Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Components Of Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011	Oct. 01, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Oct. 01, 2010
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income	$ 27,196	$ 32,842	$ 120,246	$ 67,765
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(45,640)	30,091	(21,525)	2,438
Net unrealized actuarial gain (loss)	(613)	(72)	(698)	(46)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(19,057)	62,861	98,023	70,157
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling	(775)	(3)	(1,106)	669
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Trimble Navigation Ltd.	$ (18,282)	$ 62,864	$ 99,129	$ 69,488

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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-Glossary Comprehensive Income

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+ Details

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to noncontrolling interests, if any. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency of the reporting entity, net of tax.

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- Definition

Appreciation or loss in value (before reclassification adjustment) of the total of unsold securities during the period being reported on, net of tax. Reclassification adjustments include: (1) the unrealized holding gain (loss), net of tax, at the date of the transfer for a debt security from the held-to-maturity category transferred into the available-for-sale category. Also includes the unrealized gain (loss) at the date of transfer for a debt security from the available-for-sale category transferred into the held-to-maturity category; (2) the unrealized gains (losses) realized upon the sale of securities, after tax; and (3) the unrealized gains (losses) realized upon the write-down of securities, after tax.

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- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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