effective Portion of Gain /								Statement of		Effective Portion of Gain
		(Loss) Recognized in								Earnings		Reclassified from Accumulated
		Accumulated OCI								Presentation		OCI into Income
		Nine Months Ended										Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in millions)	September 28,				September 29,						September 28,				September 29,
		2013				2012						2013				2012
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Treasury locks	$	—			$	—			Interest expense		$	0.3			$	0.3
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges Included in Consolidated Statements of Earnings	The effects of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments as included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings are as follows:
		Statement of Earnings		Gain Recognized in Income
		Presentation		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in millions)			September 28,				September 29,				September 28,				September 29,
				2013				2012				2013				2012
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forwards	Other income		$	8			$	7.9			$	2.1			$	5
		(expense) – net
	Equity forwards	Operating expenses			1.3				—				2.4				—
Fair Values of Financial Instruments Not Approximating Carrying Values in Financial Statements	Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The fair values of financial instruments that do not approximate the carrying values in the financial statements are as follows:
		September 28, 2013								December 29, 2012
	(Amounts in millions)	Carrying				Fair				Carrying				Fair
		Value				Value				Value				Value
	Finance receivables – net	$	908.2			$	1,054.00			$	817.7			$	948.9
	Contract receivables – net		284.5				326				257.1				300.6
	Long-term debt and notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt		978.8				1,090.00				975.6				1,126.70

Pension_Plans_Tables

Pension Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Periodic Pension Cost	Snap-on’s net periodic pension cost included the following components:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in millions)	September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	5.2		$	5.3		$	15.4		$	15.8
	Interest cost		12.9			12.9			38.7			38.7
	Expected return on plan assets		(17.7	)		(16.6	)		(53.0	)		(49.6	)
	Amortization of unrecognized loss		10.4			10.4			31.1			31.2
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(0.2	)		0.3			(0.6	)		0.9
	Settlement loss recognized		—			—			—			6.8
	Net periodic pension cost	$	10.6		$	12.3		$	31.6		$	43.8

Postretirement_Health_Care_Pla1

Postretirement Health Care Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Net Periodic Postretirement Health Care Cost	Snap-on’s net periodic postretirement health care cost included the following components:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in millions)	September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	0.1		$	0.1
	Interest cost		0.5			0.7			1.6			2
	Expected return on plan assets		(0.2	)		(0.2	)		(0.8	)		(0.7	)
	Net periodic postretirement cost	$	0.3		$	0.5		$	0.9		$	1.4

Stockbased_Compensation_and_Ot1

Stock-based Compensation and Other Stock Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Summary of Weighted-Average Assumptions of Fair Value Granted Using Black-Scholes Valuation Model	The following weighted-average assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of stock options granted during the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, using the Black-Scholes valuation model:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Expected term of option (in years)			3.67			5.29			4.29			5.36
	Expected volatility factor			26.39	%		37.33	%		33.79	%		36.93	%
	Expected dividend yield			2.68	%		2.73	%		2.67	%		2.72	%
	Risk-free interest rate			0.64	%		0.67	%		0.79	%		0.82	%
Summary of Stock Option Activity	A summary of stock option activity as of and for the nine month period ended September 28, 2013, is presented below:
			Shares			Exercise			Remaining			Aggregate
			(in thousands)			Price Per			Contractual			Intrinsic
						Share (*)			Term (*)			Value
									(in years)			(in millions)
	Outstanding at December 29, 2012			2,161		$	50.48
	Granted			641			79.07
	Exercised			(335	)		47.5
	Forfeited or expired			(13	)		64.18
	Outstanding at September 28, 2013			2,454			58.29			7.2		$	101.7
	Exercisable at September 28, 2013			1,226			46.88			5.7			64.8
	*	Weighted-average
Summary of Changes in Non-Vested Performance Awards	The changes to the company’s non-vested performance awards during the nine month period ended September 28, 2013, are as follows:
			Shares			Fair Value Price
			(in thousands)			per Share (*)
	Non-vested performance awards at December 29, 2012			509		$	59.36
	Granted			172			77.31
	Vested			(2	)		59.22
	Cancellations			(2	)		69.42
	Non-vested performance awards at September 28, 2013			677			63.89
	*	Weighted-average
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Summary of Weighted-Average Assumptions of Fair Value Granted Using Black-Scholes Valuation Model	The following weighted-average assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of cash-settled SARs granted during the nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, using the Black-Scholes valuation model:
			Nine Months Ended
			September 28,			September 29,
			2013			2012
	Expected term of cash-settled SARs (in years)			3.55			4.74
	Expected volatility factor			26.12	%		37.11	%
	Expected dividend yield			2.68	%		2.72	%
	Risk-free interest rate			0.63	%		0.62	%
Summary of Changes in Non-Vested Awards	Changes to the company’s non-vested cash-settled SARs during the nine month period ended September 28, 2013, are as follows:
			Cash-settled			Fair Value Price
			SARs			per Share (*)
			(in thousands)
	Non-vested SARs at December 29, 2012			238		$	24.26
	Granted			4			23.89
	Vested			(113	)		41.95
	Cancellations			(3	)		—
	Non-vested SARs at September 28, 2013			126			36.17
	*	Weighted-average
Stock-Settled SARs [Member]
Summary of Weighted-Average Assumptions of Fair Value Granted Using Black-Scholes Valuation Model	The following weighted-average assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of stock-settled SARs granted during the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, using the Black-Scholes valuation model:
			Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
			September 28, 2013			September 28, 2013
	Expected term of stock-settled SARs (in years)			3.67			4.24
	Expected volatility factor			26.39	%		33.92	%
	Expected dividend yield			2.68	%		2.67	%
	Risk-free interest rate			0.64	%		0.91	%
Summary of Changes in Non-Vested Awards	Changes to the company’s non-vested stock-settled SARs during the nine month period ended September 28, 2013, are as follows:
			Stock-settled			Exercise			Remaining			Aggregate
			SARs			Price Per			Contractual			Intrinsic
			(in thousands)			Share (*)			Term (*)			Value
									(in years)			(in millions)
	Outstanding at December 29, 2012			—		$	—
	Granted			122			79.29
	Exercised			—			—
	Forfeited or expired			—			—
	Outstanding at September 28, 2013			122			79.29			9.4		$	2.5
	Exercisable at September 28, 2013			—			—			—			—
	*	Weighted-average

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	The shares used in the computation of the company’s basic and diluted earnings per common share are as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding		58,163,261		58,257,569		58,221,047		58,195,162
	Dilutive effect of stock-based instruments		837,840		600,067		848,938		619,474
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution		59,001,101		58,857,636		59,069,985		58,814,636

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Product Warranty Accrual Activity	Snap-on’s product warranty accrual activity for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, is as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in millions)	September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Warranty reserve:
	Beginning of period	$	17.9		$	18.4		$	18.9		$	18.6
	Additions		3.5			2.6			8.3			7.7
	Usage		(2.4	)		(2.1	)		(8.2	)		(7.4	)
	End of period	$	19		$	18.9		$	19		$	18.9

Other_Income_Expense_Net_Table

Other Income (Expense) - Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Computation of Other Income (Expense) - Net	“Other income (expense) – net” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings consists of the following:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in millions)	September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest income	$	0.1		$	—		$	0.3		$	0.5
	Foreign exchange loss		(0.9	)		(0.2	)		(3.4	)		(0.9	)
	Other		—			—			—			(0.1	)
	Total other income (expense) – net	$	(0.8	)	$	(0.2	)	$	(3.1	)	$	(0.5	)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in Accumulated OCI by Component, Net of Tax	The changes in Accumulated OCI by component, net of tax, for the third quarter of 2013 are as follows:
	(Amounts in millions)		Foreign			Cash Flow			Defined			Total
			Currency			Hedges			Benefit
			Translation						Pension and
									Postretirement
									Plans
	Balance as of June 29, 2013		$	85.5		$	1.5		$	(242.9	)	$	(155.9	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			39.3			—			—			39.3
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated OCI			—			(0.1	)		5.6			5.5
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			39.3			(0.1	)		5.6			44.8
	Balance as of September 28, 2013		$	124.8		$	1.4		$	(237.3	)	$	(111.1	)
	The changes in Accumulated OCI by component, net of tax, for the first nine months of 2013 are as follows:
	(Amounts in millions)		Foreign			Cash			Defined			Total
			Currency			Flow			Benefit
			Translation			Hedges			Pension and
									Postretirement
									Plans
	Balance as of December 29, 2012		$	129.7		$	1.7		$	(255.6	)	$	(124.2	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			(4.9	)		—			—			(4.9	)
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated OCI			—			(0.3	)		18.3			18
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			(4.9	)		(0.3	)		18.3			13.1
	Balance as of September 28, 2013		$	124.8		$	1.4		$	(237.3	)	$	(111.1	)
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated OCI	The reclassifications out of Accumulated OCI for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013, are as follows:
	Details about Accumulated OCI Components		Amount Reclassified from						Statement of Earnings
			Accumulated OCI						Presentation
	(Amounts in millions)		Three Months			Nine Months
			Ended			Ended
			September 28,			September 28,
			2013			2013
	Gains on cash flow hedges:
	Treasury locks		$	0.1		$	0.3		Interest expense
				—			—		Income tax expense
				0.1			0.3		Net of tax
	Amortization of defined benefit pension plan items:
	Prior service cost and unrecognized loss			(10.2	)		(30.5	)	See footnote below*
				4.6			12.2		Income tax expense
				(5.6	)		(18.3	)	Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(5.5	)	$	(18.0	)	Net of tax
	*	These Accumulated OCI components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 10 for more information.

Segments_Tables

Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Net Sales by Segment	Financial data by segment was as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
	(Amounts in millions)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net sales:
	Commercial & Industrial Group	$	275.2		$	280.4		$	807.8		$	850.3
	Snap-on Tools Group		333.8			308.8			1,007.30			950.4
	Repair Systems & Information Group		252.7			222			745			675.5
	Segment net sales		861.7			811.2			2,560.10			2,476.20
	Intersegment eliminations		(108.5	)		(99.6	)		(301.1	)		(291.5	)
	Total net sales	$	753.2		$	711.6		$	2,259.00		$	2,184.70
	Financial Services revenue		45.1			40.5			133.6			118.4
	Total revenues	$	798.3		$	752.1		$	2,392.60		$	2,303.10
	Operating earnings:
	Commercial & Industrial Group	$	36		$	33.4		$	100.2		$	95.4
	Snap-on Tools Group		41.9			40.2			143.6			130.8
	Repair Systems & Information Group		57.9			49.5			171.1			150.3
	Financial Services		31.6			27.9			92.7			77.4
	Segment operating earnings		167.4			151			507.6			453.9
	Corporate		(24.5	)		(26.9	)		(78.0	)		(78.2	)
	Operating earnings	$	142.9		$	124.1		$	429.6		$	375.7
	Interest expense		(14.4	)		(13.6	)		(41.8	)		(41.4	)
	Other income (expense) – net		(0.8	)		(0.2	)		(3.1	)		(0.5	)
	Earnings before income taxes and equity earnings	$	127.7		$	110.3		$	384.7		$	333.8
Assets by Segment
	(Amounts in millions)	September 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
	Assets:
	Commercial & Industrial Group	$	973.2		$	935.2
	Snap-on Tools Group		567.2			537.7
	Repair Systems & Information Group		973.1			927.7
	Financial Services		1,196.40			1,076.30
	Total assets from reportable segments	$	3,709.90		$	3,476.90
	Corporate		443.4			477.7
	Elimination of intersegment receivables		(52.3	)		(52.3	)
	Total assets	$	4,101.00		$	3,902.30

Summary_of_Accounting_Policies2

Summary of Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 29, 2012
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$14,000,000		$14,000,000		$13,500,000
Equity investment dividends			0	0
Purchases from unconsolidated affiliates	$3,500,000	$2,700,000	$11,200,000	$10,800,000
Minimum [Member]
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest under equity method accounting	20.00%		20.00%
Maximum [Member]
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest under equity method accounting	50.00%		50.00%

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	13-May-13	Dec. 29, 2012
		Challenger Lifts Inc [Member]	Challenger Lifts Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Preliminary cash purchase price of acquisition	$38.20	$38.20
2012 sales of acquired entity			$45

Accounts_Receivable_Additional

Accounts Receivable - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Receivables [Abstract]
Minimum payment term for trade and other accounts receivable (in days)	30 days
Maximum payment term for trade and other accounts receivable (in days)	120 days
Average payment term for finance receivables (in months)	34 months
Maximum payment term for contract receivables (in years)	10 years
Minimum period past due to consider receivable balances as delinquent (days)	30 days
Minimum period past due to consider non-accrual finance receivables nonperforming (days)	90 days
Minimum period past due to declare receivable as non-accrual status (days)	90 days
Impaired finance receivables	$13.80	$13.40
Impaired contract receivables	$1.10	$0.90

Accounts_Receivable_Components

Accounts Receivable - Components of Trade and Other Accounts Receivable (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]
Trade and other accounts receivable	$538.20	$516.90
Allowances for doubtful accounts	-16.3	-19
Total trade and other accounts receivable - net	$521.90	$497.90

Accounts_Receivable_Components1

Accounts Receivable - Components of Current Finance and Contract Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]
Finance receivables, net of unearned finance charges of $13.6 million and $8.4 million, respectively	$378.10	$331.70
Contract receivables, net of unearned finance charges of $12.4 million and $9.3 million, respectively	74.5	63.7
Total	452.6	395.4
Allowances for doubtful accounts, finance receivables	-10.7	-8.6
Allowances for doubtful accounts, contract receivables	-1.4	-1
Total	-12.1	-9.6
Total current finance and contract receivables - net	440.5	385.8
Finance receivables - net	367.4	323.1
Contract receivables - net	73.1	62.7
Total current finance and contract receivables - net	$440.50	$385.80

Accounts_Receivable_Components2

Accounts Receivable - Components of Current Finance and Contract Receivables (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]
Unearned finance charges, finance receivables	$13.60	$8.40
Unearned finance charges, contract receivable	$12.40	$9.30

Accounts_Receivable_Components3

Accounts Receivable - Components of Finance and Contract Receivables Beyond One Year (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]
Finance receivables, net of unearned finance charges of $8.5 million and $11.8 million, respectively	$557.80	$512.50
Contract receivables, net of unearned finance charges of $16.6 million and $18.1 million, respectively	213.4	196.6
Total	771.2	709.1
Allowances for doubtful accounts, finance receivables	-17	-17.9
Allowances for doubtful accounts, contract receivables	-2	-2.2
Total	-19	-20.1
Total long-term finance and contract receivables - net	752.2	689
Finance receivables - net	540.8	494.6
Contract receivables - net	211.4	194.4
Total long-term finance and contract receivables - net	$752.20	$689

Accounts_Receivable_Components4

Accounts Receivable - Components of Finance and Contract Receivables Beyond One Year (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]
Unearned finance charges, finance receivables	$8.50	$11.80
Unearned finance charges, contract receivable	$16.60	$18.10

Accounts_Receivable_Aging_of_F

Accounts Receivable - Aging of Finance and Contract Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]
Finance receivables, 30-59 Days Past Due	$8.90	$9.20
Finance receivables, 60-90 Days Past Due	5.5	5.5
Finance receivables, Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	8.3	8.4
Finance receivables, Total Past Due	22.7	23.1
Finance receivables, Total Not Past Due	913.2	821.1
Finance receivables, Total	935.9	844.2
Finance receivables, Greater Than 90 Days Past Due and Accruing	6	6.2
Contract receivables, 30-59 Days Past Due	0.6	1.3
Contract receivables, 60-90 Days Past Due	0.3	0.6
Contract receivables, Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	0.9	1
Contract receivables, Total Past Due	1.8	2.9
Contract receivables, Total Not Past Due	286.1	257.4
Contract receivables, Total	287.9	260.3
Contract receivables, Greater Than 90 Days Past Due and Accruing	$0.10	$0.30

Accounts_Receivable_Schedule_o

Accounts Receivable - Schedule of Performing and Nonperforming Finance and Contract Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Finance Receivables	$935.90	$844.20
Contract Receivables	287.9	260.3
Performing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Finance Receivables	922.1	830.8
Contract Receivables	286.8	259.4
Nonperforming [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Finance Receivables	13.8	13.4
Contract Receivables	$1.10	$0.90

Accounts_Receivable_Schedule_o1

Accounts Receivable - Schedule of Finance and Contract Receivables on Nonaccrual Status (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]
Finance receivables	$7.90	$7.20
Contract receivables	$1.10	$0.90

Accounts_Receivable_Rollforwar

Accounts Receivable - Rollforward of Allowances for Credit Losses for Finance and Contract Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Receivables [Abstract]
Finance receivables, Allowance for doubtful accounts, Beginning of period	$26.60	$25.40	$26.50	$24.20
Finance receivables, Provision for bad debt expense	5.5	5.1	15	13.8
Finance receivables, Charge-offs	-5.5	-4.9	-17.1	-14.5
Finance receivables, Recoveries	1.1	1.1	3.4	3.2
Finance receivables, Currency translation			-0.1
Finance receivables, Allowance for doubtful accounts, End of period	27.7	26.7	27.7	26.7
Contract receivables, Allowance for doubtful accounts, Beginning of period	3.5	4.2	3.2	4.1
Contract receivables, Provision for bad debt expense	0.2	-0.5	1.7	0.1
Contract receivables, Charge-offs	-0.4	-0.5	-1.6	-1.2
Contract receivables, Recoveries	0.1	0.1	0.2	0.3
Contract receivables, Currency translation			-0.1
Contract receivables, Allowance for doubtful accounts, End of period	$3.40	$3.30	$3.40	$3.30

Inventories_Inventories_by_Maj

Inventories - Inventories by Major Classification (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Finished goods	$380.20	$353.60
Work in progress	43.1	38.6
Raw materials	89.2	83.8
Total FIFO value	512.5	476
Excess of current cost over LIFO cost	-72.2	-71.8
Total inventories - net	$440.30	$404.20

Inventories_Additional_Informa

Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013
					Foreign and US Countries [Member]	Foreign and US Countries [Member]	United States [Member]
Geographic Valuation Methodologies Of Inventory [Line Items]
Percentage of FIFO Inventory					60.00%	60.00%	31.00%
Percentage of LIFO Inventory							69.00%
Effect of LIFO inventory liquidation on income	$0	$0	$0	$0

Intangible_and_Other_Assets_Ch

Intangible and Other Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$807.40
Currency translation	5.3
Acquisition	24.7
Ending Balance	837.4
Commercial & Industrial Group [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	306.9
Currency translation	5
Acquisition
Ending Balance	311.9
Snap-on Tools Group [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	12.5
Currency translation
Acquisition
Ending Balance	12.5
Repair Systems & Information Group [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	488
Currency translation	0.3
Acquisition	24.7
Ending Balance	$513

Intangible_and_Other_Assets_Ad

Intangible and Other Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013
						Customer relationships [Member]	Customer relationships [Member]	Trademarks [Member]	Trademarks [Member]
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$837.40		$837.40		$807.40
Preliminary purchase accounting related to acquisition			24.7
Customer relationship value						5.2
Non-amortized trademark								3.2
Accumulated impairment losses	0		0
Weighted-average amortization period (in years)			12 years				16 years		6 years
Customer relationship contractual term, minimum (in years)							3 years
Customer relationship contractual term, maximum (in years)							5 years
Aggregate amortization expense	6.6	6.6	19.4	19.6
Estimated annual amortization expense for fiscal period 2013	25.3		25.3
Estimated annual amortization expense for fiscal period 2014	22.2		22.2
Estimated annual amortization expense for fiscal period 2015	15.9		15.9
Estimated annual amortization expense for fiscal period 2016	12.4		12.4
Estimated annual amortization expense for fiscal period 2017	10.1		10.1
Estimated annual amortization expense for fiscal period 2018	$9		$9

Intangible_and_Other_Assets_Ot

Intangible and Other Assets - Other Intangible Assets by Major Class (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value, Total	$319.80	$299.70
Non-amortized trademarks	52	48.5
Total other intangible assets	371.8	348.2
Accumulated Amortization, Total	-179.3	-161
Total other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-179.3	-161
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value, Total	140.4	135.3
Accumulated Amortization, Total	-60.5	-54.1
Developed Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value, Total	19.4	19.4
Accumulated Amortization, Total	-19	-18.8
Internally Developed Software [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value, Total	121.4	107.2
Accumulated Amortization, Total	-76.8	-66.1
Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value, Total	28.6	28.1
Accumulated Amortization, Total	-20.1	-19.4
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value, Total	2.8	2.6
Accumulated Amortization, Total	-1.6	-1.4
Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value, Total	7.2	7.1
Accumulated Amortization, Total	($1.30)	($1.20)

Intangible_and_Other_Assets_We

Intangible and Other Assets - Weighted-Average Amortization Period by Major Class (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average Amortization (in years)	12 years
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average Amortization (in years)	16 years
Developed Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average Amortization (in years)	5 years
Internally Developed Software [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average Amortization (in years)	3 years
Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average Amortization (in years)	10 years
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average Amortization (in years)	6 years
Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average Amortization (in years)	39 years

Exit_and_Disposal_Activities_R

Exit and Disposal Activities - Recorded Costs Associated with Exit and Disposal Activities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Exit and disposal costs	$1.70	$2.30	$6.40	$16.50
Commercial & Industrial Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Exit and disposal costs	0.6	2.2	2.9	8.9
Snap-on Tools Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Exit and disposal costs	0.2	0.1	0.5	7.2
Repair Systems & Information Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Exit and disposal costs	0.9		2.9	0.4
Financial Services [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Exit and disposal costs			0.1
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Exit and disposal costs	1.3	1	4.4	10.9
Cost of Goods Sold [Member] | Commercial & Industrial Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Exit and disposal costs	0.3	0.9	2.5	3.6
Cost of Goods Sold [Member] | Snap-on Tools Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Exit and disposal costs	0.1	0.1	0.2	7.1
Cost of Goods Sold [Member] | Repair Systems & Information Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Exit and disposal costs	0.9		1.7	0.2
Operating Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Exit and disposal costs	0.4	1.3	1.9	5.6
Operating Expenses [Member] | Commercial & Industrial Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Exit and disposal costs	0.3	1.3	0.4	5.3
Operating Expenses [Member] | Snap-on Tools Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Exit and disposal costs	0.1		0.3	0.1
Operating Expenses [Member] | Repair Systems & Information Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Exit and disposal costs			1.2	0.2
Operating Expenses [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Exit and disposal costs			$0.10

Exit_and_Disposal_Activities_A

Exit and Disposal Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring costs incurred	$1.70	$2.30	$6.40	$16.50
Accrued restructuring costs	1.7		6
Pension settlement costs				$6.80

Exit_and_Disposal_Activities_C

Exit and Disposal Activities - Components of Exit and Disposal Accrual Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$5.50	$7.20
Provision	1.7	4.3
Usage	-1.2	-6
Ending Balance	6	5.5
Employee Severance [Member] | Commercial & Industrial Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	3.5	6.2
Provision	0.6	2.2
Usage	-0.9	-4.9
Ending Balance	3.2	3.5
Employee Severance [Member] | Snap-on Tools Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	0.1	0.1
Provision	0.2	0.1
Usage		-0.1
Ending Balance	0.3	0.1
Employee Severance [Member] | Repair Systems & Information Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1.8	0.7
Provision	0.9	1.9
Usage	-0.2	-0.8
Ending Balance	2.5	1.8
Employee Severance [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance
Provision		0.1
Usage		-0.1
Ending Balance
Facility Closing [Member] | Commercial & Industrial Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	0.1	0.2
Provision
Usage	-0.1	-0.1
Ending Balance		$0.10

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Income Tax [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	32.30%	33.10%
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits	$2.40
Minimum [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits	0
Increase in unrecognized tax benefits	0
Maximum [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits	1
Increase in unrecognized tax benefits	$0.80

Shortterm_and_Longterm_Debt_Sh

Short-term and Long-term Debt - Short-term and Long-term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Other debt	$28.80	$25.60
Long-term debt including current maturities	978.8	975.6
Less: notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	-117.7	-5.2
Total long-term debt	861.1	970.4
5.85% Unsecured Notes Due March 2014 [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Unsecured notes	100	100
5.50% Unsecured Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Unsecured notes	150	150
4.25% Unsecured Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Unsecured notes	250	250
6.70% Unsecured Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Unsecured notes	200	200
6.125% Unsecured Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Unsecured notes	$250	$250

Shortterm_and_Longterm_Debt_Sh1

Short-term and Long-term Debt - Short-term and Long-term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
5.85% Unsecured Notes Due March 2014 [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Unsecured notes, interest rate	5.85%	5.85%
Unsecured notes, maturity Month and year	2014-03	2014-03
5.50% Unsecured Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Unsecured notes, interest rate	5.50%	5.50%
Unsecured notes, maturity year	2017	2017
4.25% Unsecured Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Unsecured notes, interest rate	4.25%	4.25%
Unsecured notes, maturity year	2018	2018
6.70% Unsecured Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Unsecured notes, interest rate	6.70%	6.70%
Unsecured notes, maturity year	2019	2019
6.125% Unsecured Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Unsecured notes, interest rate	6.13%	6.13%
Unsecured notes, maturity year	2021	2021

Shortterm_and_Longterm_Debt_Ad

Short-term and Long-term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	$117.70	$5.20
Other notes payable	17.7
5.85% Unsecured Notes Due March 2014 [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Unsecured notes	100	100
Unsecured notes, maturity date	1-Mar-14
Unsecured notes, interest rate	5.85%	5.85%
Five-year Multi-Currency Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, amount available	700
Revolving credit facility, outstanding amount	0
Debt maturity term	Five-year
Expiration date of the agreement	27-Sep-18
Debt instrument, restrictive covenants	(i) a ratio not greater than 0.60 to 1.00 of consolidated net debt (consolidated debt net of certain cash adjustments) to the sum of such consolidated net debt plus total equity and less accumulated other comprehensive income or loss; or (ii) a ratio not greater than 3.50 to 1.00 of such consolidated net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and certain other adjustments for the preceding four fiscal quarters then ended. As of September 28, 2013, the company's actual ratios of 0.31 and 1.41, respectively, were both within the permitted ranges set forth in this financial covenant.
Maximum limit of required debt-to-capital ratio	0.6
Maximum limit of required debt-to-income ratio	3.5
Actual debt-to-capital ratio	0.31
Actual debt-to-income ratio	1.41
364 Day Loan and Servicing Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Debt maturity term	364-day
Expiration date of the agreement	27-Sep-13
Unused available debt capacity	200
Original multi-currency revolving credit facility [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, amount available	$500
Expiration date of the agreement	8-Dec-16

Financial_Instruments_Addition

Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 29, 2012
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Long-term debt related to interest rate swaps	$11.30		$11.30		$21.40
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	-0.9	-0.2	-3.4	-0.9
Maximum maturity date of fair value hedge (in years)			8 years
Derivative gain expected to reclassify from Accumulated OCI into earnings, in the next 12 months, net of tax	0.2		0.2
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Derivative Gain (Losses) recognized	8	7.9	2.1	5
Transaction Gain (Losses) on net exposures	-8.9	-8.1	-5.5	-5.9
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	-0.9	-0.2	-3.4	-0.9
Equity Forwards [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Equity forwards in place of common stock associated with its deferred compensation plans	110,800		110,800
Treasury Locks [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Treasury lock settled	0	0	0	0
Treasury locks outstanding	0		0		0
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Foreign currency forwards outstanding	202.6		202.6		199
Buy Contracts [Member] | Euros [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Foreign currency forwards outstanding	93.5		93.5		90
Buy Contracts [Member] | Swedish Kronor [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Foreign currency forwards outstanding	63.5		63.5		74.9
Buy Contracts [Member] | British Pounds [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Foreign currency forwards outstanding	19.9		19.9		33
Buy Contracts [Member] | Australian Dollars [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Foreign currency forwards outstanding	34		34		34.7
Buy Contracts [Member] | Singapore Dollars [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Foreign currency forwards outstanding	14		14		12
Buy Contracts [Member] | Hong Kong Dollars [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Foreign currency forwards outstanding	8		8		7
Buy Contracts [Member] | South Korean Won [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Foreign currency forwards outstanding	4.8		4.8		5.1
Buy Contracts [Member] | Chilean Pesos [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Foreign currency forwards outstanding					2.5
Buy Contracts [Member] | Other Currencies [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Foreign currency forwards outstanding	5.9		5.9		3.5
Sell Contracts [Member] | Other Currencies [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Foreign currency forwards outstanding	4.2		4.2		4.9
Sell Contracts [Member] | Canadian Dollars [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Foreign currency forwards outstanding	23.8		23.8		41.6
Sell Contracts [Member] | Japanese Yen [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Foreign currency forwards outstanding	13		13		11.1
Sell Contracts [Member] | Turkish Lira [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Foreign currency forwards outstanding					2.6
Sell Contracts [Member] | Argentine Pesos [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Foreign currency forwards outstanding					3.5
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate swaps outstanding and designated as fair value hedges	$100		$100		$100

Financial_Instruments_Fair_Val

Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Included within Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	$36.40	$30.30
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	2.5	1.8
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	11.3	21.4
Liability Derivatives Fair Value
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	25.1	8.9
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	2.5	1.8
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	14.1	8.9
Liability Derivatives Fair Value
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives Fair Value
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	2.5	1.8
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Equity Forwards [Member] | Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	11
Liability Derivatives Fair Value

Financial_Instruments_Derivati

Financial Instruments - Derivative Instruments Designated as Fair Value Hedges Included in Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Detail) (Interest Rate Swaps [Member], Interest Expense [Member], Fair Value Hedging [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Interest Expense [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Effective Portion of Gain / (Loss) Recognized in Income	$1	$0.80	$3	$2.50

Financial_Instruments_Effects_

Financial Instruments - Effects of Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated OCI on Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (Treasury Locks [Member], Interest Expense [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Treasury Locks [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Effective Portion of Gain / (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI
Effective Portion of Gain Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income	$0.10	$0.10	$0.30	$0.30

Financial_Instruments_Derivati1

Financial Instruments - Derivative Instruments not Designated as Hedges Included in Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Detail) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] | Other Income (Expense) - Net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain Recognized in Income	$8	$7.90	$2.10	$5
Equity Forwards [Member] | Operating Expenses [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain Recognized in Income	$1.30		$2.40

Financial_Instruments_Fair_Val1

Financial Instruments - Fair Values of Financial Instruments not Approximating Carrying Values in Financial Statements (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt and notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	$978.80	$975.60
Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Finance receivables - net	908.2	817.7
Contract receivables - net	284.5	257.1
Long-term debt and notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	978.8	975.6
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Finance receivables - net	1,054	948.9
Contract receivables - net	326	300.6
Long-term debt and notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	$1,090	$1,126.70

Pension_Plans_Net_Periodic_Pen

Pension Plans - Net Periodic Pension Cost (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Settlement loss recognized				$6.80
Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	5.2	5.3	15.4	15.8
Interest cost	12.9	12.9	38.7	38.7
Expected return on plan assets	-17.7	-16.6	-53	-49.6
Amortization of unrecognized loss	10.4	10.4	31.1	31.2
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-0.2	0.3	-0.6	0.9
Settlement loss recognized				6.8
Net periodic pension and postretirement cost	$10.60	$12.30	$31.60	$43.80

Pension_Plans_Additional_Infor

Pension Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013
Foreign Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected future employer contributions	$10.20
Domestic Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected future employer contributions	1.3
Discretionary cash contribution by employer	15
Cash contributed by employer	16
Contribution required by law	$1

Postretirement_Health_Care_Pla2

Postretirement Health Care Plans - Postretirement Health Care Plans (Detail) (Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Postretirement Health Care Plans [Line Items]
Service cost			$0.10	$0.10
Interest cost	0.5	0.7	1.6	2
Expected return on plan assets	-0.2	-0.2	-0.8	-0.7
Net periodic pension and postretirement cost	$0.30	$0.50	$0.90	$1.40

Recovered_Sheet1

Stock-Based Compensation and Other Stock Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

2011 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan [Member]

Employees Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employees Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employees Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employees Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Franchisee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Franchisee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Franchisee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Franchisee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Stock Option [Member]

Stock Option [Member]

Stock Option [Member]

Stock Option [Member]

Performance Awards [Member]

Performance Awards [Member]

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]

Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]

Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]

Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]

Stock-Settled SARs [Member]

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

2011 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan [Member]

Board of Directors [Member]

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]

Number of shares available for future grants

2,850,014

Net stock-based expense

$9.40

$8.90

$28.90

$25

Cash received from stock purchase and option plan exercises

1.8

17.8

27.9

40.3

Tax benefit realized from exercise of share-based payment

0.7

3.8

11.2

8.8

Weighted average contractual term (in years)

10 years

3 years

10 years

Weighted-average grant date fair value

$17.36

$15.46

Aggregate intrinsic value exercised

1.7

10.1

12.7

18.8

Fair value of stock options vested

7.9

5.7

Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested award

14.1

14.1

15.9

4.6

4.6

1.7

Cost expected to be recognized over weighted-average period, in years

2 years

1 year 8 months 12 days

1 year 1 month 6 days

2 years 4 months 24 days

Maximum stock percentage to be awarded

100.00%

Performance period for awards granted (in years)

3 years

1 year

Awards granted vesting period (in years)

2 years

Weighted-average grant date fair value granted

$77.31

$60

$23.89

$17.47

Performance awards shares paid out

213,459

53,990

Shares granted

95,047

159,970

4,000

122,000

13,437

Units granted vesting date

2014

2013

Shares Vested

1,614

1,614

113,000

Intrinsic value of stock exercised

0.9

1

3.6

3

Fair value of stock vested

4.8

3.2

Number of shares issued

93,442

33,596

105,406

48,819

Number of shares reserved for issuance

921,624

921,624

304,839

304,839

Employee Contributions For Purchase Of Common Stock

1

1.6

Stock based compensation expense

$0.10

$0.10

$2.40

$0.10

$0.20

$0.20

$2.70

$0.20

Employee stock purchase plan, description

The purchase price of the company's common stock to participants is the lesser of the mean of the high and low price of the stock on the beginning date (May 15) or ending date (the following May 14) of each plan year

Franchisee stock purchase plan, description

All franchisees in the United States and Canada are eligible to participate in a franchisee stock purchase plan. The purchase price of the company's common stock to participants is the lesser of the mean of the high and low price of the stock on the beginning date (May 15) or ending date (the following May 14) of each plan year

Recovered_Sheet2

Stock-Based Compensation and Other Stock Plans - Summary of Weighted-Average Assumptions of Fair Value Granted Using Black-Scholes Valuation Model (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Stock Option [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Expected term of option (in years)	3 years 8 months 1 day	5 years 3 months 15 days	4 years 3 months 15 days	5 years 4 months 10 days
Expected volatility factor	26.39%	37.33%	33.79%	36.93%
Expected dividend yield	2.68%	2.73%	2.67%	2.72%
Risk-free interest rate	0.64%	0.67%	0.79%	0.82%
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Expected term of option (in years)			3 years 6 months 18 days	4 years 8 months 27 days
Expected volatility factor			26.12%	37.11%
Expected dividend yield			2.68%	2.72%
Risk-free interest rate			0.63%	0.62%
Stock-Settled SARs [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Expected term of option (in years)	3 years 8 months 1 day		4 years 2 months 27 days
Expected volatility factor	26.39%		33.92%
Expected dividend yield	2.68%		2.67%
Risk-free interest rate	0.64%		0.91%

StockBased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (Stock Option [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013
Stock Option [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding at December 29, 2012	2,161
Shares, Granted	641
Shares, Exercised	-335
Shares, Forfeited or expired	-13
Shares, Outstanding at September 28, 2013	2,454
Shares, Exercisable at September 28, 2013	1,226
Exercise Price per Share at December 29, 2012	$50.48
Exercise Price per Share, Granted	$79.07
Exercise Price per Share, Exercised	$47.50
Exercise Price Per Share, Forfeited or expired	$64.18
Exercise Price per Share, Outstanding at September 28,2013	$58.29
Exercise Price per Share, Exercisable at September 28,2013	$46.88
Outstanding Remaining Contractual Term (in years) at September 28,2013	7 years 2 months 12 days
Exercisable Remaining Contractual Term (in years) at September 28, 2013	5 years 2 months 12 days
Outstanding, Average Intrinsic Value at September 28,2013	$101.70
Exercisable, Average Intrinsic Value at September 28,2013	$64.80

StockBased_Compensation_and_Ot2

Stock-Based Compensation and Other Stock Plans - Summary of Changes in Non-Vested Awards (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Shares, Non-vested performance awards at December 29, 2012	238,000
Shares, Granted	4,000
Shares, Vested	-113,000
Shares, Cancellations	-3,000
Shares, Non-vested performance awards at September 28,2013	126,000
Fair Value Price per Share, Non-vested performance awards at December 29, 2012	$24.26
Fair Value Price per Share, Granted	$23.89
Fair Value Price per Share, Vested	$41.95
Fair Value Price per Share, Cancellations
Fair Value Price per Share, Non-vested performance awards at September 28, 2013	$36.17
Nonvested Performance Shares [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Shares, Non-vested performance awards at December 29, 2012	509,000
Shares, Granted	172,000
Shares, Vested	-2,000
Shares, Cancellations	-2,000
Shares, Non-vested performance awards at September 28,2013	677,000
Fair Value Price per Share, Non-vested performance awards at December 29, 2012	$59.36
Fair Value Price per Share, Granted	$77.31
Fair Value Price per Share, Vested	$59.22
Fair Value Price per Share, Cancellations	$69.42
Fair Value Price per Share, Non-vested performance awards at September 28, 2013	$63.89
Stock-Settled SARs [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Shares, Non-vested performance awards at December 29, 2012
Shares, Granted	122,000
Shares, Exercised
Shares, Forfeited or expired
Shares, Non-vested performance awards at September 28,2013	122,000
Shares, Exercisable at September 28, 2013
Fair Value Price per Share, Granted	$17.47
Granted, Exercise Price Per Share	$79.29
Exercised, Exercise Price Per Share
Forfeited or expired, Exercise Price Per Share
Outstanding at September 28, 2013, Exercise Price Per Share	$79.29
Exercisable at September 28 ,2013, Exercise Price Per Share
Outstanding at September 28, 2013, Remaining Contractual Term	9 years 4 months 24 days
Outstanding at September 28, 2013, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$2.50
Exercisable at September 28, 2013, Aggregate Intrinsic Value

Earnings_Per_Share_Computation

Earnings Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	58,163,261	58,257,569	58,221,047	58,195,162
Dilutive effect of stock-based instruments	837,840	600,067	848,938	619,474
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution	59,001,101	58,857,636	59,069,985	58,814,636

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (Stock Compensation Plan [Member])	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Options to purchase common stock	0	0	0	395,524

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Product Warranty Accrual Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning of period	$17.90	$18.40	$18.90	$18.60
Additions	3.5	2.6	8.3	7.7
Usage	-2.4	-2.1	-8.2	-7.4
End of period	$19	$18.90	$19	$18.90

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Risks And Uncertainties [Abstract]
Franchisee leases sold with recourse provisions	$9.10	$13.30
Minimum term required for leases to recourse (in days)	90 days

Other_Income_Expense_Net_Compu

Other Income (Expense) - Net - Computation of Other Income (Expense) - Net (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Interest income	$0.10		$0.30	$0.50
Foreign exchange loss	-0.9	-0.2	-3.4	-0.9
Other				-0.1
Total other income (expense) - net	($0.80)	($0.20)	($3.10)	($0.50)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Changes in Accumulated OCI by Component, Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	($155.90)	($124.20)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	39.3	-4.9
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated OCI	5.5	18
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	44.8	13.1	43.6
Ending balance	-111.1	-111.1
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	85.5	129.7
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	39.3	-4.9
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated OCI
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	39.3	-4.9
Ending balance	124.8	124.8
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1.5	1.7
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated OCI	-0.1	-0.3
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-0.1	-0.3
Ending balance	1.4	1.4
Defined Benefit Pension and post retirement [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-242.9	-255.6
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated OCI	5.6	18.3
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	5.6	18.3
Ending balance	($237.30)	($237.30)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Reclassifications Out of Accumulated OCI (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income tax expense	$40.80	$34.90	$122.10	$108.40
Reclassification out of AOCI [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net of tax	-5.5		-18
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of AOCI [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income tax expense
Net of tax	0.1		0.3
Defined Benefit Pension and post retirement [Member] | Reclassification out of AOCI [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Prior service cost and unrecognized loss	-10.2		-30.5
Income tax expense	4.6		12.2
Net of tax	-5.6		-18.3
Treasury Locks [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of AOCI [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense	$0.10		$0.30

Segments_Net_Sales_by_Segment_

Segments - Net Sales by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$753.20	$711.60	$2,259	$2,184.70
Financial services revenue	45.1	40.5	133.6	118.4
Total revenues	798.3	752.1	2,392.60	2,303.10
Operating earnings	142.9	124.1	429.6	375.7
Interest expense	-14.4	-13.6	-41.8	-41.4
Other income (expense) - net	-0.8	-0.2	-3.1	-0.5
Earnings before income taxes and equity earnings	127.7	110.3	384.7	333.8
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	861.7	811.2	2,560.10	2,476.20
Operating earnings	167.4	151	507.6	453.9
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	-108.5	-99.6	-301.1	-291.5
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating earnings	-24.5	-26.9	-78	-78.2
Commercial & Industrial Group [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	275.2	280.4	807.8	850.3
Operating earnings	36	33.4	100.2	95.4
Snap-on Tools Group [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	333.8	308.8	1,007.30	950.4
Operating earnings	41.9	40.2	143.6	130.8
Repair Systems & Information Group [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	252.7	222	745	675.5
Operating earnings	57.9	49.5	171.1	150.3
Financial Services [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating earnings	$31.60	$27.90	$92.70	$77.40

Segments_Assets_by_Segment_Det

Segments - Assets by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$4,101	$3,902.30
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	3,709.90	3,476.90
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	443.4	477.7
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	-52.3	-52.3
Commercial & Industrial Group [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	973.2	935.2
Snap-on Tools Group [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	567.2	537.7
Repair Systems & Information Group [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	973.1	927.7
Financial Services [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$1,196.40	$1,076.30