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	95.2	[1]	93.7	[1]	296.1	[1]	283.2	[1]		1.1
Number of employees										300
Revenues	1,512.6		1,491.1		4,437.3		4,462.3		65.0
Net sales	1,512.6	[1]	1,491.1	[1]	4,437.3	[1]	4,462.3	[1]			6.7
Operating income	$ 70.2	[1]	$ 50.0	[1]	$ 192.1	[1]	$ 192.9	[1]			$ 0.3

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