Accrual related to maritime and non-maritime cases

No definition available.

Name:	bgc_AccrualRelatedToMaritimeAndNonMaritimeCasesGross
Namespace Prefix:	bgc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Accrual Related to Maritime and Non Maritime Cases, Net of Insurance Recoveries

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bgc_AccrualRelatedToMaritimeAndNonMaritimeCasesNetOfInsuranceRecoveries
Namespace Prefix:	bgc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Aggregate Litigation Expense, Amount

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bgc_AggregateLitigationExpenseAmount
Namespace Prefix:	bgc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Aggregate Litigation Settlement, Expense Amount

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bgc_AggregateLitigationSettlementExpenseAmount
Namespace Prefix:	bgc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contribution in loss by acquiree in indemnity for fifth and sixth years.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bgc_ContributionInLossByAcquireeInIndemnityForFifthAndSixthYears
Namespace Prefix:	bgc_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Contribution in loss by acquiree in indemnity for the first year.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bgc_ContributionInLossByAcquireeInIndemnityForFirstYear
Namespace Prefix:	bgc_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Contribution in loss by acquiree in indemnity for fourth year.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bgc_ContributionInLossByAcquireeInIndemnityForFourthYear
Namespace Prefix:	bgc_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Contribution in loss by acquiree in indemnity for two and three years.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bgc_ContributionInLossByAcquireeInIndemnityForTwoAndThreeYears
Namespace Prefix:	bgc_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Indemnity Arising Due To Sale Of Business To Acquiree, Term

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bgc_IndemnityArisingDueToSaleOfBusinessToAcquireeTerm
Namespace Prefix:	bgc_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Indemnity limit arising due to sale of business to acquiree.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bgc_IndemnityLimitArisingDueToSaleOfBusinessToAcquiree
Namespace Prefix:	bgc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum indemnity amount under agreement with acquiree.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bgc_MaximumIndemnityAmountUnderAgreementWithAcquiree
Namespace Prefix:	bgc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Non-maritime cases against company.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bgc_NonMaritimeCasesAgainstCompany
Namespace Prefix:	bgc_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Other guarantees.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bgc_OtherGuarantees
Namespace Prefix:	bgc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Performance bonds.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bgc_PerformanceBonds
Namespace Prefix:	bgc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Total costs accrued as of the balance sheet date for environmental loss contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 410

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 7

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6393242&loc=d3e13207-110859

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 96-1

-Paragraph 161

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14326-108349

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section 25

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6395460&loc=d3e13647-108346

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 5

-Paragraph 9

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The estimated range of reasonably possible losses resulting from an adverse position taken by a taxing authority.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)

-Number 14

-Paragraph 3

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 15

-Subparagraph (d)(3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationRangeOfPossibleLosses
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount recovered from insurance. These recoveries reduce costs and losses that are reported as a separate line item under operating expenses.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of expense provided in the period for legal costs incurred on or before the balance sheet date pertaining to resolved, pending or threatened litigation, including arbitration and mediation proceedings.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 5

-Paragraph 9

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LegalFees
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This element represents the expenses incurred by the entity which are directly related and attributable to receiving an award in settlement of litigation.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationSettlementExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of required minimum rental payments maturing in the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 13

-Paragraph 122

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 40

-Subparagraph (Note 3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584154&loc=d3e38371-112697

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6453985&loc=d3e41502-112717

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 13

-Paragraph 16

-Subparagraph b(i)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of required minimum rental payments maturing in the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of required minimum rental payments maturing in the forth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of required minimum rental payments maturing in the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of required minimum rental payments maturing in the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of required minimum rental payments maturing after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2012 USD ($) Cases	Sep. 28, 2012 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 Minimum [Member] Brazilian State Claimant [Member] USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Environmental-related accrued liabilities	$ 1.8			$ 1.9
Indemnity arising due to sale of business to Southwire Company, term	10 years	10 years
Indemnity limit arising due to sale of business to Southwire Company	20
Contribution in loss by BICC plc in indemnity for the first year	100.00%	100.00%
Contribution in loss by BICC plc in indemnity for two and three years	75.00%	75.00%
Contribution in loss by BICC plc in indemnity for fourth year	50.00%	50.00%
Contribution in loss by acquiree in indemnity for fifth and sixth years	25.00%	25.00%
Maximum Indemnity amount under agreement with acquiree		4.0
Non-maritime cases against company	29,062	29,062
Accrual related to maritime and non-maritime cases, gross amount	5.1			5.1
Insurance recoveries related to lawsuits	0.5			0.6
Accrual related to maritime and non-maritime cases, net amount	4.7			4.5
Aggregate settlement costs	8.4		7.7
Settlement costs	0.5		0.7
Aggregate Litigation Expense, Amount	20.9		19.1
Legal Fees	1.2		1.7
Principal amount claimed					8
Minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable lease agreement for year 1	38.3
Minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable lease agreement for year 2	31.7
Minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable lease agreement for year 3	28.9
Minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable lease agreement for year 4	26.1
Minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable lease agreement for year 5	21.0
Minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable lease agreement thereafter	13.7
Letters of credit	52.2
Performance bonds	280.7
Other guarantees	$ 194.3