Document And Entity Information - shares
 9 Months Ended
Oct. 01, 2016
Oct. 31, 2016
Entity Information Line Items [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name BRUNSWICK CORP  
Entity Central Index Key 0000014930  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   89,689,502
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Oct. 01, 2016