Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2012	Apr. 03, 2011
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share
Net income from continuing operations	$ 35.7	$ 32.5
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		(0.5)
Net income attributable to Teledyne	$ 35.7	$ 32.0
Basic earnings per common share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding	36.5	36.5
Basic earnings per common share
- Continuing operations	$ 0.98	$ 0.89
- Discontinued operations		$ (0.01)
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.98	$ 0.88
Diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding	36.5	36.5
Dilutive effect of exercise of options outstanding	0.7	0.7
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	37.2	37.2
Diluted earnings per common share
- Continuing operations	$ 0.96	$ 0.87
- Discontinued operations		$ (0.01)
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.96	$ 0.86