v3.3.1.900
Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Apr. 01, 2016
May. 06, 2016
Entity Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Apr. 01, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Trading Symbol TRMB  
Entity Registrant Name TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LTD /CA/  
Entity Central Index Key 0000864749  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-30  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   251,073,522