Subsequent Events (Alcon Cable China) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2011 Alcan Cable [Member] CHINA [Member]	Dec. 03, 2012 Subsequent Event [Member] Alcan Cable [Member] CHINA [Member] employees	Dec. 31, 2012 Subsequent Event [Member] Alcan Cable [Member] CHINA [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cost of acquired entity, purchase price								$ 57.7
Selling, general and administrative expenses	93.5	93.0	[1]	291.7	281.7	[1]		1.1
Number of employees								300
Revenues	1,500.6	1,517.8		4,411.2	4,497.6		65.0
Net sales	1,500.6	1,517.8	[1]	4,411.2	4,497.6	[1]			6.7
Operating income	$ 69.5	$ 58.7	[1]	$ 189.3	$ 203.3	[1]			$ 0.3

[1] See Note 23 - Restatement of Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)