Receivables (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012 Y M D	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011
Distribution Of Commercial Mortgage Loans [Line Items]
Minimum payment term for trade and other accounts receivable (in days)	30
Maximum payment term for trade and other accounts receivable (in days)	120
Average payment term for finance receivables (in months)	32
Maximum payment term for contract receivables (in years)	10
Minimum period past due to consider receivable balances as delinquent (days)	30
Minimum period past due to consider non-accrual finance receivables nonperforming (days)	90
Minimum period past due to declare receivable as non-accrual status (days)	90
Impaired finance receivables	$ 13.4	$ 11.5
Impaired contract receivables	0.9	0.7
Remaining portfolio of receivables owned by CIT being serviced by SOC	53.8
Contractual servicing fees	$ 1.4	$ 2.3	$ 4.9