Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share
Net income from continuing operations	$ 42.7	$ 34.1	$ 117.9	$ 105.3
Gain from discontinued operations, net of income taxes				113.1
Net income attributable to Teledyne	$ 42.7	$ 34.1	$ 117.9	$ 218.4
Basic earnings per common share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	36,700,000	36,700,000	36,600,000	36,600,000
Basic earnings per common share
- Continuing operations (in USD per share)	$ 1.16	$ 0.93	$ 3.22	$ 2.88
- Discontinued operations (in USD per share)				$ 3.09
Basic earnings per common share (in USD per share)	$ 1.16	$ 0.93	$ 3.22	$ 5.97
Diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	36,700,000	36,700,000	36,600,000	36,600,000
Dilutive effect of exercise of options outstanding (in shares)	700,000	700,000	700,000	700,000
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding (in shares)	37,400,000	37,400,000	37,300,000	37,300,000
Diluted earnings per common share
- Continuing operations (in USD per share)	$ 1.14	$ 0.91	$ 3.16	$ 2.82
- Discontinued operations (in USD per share)				$ 3.03
Diluted earnings per common share (in USD per share)	$ 1.14	$ 0.91	$ 3.16	$ 5.85
Earnings Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock option excluded in computation of diluted (in shares)	529,240	425,530	264,620	212,765