Document And Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	REGAL BELOIT CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000082811
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 29, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-29
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float	$ 2,562.4
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	45.0