Business Acquisitions, Goodwill and 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	$ 1,850.2
Net income from continuing operations	133.5	113.6
Net income attributable to Teledyne Technologies	$ 246.6	$ 114.2
Basic earnings per common share continuing operations	$ 3.65	$ 3.14
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Teledyne Technologies	$ 6.74	$ 3.15
Diluted earnings per common share continuing operations	$ 3.58	$ 3.08
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Teledyne Technologies	$ 6.61	$ 3.09

The pro forma basic net income per share for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

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