Business Acquisitions, Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2012		Jan. 02, 2011
Unaudited pro forma financial information
Net sales	$ 1,966.0	[1]	$ 1,850.2	[1]
Net income from continuing operations	133.5	[1]	113.6	[1]
Net income attributable to Teledyne	$ 246.6	[1]	$ 114.2	[1]
Basic earnings per common share – continuing operations (in USD per share)	$ 3.65	[1]	$ 3.14	[1]
Basic earnings per common share – attributable to Teledyne (in USD per share)	$ 6.74	[1]	$ 3.15	[1]
Diluted earnings per common share – continuing operations (in USD per share)	$ 3.58	[1]	$ 3.08	[1]
Diluted earnings per common share – attributable to Teledyne (in USD per share)	$ 6.61	[1]	$ 3.09	[1]

[1] The above unaudited proforma information is presented for the DALSA acquisition as it is considered a material acquisition.