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Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	AMETEK INC/
Entity Central Index Key	0001037868
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2011
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
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 Public Float			$ 7.2
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		160,491,092

Consolidated Statement of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,989,914	$ 2,470,952	$ 2,098,355
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation	1,955,779	1,646,892	1,435,953
Selling, general and administrative	349,321	296,482	254,143
Depreciation	48,873	45,420	42,209
Total operating expenses	2,353,973	1,988,794	1,732,305
Operating income	635,941	482,158	366,050
Other expenses:
Interest expense	(69,729)	(67,522)	(68,750)
Other, net	(9,570)	(8,386)	(2,667)
Income before income taxes	556,642	406,250	294,633
Provision for income taxes	172,178	122,318	88,863
Net income	$ 384,464	$ 283,932	$ 205,770
Basic earnings per share	$ 2.40	$ 1.79	$ 1.28
Diluted earnings per share	$ 2.37	$ 1.76	$ 1.27
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic shares	160,255	159,056	160,182
Diluted shares	162,108	160,884	161,775

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 170,392	$ 163,208
Marketable securities	4,563	5,645
Receivables, less allowance for possible losses	438,245	399,913
Inventories	380,471	335,253
Deferred income taxes	29,268	27,106
Other current assets	36,180	43,367
Total current assets	1,059,119	974,492
Property, plant and equipment, net	325,329	318,126
Goodwill	1,806,237	1,573,645
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	982,957	761,556
Investments and other assets	145,848	191,096
Total assets	4,319,490	3,818,915
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	140,508	97,152
Accounts payable	283,068	236,600
Income taxes payable	24,127	39,026
Accrued liabilities	181,172	178,081
Total current liabilities	628,875	550,859
Long-term debt	1,123,416	1,071,360
Deferred income taxes	389,088	311,466
Other long-term liabilities	125,306	110,026
Total liabilities	2,266,685	2,043,711
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized: 5,000,000 shares; none issued
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized: 400,000,000 shares; issued: 2011 - 169,216,075 shares; 2010 - 168,050,869 shares	1,692	1,681
Capital in excess of par value	316,534	263,290
Retained earnings	2,101,615	1,755,742
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(157,263)	(91,958)
Treasury stock: 2011 - 8,844,495 shares; 2010 - 7,341,520 shares	(209,773)	(153,551)
Total stockholders' equity	2,052,805	1,775,204
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 4,319,490	$ 3,818,915

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	169,216,075	168,050,869
Treasury stock, shares	8,844,495	7,341,520

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Preferred stock	Common stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Foreign currency translation	Defined benefit pension plans	Unrealized holding (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities	Treasury Stock
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2008			$ 1,653	$ 202,449	$ 1,320,470		$ (50,706)	$ (93,360)	$ (701)	$ (92,033)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	$ 1,567,024	$ 0	1,665	223,502	1,500,471	$ (75,281)	(8,096)	(67,121)	(64)	(83,333)
Shares issued			12
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans				3,455						8,700
Share-based compensation costs				13,502
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options				4,096
Net income	205,770				205,770
Cash dividends paid					(25,579)
Other					(190)
Foreign currency translation:
Translation adjustments							38,357
(Loss) gain on net investment hedges, net of tax benefit (expense) of $221, $1,893 and ($2,290) in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively							4,253
Total Foreign Currency Translation							42,610
Defined benefit pension plans:
Change in pension plans, net of tax benefit (expense) of $27,117, ($9,938) and ($15,830) in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively								26,239
Unrealized holding (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities:
(Decrease) increase during the year, net of tax (expense) benefit of ($92), $165 and $343 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively									637
Total other comprehensive (loss) income for the year						69,486
Total comprehensive income for the year						275,256
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	1,775,204	0	1,681	263,290	1,755,742	(91,958)	(41,402)	(50,798)	242	(153,551)
Shares issued			16
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans				14,202						8,391
Share-based compensation costs				16,596
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options				8,990
Net income	283,932				283,932
Cash dividends paid					(28,554)
Other					(107)
Foreign currency translation:
Translation adjustments							(29,791)
(Loss) gain on net investment hedges, net of tax benefit (expense) of $221, $1,893 and ($2,290) in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively							(3,515)
Total Foreign Currency Translation							(33,306)
Defined benefit pension plans:
Change in pension plans, net of tax benefit (expense) of $27,117, ($9,938) and ($15,830) in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively								16,323
Unrealized holding (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities:
(Decrease) increase during the year, net of tax (expense) benefit of ($92), $165 and $343 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively									306
Total other comprehensive (loss) income for the year						(16,677)
Total comprehensive income for the year						267,255
Purchase of treasury stock										(78,609)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	2,052,805	$ 0	1,692	316,534	2,101,615	(157,263)	(58,901)	(98,433)	71	(209,773)
Shares issued			$ 11
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans				18,041						3,114
Share-based compensation costs				22,147
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options				$ 13,056
Net income	$ 384,464				384,464
Cash dividends paid					(38,366)
Other					$ (225)
Foreign currency translation:
Translation adjustments							(17,089)
(Loss) gain on net investment hedges, net of tax benefit (expense) of $221, $1,893 and ($2,290) in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively							(410)
Total Foreign Currency Translation							$ (17,499)
Defined benefit pension plans:
Change in pension plans, net of tax benefit (expense) of $27,117, ($9,938) and ($15,830) in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively								$ (47,635)
Unrealized holding (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities:
(Decrease) increase during the year, net of tax (expense) benefit of ($92), $165 and $343 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively									$ (171)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income for the year						(65,305)
Total comprehensive income for the year						$ 319,159
Purchase of treasury stock										$ (59,336)

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Foreign currency translation
Tax benefit (expense) from investment hedges	$ 221	$ 1,893	$ (2,290)
Defined benefit pension plans
Tax (expense) benefit from change in pension plans	27,117	(9,938)	(15,830)
Unrealized holding (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities
Tax benefit (expense) from increase (decrease) on available-for-sale securities	$ (92)	$ 165	$ 343

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 384,464	$ 283,932	$ 205,770
Adjustments to reconcile net income to total operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	86,532	72,896	65,500
Deferred income tax expense	12,154	3,774	5,768
Share-based compensation expense	22,147	16,596	13,502
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
(Increase) decrease in receivables	(12,450)	(43,179)	87,146
(Increase) decrease in inventories and other current assets	(11,923)	7,334	83,622
Increase (decrease) in payables, accruals and income taxes	28,053	77,773	(91,622)
Increase in other long-term liabilities	550	6,382	3,345
Pension contribution	(5,386)	(3,555)	(21,127)
Other	4,424	1,060	12,767
Total operating activities	508,565	423,013	364,671
Investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(50,816)	(39,183)	(33,062)
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired	(474,441)	(538,585)	(72,919)
Decrease (increase) in marketable securities	985	(619)	(638)
Other	(2,181)	11,564	275
Total investing activities	(526,453)	(566,823)	(106,344)
Financing activities:
Net change in short-term borrowings	41,550	92,364	(13,013)
Additional long-term borrowings	58,981	125,120	1,466
Reduction in long-term borrowings	(1,463)	(78,200)	(80,817)
Repurchases of common stock	(59,336)	(78,609)
Cash dividends paid	(38,366)	(28,554)	(25,579)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	13,056	8,990	4,096
Proceeds from employee stock plans and other	17,436	21,518	11,328
Total financing activities	31,858	62,629	(102,519)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(6,786)	(1,967)	3,568
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	7,184	(83,148)	159,376
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	163,208	246,356	86,980
End of year	$ 170,392	$ 163,208	$ 246,356

Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies

1.	Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of AMETEK, Inc. (the “Company”), and include the accounts of the Company and subsidiaries, after elimination of all intercompany transactions in the consolidation. The Company’s investments in 50% or less owned joint ventures are accounted for by the equity method of accounting. Such investments are not significant to the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash Equivalents, Securities and Other Investments

All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, all of the Company’s equity securities and fixed-income securities (primarily those of a captive insurance subsidiary) are classified as “available-for-sale,” although the Company may hold fixed-income securities until their maturity dates. Fixed-income securities generally mature within three years. The aggregate market value of equity and fixed-income securities at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $7.3 million ($7.3 million amortized cost) and $4.7 million ($4.5 million amortized cost), respectively. The temporary unrealized gain or loss on such securities is recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (in stockholders’ equity), and is not significant. Certain of the Company’s other investments, which are not significant, are also accounted for by the equity method of accounting as discussed above.

Accounts Receivable

The Company maintains allowances for estimated losses resulting from the inability of specific customers to meet their financial obligations to the Company. A specific reserve for doubtful receivables is recorded against the amount due from these customers. For all other customers, the Company recognizes reserves for doubtful receivables based on the length of time specific receivables are past due based on past experience. The allowance for possible losses on receivables was $7.8 million and $6.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. See Note 7.

Inventories

The Company uses the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method of accounting, which approximates current replacement cost, for 74% of its inventories at December 31, 2011. The last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method of accounting is used to determine cost for the remaining 26% of the Company’s inventory at December 31, 2011. For inventories where cost is determined by the LIFO method, the excess of the FIFO value over the LIFO value was $25.1 million and $23.9 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company provides estimated inventory reserves for slow-moving and obsolete inventory based on current assessments about future demand, market conditions, customers who may be experiencing financial difficulties and related management initiatives.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for additions to plant facilities, or that extend their useful lives, are capitalized. The cost of minor tools, jigs and dies, and maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation of plant and equipment is calculated principally on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. The range of lives for depreciable assets is generally three to ten years for machinery and equipment, five to 27 years for leasehold improvements and 25 to 50 years for buildings.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue on product sales in the period when the sales process is complete. This generally occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with terms of an agreement of sale, under which title and risk of loss have been transferred, collectability is reasonably assured and pricing is fixed or determinable. For a small percentage of sales where title and risk of loss passes at point of delivery, the Company recognizes revenue upon delivery to the customer, assuming all other criteria for revenue recognition are met. The policy, with respect to sales returns and allowances, generally provides that the customer may not return products or be given allowances, except at the Company’s option. The Company has agreements with distributors that do not provide expanded rights of return for unsold products. The distributor purchases the product from the Company, at which time title and risk of loss transfers to the distributor. The Company does not offer substantial sales incentives and credits to its distributors other than volume discounts. The Company accounts for these sales incentives as a reduction of revenues when the sale is recognized in the income statement. Accruals for sales returns, other allowances and estimated warranty costs are provided at the time revenue is recognized based upon past experience. At December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the accrual for future warranty obligations was $22.5 million, $18.3 million and $16.0 million, respectively. The Company’s expense for warranty obligations was $13.2 million in 2011, $10.6 million in 2010 and $8.2 million in 2009. The warranty periods for products sold vary widely among the Company’s operations, but for the most part do not exceed one year. The Company calculates its warranty expense provision based on past warranty experience and adjustments are made periodically to reflect actual warranty expenses.

Research and Development

Company-funded research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred and were $78.0 million in 2011, $56.8 million in 2010 and $50.5 million in 2009.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales and were $35.9 million in 2011, $33.3 million in 2010 and $24.6 million in 2009.

Earnings Per Share

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares considered outstanding during the periods. The calculation of diluted earnings per share reflects the effect of all potentially dilutive securities (principally outstanding stock options and restricted stock grants). The number of weighted average shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share was as follows for the years ended December 31:

2011

2010

2009

(In thousands)

Weighted average shares:

Basic shares

160,255

159,056

160,182

Equity-based compensation plans

1,853

1,828

1,593

Diluted shares

162,108

160,884

161,775

Financial Instruments and Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and their results of operations are translated using average exchange rates for the year. Certain transactions of the Company and its subsidiaries are made in currencies other than their functional currency. Exchange gains and losses from those transactions are included in operating results for the year.

The Company makes infrequent use of derivative financial instruments. Forward contracts are entered into from time to time to hedge specific firm commitments for certain inventory purchases or export sales, thereby minimizing the Company’s exposure to raw material commodity price or foreign currency fluctuation. No forward contracts were outstanding at December 31, 2011 or 2010. In instances where transactions are designated as hedges of an underlying item, the gains and losses on those transactions are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) within stockholders’ equity to the extent they are effective as hedges. The Company has designated certain foreign-currency-denominated long-term borrowings as hedges of the net investment in certain foreign operations. As of December 31, 2011, these net investment hedges are the Company’s British-pound-denominated long-term debts, pertaining to certain of its investments in 100% owned subsidiaries whose functional currency is the British pound. As of December 31, 2010, these net investment hedges included the British-pound- and Euro-denominated long-term debts. These borrowings were designed to create net investment hedges in each of the foreign subsidiaries. The Company designated the British-pound- and Euro-denominated loans referred to above as hedging instruments to offset translation gains or losses on the net investment due to changes in the British pound and Euro exchange rates. These net investment hedges were evidenced by management’s documentation supporting the contemporaneous hedge designation on the acquisition dates. Any gain or loss on the hedging instrument (the debt) following hedge designation, is reported in AOCI in the same manner as the translation adjustment on the investment based on changes in the spot rate, which is used to measure hedge effectiveness. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, all net investment hedges were effective. At December 31, 2011, the translation losses on the net carrying value of the foreign-currency-denominated investments exceeded the translation gains on the carrying value of the underlying debt and the difference was included in AOCI. At December 31, 2010, the translation losses on the net carrying value of the foreign-currency-denominated investments exceeded the translation gains on the carrying value of the underlying debt and the difference was included in AOCI. An evaluation of hedge effectiveness is performed by the Company on an ongoing basis and any changes in the hedge are made as appropriate. See Note 4.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for share-based payments in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation–Stock Compensation. Accordingly, the Company expenses the fair value of awards made under its share-based plans. That cost is recognized in the consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period of the grants. See Note 11.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, primarily trademarks and trade names, are not amortized; rather, they are tested for impairment at least annually.

The Company identifies its reporting units at the component level, which is one level below our operating segments. Generally, goodwill arises from acquisitions of specific operating companies and is assigned to the reporting unit in which a particular operating company resides. Our reporting units are composed of business units and are one level below our operating segment and for which discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management.

The Company principally relies on a discounted cash flow analysis to determine the fair value of each reporting unit, which considers forecasted cash flows discounted at an appropriate discount rate. The Company believes that market participants would use a discounted cash flow analysis to determine the fair value of its reporting units in a sales transaction. The annual goodwill impairment test requires the Company to make a number of assumptions and estimates concerning future levels of revenue growth, operating margins, depreciation, amortization and working capital requirements, which are based upon the Company’s long-range plan. The Company’s long-range plan is updated as part of its annual planning process and is reviewed and approved by management. The discount rate is an estimate of the overall after-tax rate of return required by a market participant whose weighted average cost of capital includes both equity and debt, including a risk premium. While the Company uses the best available information to prepare its cash flow and discount rate assumptions, actual future cash flows or market conditions could differ significantly resulting in future impairment charges related to recorded goodwill balances.

The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangibles other than goodwill (primarily trademarks and trade names) consists of a comparison of the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset to the carrying value of the asset as of the impairment testing date. The Company estimates the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangibles using the relief from royalty method. The fair value derived from the relief from royalty method is measured as the discounted cash flow savings realized from owning such trademarks and trade names and not having to pay a royalty for their use.

The Company completed its required annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of 2011, 2010 and 2009 and determined that the carrying values of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives were not impaired.

The Company evaluates impairment of its long-lived assets, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset group are separately identifiable and are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset group. Fair market value is determined primarily using present value techniques based on projected cash flows from the asset group. Losses on long-lived assets held for sale, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, are determined in a similar manner, except that fair market values are reduced for disposal costs.

Intangible assets, other than goodwill, with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Patents are being amortized over useful lives of four to 20 years. Customer relationships are being amortized over a period of five to 20 years. Miscellaneous other intangible assets are being amortized over a period of three to 20 years. The Company periodically evaluates the reasonableness of the estimated useful lives of these intangible assets.

Income Taxes

The Company’s annual provision for income taxes and determination of the related balance sheet accounts requires management to assess uncertainties, make judgments regarding outcomes and utilize estimates. The Company conducts a broad range of operations around the world and is therefore subject to complex tax regulations in numerous international taxing jurisdictions, resulting at times in tax audits, disputes and potential litigation, the outcome of which is uncertain. Management must make judgments currently about such uncertainties and determine estimates of the Company’s tax assets and liabilities. To the extent the final outcome differs, future adjustments to the Company’s tax assets and liabilities may be necessary. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

The Company also is required to assess the realizability of its deferred tax assets, taking into consideration the Company’s forecast of future taxable income, the reversal of other existing temporary differences, available net operating loss carryforwards and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the deferred tax assets. Based on this assessment, management must evaluate the need for, and amount of, valuation allowances against the Company’s deferred tax assets. To the extent facts and circumstances change in the future, adjustments to the valuation allowances may be required.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

2.	Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASU 2010-06”). ASU 2010-06 provides amendments that clarify existing disclosures and require new disclosures related to fair value measurements, providing greater disaggregated information on each class of assets and liabilities and more robust disclosures on transfers between levels 1 and 2, and activity in level 3 fair value measurements. The Company adopted the applicable provisions within ASU 2010-06 effective January 1, 2010. The Company adopted the level 3 disclosure requirements of ASU 2010-06 that are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within those fiscal years as of January 1, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2010-06 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s fair value disclosures.

In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-17, Revenue Recognition — Milestone Method (“ASU 2010-17”). ASU 2010-17 establishes criteria for a milestone to be considered substantive and allows revenue recognition when the milestone is achieved in research or development arrangements. In addition, it requires disclosure of certain information with respect to arrangements that contain milestones. ASU 2010-17 was effective on January 1, 2011 for the Company and the adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-29, Business Combinations (“ASU 2010-29”). ASU 2010-29 addresses diversity in practice about the interpretation of the pro forma disclosure requirement for business combinations. ASU 2010-29 requires disclosure of pro forma revenue and earnings for the current reporting period as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the year had been as of the beginning of the annual reporting period for both the current and any comparable periods reported. The Company adopted the disclosure requirements of ASU 2010-29 effective January 1, 2011. See Note 5.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 amendments result in a consistent definition of fair value and common requirements for measurement of and disclosure about fair value between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”). ASU 2011-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company has evaluated ASU 2011-04 and does not expect its adoption will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”). ASU 2011-05 requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In the two-statement approach, the first statement should present total net income and its components followed consecutively by a second statement that should present total other comprehensive income, the components of other comprehensive income and the total of comprehensive income. These amendments do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2011-05 that is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 and does not expect its adoption to impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements other than the change in presentation.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU 2011-08”). The amendments in ASU 2011-08 permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. ASU 2011-08 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impacts of adopting ASU 2011-08 and intends to adopt ASU 2011-08 for the year ending December 31, 2012.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting accounting changes and error corrections. It includes the conveyance of information necessary for a user of the Company's financial information to understand all aspects and required disclosure information concerning all changes and error corrections reported in the Company's financial statements for the period.

+ References + Details

Fair Value Measurement

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurement

3.	Fair Value Measurement

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.

The Company utilizes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to the valuations used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

At December 31, 2011, $0.2 million of the Company’s marketable securities are valued as level 1 investments. In addition, the Company held $4.4 million of marketable securities in an institutional diversified equity securities mutual fund. These securities are valued as level 2 investments. The marketable securities are shown as a separate line on the consolidated balance sheet. For the year ended December 31, 2011, gains and losses on the investments noted above were not significant. No transfers between level 1 and level 2 investments occurred during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Fair value of the institutional equity securities mutual fund was estimated using the net asset value of the Company’s ownership interests in the fund’s capital. The mutual fund seeks to provide long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in equity securities traded on U.S. exchanges and issued by large, established companies across many business sectors. There are no restrictions on the Company’s ability to redeem these equity securities investments.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
-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
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Subparagraph a, b
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Hedging Activities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Hedging Activities [Abstract]

Hedging Activities

4.	Hedging Activities

The Company has designated certain foreign-currency-denominated long-term borrowings as hedges of the net investment in certain foreign operations. As of December 31, 2011, these net investment hedges are the Company’s British-pound-denominated long-term debt, pertaining to certain of its investments in 100% owned subsidiaries whose functional currency is the British pound. As of December 31, 2010, these net investment hedges included the British-pound- and Euro-denominated long-term debts. These borrowings were designed to create net investment hedges in each of the foreign subsidiaries. The Company designated the British-pound- and Euro-denominated loans referred to above as hedging instruments to offset translation gains or losses on the net investment due to changes in the British pound and Euro exchange rates. These net investment hedges were evidenced by management’s documentation supporting the contemporaneous hedge designation on the acquisition dates. Any gain or loss on the hedging instrument (the debt) following hedge designation is reported in accumulated other comprehensive income in the same manner as the translation adjustment on the investment based on changes in the spot rate, which is used to measure hedge effectiveness.

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had $186.5 million and $187.2 million, respectively, of British-pound-denominated loans, which are designated as a hedge against the net investment in foreign subsidiaries acquired in 2008, 2006, 2004 and 2003. At December 31, 2010, the Company had a $66.9 million Euro-denominated loan, which was designated as a hedge against the net investment in a foreign subsidiary acquired in 2005. As a result of these British-pound- and Euro-denominated loans being designated and effective as net investment hedges, $0.7 million and $9.9 million of currency remeasurement gains have been included in the foreign currency translation component of other comprehensive income at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items.

+ References

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+ Details

Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Acquisitions

5.	Acquisitions

In 2011, the Company spent $474.9 million in cash, net of cash acquired, to acquire Avicenna Technology, Inc. (“Avicenna”) in April 2011, Coining Holding Company (“Coining”) in May 2011, Reichert Technologies and EM Test (Switzerland) GmbH in October 2011 and Technical Manufacturing Corporation (“TMC”) in December 2011. Avicenna is a supplier of custom, fine-featured components used in the medical device industry. Coining is a leading supplier of custom-shaped metal preforms, microstampings and bonding wire solutions for interconnect applications in microelectronics packaging and assembly. Reichert Technologies is a manufacturer of analytical instruments and diagnostic devices for the eye care market. EM Test is a manufacturer of advanced monitoring, testing, calibrating and display instruments. TMC is a world leader in high-performance vibration isolation systems and optical test benches used to isolate highly sensitive instruments for the microelectronics, life sciences, photonics and ultra-precision manufacturing industries. Avicenna and Coining are part of AMETEK’s Electromechanical Group (“EMG”) and Reichert Technologies, EM Test and TMC are part of AMETEK’s Electronic Instruments Group (“EIG”).

The operating results of the above acquisitions have been included in the Company’s consolidated results from the respective dates of acquisitions.

The following table represents the allocation of the aggregate purchase price for the net assets of the above acquisitions based on their estimated fair value at December 31, 2011 (in millions):


Property, plant and equipment	$	13.6
Goodwill		238.1
Other intangible assets		260.0
Deferred income taxes		(37.0	)
Net working capital and other*		0.2

Total purchase price	$	474.9

*	Includes $28.3 million in accounts receivable, whose fair value, contractual cash flows and expected cash flows are approximately equal.

The amount allocated to goodwill is reflective of the benefits the Company expects to realize from the acquisitions as follows: Avicenna provides the Company with additional expertise in producing fine-featured catheter and other medical components for leads, guide wires and custom medical assemblies. Avicenna complements the Company’s medical device market businesses and is an excellent fit with its Technical Services for Electronics (“TSE”) business, which was acquired in 2010. The combination of these two businesses positions AMETEK as the only medical interconnects provider with integrated capabilities for the catheter, cardiac and neurostimulation markets. Coining is a global leader in custom-shaped preforms, microstampings and wire used for joining electronic circuitry, packaging microelectronics and providing thermal protection and electric conductivity for a wide range of electronic devices. Coining’s products are used in highly engineered applications for the RF/microwave, photonics, medical, aerospace and defense, and general electronics industries. Coining is an excellent fit with the engineered materials, interconnects and packaging businesses. Reichert Technologies is a leader and innovator in high-technology instruments used by ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians for vision correction and the screening and diagnosis of eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. EM Test is a global leader in equipment used to perform electrical immunity and electromagnetic compatibility testing. EM Test provides a valuable platform for growth in the highly attractive markets for electrical immunity testing and emissions measurement. Its products are used in test applications by a wide range of industries to ensure that electronic and electrical products are not susceptible to external electromagnetic disturbances and do not generate electromagnetic disturbances that might affect other products or instruments. TMC serves the leading manufacturers of life sciences, photonics and semiconductor equipment with a broad range of custom active piezoelectric vibration cancellation systems, based on their patented active piezo technology. TMC also supplies passive vibration cancellation systems, optical test tables, acoustic isolation hoods and magnetic isolation hoods. TMC is an excellent fit with the Company’s high-end analytical instruments businesses and further broadens the Company’s product offerings and expertise in ultra precision manufacturing. The Company expects approximately $47.0 million of the goodwill recorded in connection with 2011 acquisitions will be tax deductible in future years.

The Company is in the process of finalizing the deferred taxes for its fourth quarter 2011 acquisitions of Reichert Technologies, EM Test and TMC. Additionally, the Company is in the process of finalizing its third-party valuations of certain tangible and intangible assets related to its TMC acquisition. The Company recorded $2.5 million in contingent liabilities for the TMC acquisition primarily related to final tax true ups tied to, among other things, the final third-party valuation.

At December 31, 2011, purchase price allocated to other intangible assets of $260.0 million consists of $63.0 million of indefinite-lived intangible trademarks and trade names, which are not subject to amortization. The remaining $197.0 million of other intangible assets consist of $178.9 million of customer relationships, which are being amortized over a period of 12 to 20 years and $18.1 million of purchased technology and other, which are being amortized over a period of three to 20 years. Amortization expense for each of the next five years for the 2011 acquisitions listed above is expected to approximate $11.1 million per year.

In 2010, the Company spent $538.6 million in cash, net of cash acquired, to acquire TSE in June 2010, Haydon Enterprises in July 2010, Atlas Material Testing Technology LLC (“Atlas”) in November 2010, as well as the small acquisitions of Sterling Ultra Precision in January 2010, Imago Scientific Instruments in April 2010 and American Reliance’s Power Division in August 2010. TSE is a manufacturer of engineered interconnect solutions for the medical device industry. Haydon Enterprises is a leader in linear actuators and lead screw assemblies for the medical, industrial equipment, aerospace, analytical instrument, computer peripheral and semiconductor industries. Atlas is the world’s leading provider of weathering test instruments and related testing and consulting services. Atlas is a part of EIG and TSE and Haydon Enterprises are part of EMG.

The 2011 acquisitions noted above had an immaterial impact on reported net sales, net income and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2011. Had the 2011 acquisitions been made at the beginning of 2011 or 2010, unaudited pro forma net sales, net income and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, would not have been materially different than the amounts reported. Pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred if the acquisitions had been completed at the beginning of 2011 or 2010.

In 2009, the Company spent $72.9 million in cash, net of cash acquired, to acquire High Standard Aviation in January 2009, a small acquisition of two businesses in India, Unispec Marketing Pvt. Ltd. and Thelsha Technical Services Pvt. Ltd., in September 2009 and Ameron Global in December 2009. High Standard Aviation is a provider of electrical and electromechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic repair services to the aerospace industry. Ameron Global is a manufacturer of highly engineered pressurized gas components and systems for commercial and aerospace customers and is also a leader in maintenance, repair and overhaul of fire suppression and oxygen supply systems. High Standard Aviation and Ameron Global are a part of EMG.

Acquisitions Subsequent to December 31, 2011

In January 2012, the Company acquired O’Brien Corporation, a leading manufacturer of fluid and gas handling solutions, sample conditioning equipment and process analyzers. O’Brien was acquired for approximately $175 million and has estimated annual sales of approximately $80 million. O’Brien’s products and solutions are used in critical applications in process industries worldwide. O’Brien’s product lines are both highly differentiated and highly complementary to AMETEK’s process instruments businesses and will join EIG.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

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Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1497-128463

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1486-128463

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1383-128463

+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

6.	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment were as follows:


	EIG			EMG			Total
	(In millions)
Balance at December 31, 2009	$	746.9		$	530.4		$	1,277.3
Goodwill acquired		105.2			208.3			313.5
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other		25.8			(24.3	)		1.5
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(13.5	)		(5.2	)		(18.7	)

Balance at December 31, 2010		864.4			709.2			1,573.6
Goodwill acquired		135.7			102.4			238.1
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other		3.7			(2.0	)		1.7
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(6.1	)		(1.1	)		(7.2	)

Balance at December 31, 2011	$	997.7		$	808.5		$	1,806.2

Other intangible assets were as follows at December 31:


	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization):
Patents	$	53,048		$	52,403
Purchased technology		124,773			107,170
Customer lists		657,152			479,943
Other acquired intangibles		24,865			25,944

		859,838			665,460

Accumulated amortization:
Patents		(30,913	)		(28,687	)
Purchased technology		(33,819	)		(28,026	)
Customer lists		(97,832	)		(70,982	)
Other acquired intangibles		(22,057	)		(20,825	)

		(184,621	)		(148,520	)

Net intangible assets subject to amortization		675,217			516,940
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (not subject to amortization):
Trademarks and trade names		307,740			244,616

	$	982,957		$	761,556

Amortization expense was $37.6 million, $27.5 million and $23.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Amortization expense for each of the next five years is expected to approximate $45.0 million per year, not considering the impact of potential future acquisitions.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information

7.	Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information


	December 31,
	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
INVENTORIES
Finished goods and parts	$	70,315		$	46,953
Work in process		72,676			73,556
Raw materials and purchased parts		237,480			214,744

	$	380,471		$	335,253

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land	$	32,172		$	32,634
Buildings		211,060			209,019
Machinery and equipment		679,446			651,883

		922,678			893,536
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(597,349	)		(575,410	)

	$	325,329		$	318,126

ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Employee compensation and benefits	$	75,051		$	71,957
Severance and lease termination		11,614			18,143
Product warranty obligation		22,466			18,347
Other		72,041			69,634

	$	181,172		$	178,081


	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
ALLOWANCES FOR POSSIBLE LOSSES ON ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE
Balance at the beginning of the year	$	6,047		$	5,788		$	8,489
Additions charged to expense		2,458			1,466			1,139
Recoveries credited to allowance		11			120			70
Write-offs		(585	)		(1,036	)		(4,520	)
Currency translation adjustments and other		(91	)		(291	)		610

Balance at the end of the year	$	7,840		$	6,047		$	5,788

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

8.	Income Taxes

The components of income before income taxes and the details of the provision for income taxes were as follows for the years ended December 31:


	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Income before income taxes:
Domestic	$	366,654		$	266,783		$	207,831
Foreign		189,988			139,467			86,802

Total	$	556,642		$	406,250		$	294,633

Provision for income taxes:
Current:
Federal	$	103,598		$	70,008		$	58,247
Foreign		39,516			37,514			22,123
State		16,910			11,022			2,725

Total current		160,024			118,544			83,095

Deferred:
Federal		14,051			7,071			7,024
Foreign		(2,508	)		(3,105	)		(1,464	)
State		611			(192	)		208

Total deferred		12,154			3,774			5,768

Total provision	$	172,178		$	122,318		$	88,863

Significant components of the deferred tax (asset) liability were as follows at December 31:


	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Current deferred tax (asset) liability:
Reserves not currently deductible	$	(20,874	)	$	(19,795	)
Share-based compensation		(4,234	)		(4,989	)
Net operating loss carryforwards		(2,264	)		(2,344	)
Foreign tax credit carryforwards		—			(2,018	)
Other		(1,896	)		2,040

Net current deferred tax asset	$	(29,268	)	$	(27,106	)

Noncurrent deferred tax (asset) liability:
Differences in basis of property and accelerated depreciation	$	27,329		$	28,697
Reserves not currently deductible		(22,822	)		(21,953	)
Pensions		8,720			31,927
Differences in basis of intangible assets and accelerated amortization		376,986			287,645
Net operating loss carryforwards		(1,241	)		(9,077	)
Share-based compensation		(8,548	)		(10,422	)
Foreign tax credit carryforwards		(331	)		—
Other		8,581			(494	)

		388,674			306,323
Less: Valuation allowance		414			5,143

Net noncurrent deferred tax liability		389,088			311,466

Net deferred tax liability	$	359,820		$	284,360

The Company’s effective tax rate reconciles to the U.S. Federal statutory rate as follows for the years ended December 31:


	2011			2010			2009
U.S. Federal statutory rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		2.0			1.9			0.4
Foreign operations, net		(4.9	)		(3.4	)		(4.2	)
Other		(1.2	)		(3.4	)		(1.0	)

Consolidated effective tax rate		30.9	%		30.1	%		30.2	%

At December 31, 2011, there has been no provision for U.S. deferred income taxes for the undistributed earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries, which total approximately $410.3 million at December 31, 2011, because the Company intends to reinvest these earnings indefinitely in operations outside the United States. Upon distribution of those earnings to the United States, the Company would be subject to U.S. income taxes and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries. Determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred income tax liability on these undistributed earnings is not practicable. At December 31, 2010, the Company had $5.7 million of deferred income taxes for undistributed earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries that were distributed during 2011.

At December 31, 2011, the Company had tax benefits of $3.5 million related to net operating loss carryforwards, which will be available to offset future income taxes payable, subject to certain annual or other limitations based on foreign and U.S. tax laws. This amount includes net operating loss carryforwards of $0.2 million for federal income tax purposes with no valuation allowance, $3.0 million for state income tax purposes with a valuation allowance of $0.1 million, and $0.3 million for foreign income tax purposes with no valuation allowance. These net operating loss carryforwards, if not used, will expire between 2012 and 2032. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $0.3 million of U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards.

The Company maintains a valuation allowance to reduce certain deferred tax assets to amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. This allowance primarily relates to the deferred tax assets established for state tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards. In 2011, the Company recorded a decrease of $4.7 million in the valuation allowance primarily related to a reduction for net operating losses that are no longer available as well as a valuation allowance related to state research and development credits that are now expected to be utilized.

At December 31, 2011, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $28.5 million, of which $25.9 million, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. At December 31, 2010, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $22.8 million, of which $18.3 million, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate.

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company reported $7.2 million and $6.1 million, respectively, related to interest and penalty exposure as accrued income tax expense in the consolidated balance sheet. During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company recognized $1.1 million of expense, $1.9 million of expense and $0.7 million of income, respectively, for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the income statement as a component of income tax expense.

The most significant tax jurisdiction for the Company is the United States. The Company files income tax returns in various state and foreign tax jurisdictions, in some cases for multiple legal entities per jurisdiction. Generally, the Company has open tax years subject to tax audit on average of between three and six years in these jurisdictions. At December 31, 2011, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has been and is continuing to examine the Company’s U.S. income tax returns for the years 2006 through 2009. The IRS previously completed the examination of the Company’s U.S. income tax returns for the years 2006 and 2007, however, the periods were reopened by the Company for a limited scope examination of the research and development credit. The Company has not materially extended any other statutes of limitation for any significant location and has reviewed and accrued for, where necessary, tax liabilities for open periods including state and foreign jurisdictions that remain subject to examination. There have been no penalties asserted or imposed by the IRS related to substantial understatement of income, gross valuation misstatement or failure to disclose a listed or reportable transaction.

During 2011, the Company added $9.6 million of tax, interest and penalties related to 2011 activity for identified uncertain tax positions and reversed $2.9 million of tax and interest related to statute expirations and settlement of prior uncertain positions. During 2010, the Company added $5.4 million of tax, interest and penalties related to 2010 activity for identified uncertain tax positions and reversed $8.4 million of tax and interest related to statute expirations and settlement of prior uncertain positions.

The following is a reconciliation of the liability for uncertain tax positions at December 31:


	2011			2010			2009
	(In millions)
Balance at the beginning of the year	$	22.8		$	26.5		$	18.6
Additions for tax positions related to the current year		1.4			1.2			8.8
Additions for tax positions of prior years		6.5			2.7			2.5
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(2.0	)		(3.5	)		(1.4	)
Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities		—			(4.1	)		(2.0	)
Reductions due to statute expirations		(0.2	)		—			—

Balance at the end of the year	$	28.5		$	22.8		$	26.5

In 2011, the additions above primarily reflect the increase in tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions related to certain foreign activities, while the reductions above primarily relate to a revised UK tax claim and tax paid as a result of a foreign dividend payment. At December 31, 2011, tax, interest and penalties of $30.4 million were classified as a noncurrent liability. The net increase in uncertain tax positions for the year ended December 31, 2011 resulted in an increase to income tax expense of $3.2 million.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-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 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

+ Details

Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Debt [Abstract]

Debt

Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31:


	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
U.S. dollar 6.59% senior notes due September 2015	$	90,000		$	90,000
U.S. dollar 6.69% senior notes due December 2015		35,000			35,000
U.S. dollar 6.20% senior notes due December 2017		270,000			270,000
U.S. dollar 6.35% senior notes due July 2018		80,000			80,000
U.S. dollar 7.08% senior notes due September 2018		160,000			160,000
U.S. dollar 7.18% senior notes due December 2018		65,000			65,000
U.S. dollar 6.30% senior notes due December 2019		100,000			100,000
British pound 5.99% senior note due November 2016		62,170			62,396
British pound 4.68% senior note due September 2020		124,339			124,792
Euro 3.94% senior note due August 2015		64,800			66,850
Swiss franc 2.44% senior note due December 2021		58,686			—
Revolving credit loan		134,200			92,000
Other, principally foreign		19,729			22,474

Total debt		1,263,924			1,168,512
Less: Current portion		(140,508	)		(97,152	)

Total long-term debt	$	1,123,416		$	1,071,360

Maturities of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2011 were as follows: $2.3 million in 2013; $1.8 million in 2014; $191.2 million in 2015; $64.3 million in 2016; $270.0 million in 2017; and $593.8 million in 2018 and thereafter.

In the third quarter of 2010, the Company paid in full an expiring 50 million British pound ($78.2 million) 5.96% senior note.

In December 2007, the Company issued $270 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.20% private placement senior notes due December 2017 and $100 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.30% private placement senior notes due December 2019. In July 2008, the Company issued $80 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.35% private placement senior notes due July 2018. In September 2008, the Company issued $90 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.59% private placement senior notes due September 2015 and $160 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.08% private placement senior notes due September 2018. In December 2008, the Company issued $35 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.69% private placement senior notes due December 2015 and $65 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.18% private placement senior notes due December 2018.

In September 2005, the Company issued a 50 million Euro ($64.8 million at December 31, 2011) 3.94% senior note due August 2015. In November 2004, the Company issued a 40 million British pound ($62.2 million at December 31, 2011) 5.99% senior note due November 2016. In September 2010, the Company issued an 80 million British pound ($124.3 million at December 31, 2011) 4.68% senior note due September 2020. In December 2011, the Company issued a 55 million Swiss franc ($58.7 million at December 31, 2011) 2.44% senior note due December 2021.

In September 2011, the Company completed a new five-year revolving credit facility with a total borrowing capacity of $700 million, which excludes an accordion feature that permits the Company to request up to an additional $200 million in revolving credit commitments at any time during the life of the revolving credit agreement under certain conditions. The revolving credit facility places certain restrictions on allowable additional indebtedness. The new revolving credit facility replaced a $450 million total borrowing capacity revolving credit facility, which excluded a $100 million accordion feature, that was due to expire in June 2012. At December 31, 2011, the Company had available borrowing capacity of $742.7 million under its revolving credit facility, including the $200 million accordion feature.

Interest rates on outstanding loans under either the current or replaced revolving credit facility are at the applicable London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a negotiated spread, or at the U.S. prime rate. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had $134.2 million and $92.0 million, respectively, of borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility. The weighted average interest rate on the revolving credit facility for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was 1.10% and 0.82%, respectively. The Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $25.9 million and $22.6 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The private placements, the senior notes and the revolving credit facility are subject to certain customary covenants, including financial covenants that, among other things, require the Company to maintain certain debt-to-EBITDA and interest coverage ratios. The Company was in compliance with all provisions of the debt arrangements at December 31, 2011.

Foreign subsidiaries of the Company had available credit facilities with local foreign lenders of $56.0 million at December 31, 2011. Foreign subsidiaries had debt outstanding at December 31, 2011 totaling $19.7 million, including $13.4 million reported in long-term debt.

The weighted average interest rate on total debt outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was 6.0% and 6.3%, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

10.

Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are compared below to the recorded amounts at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities are recorded at fair value at December 31, 2011 and 2010 in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.


	Asset (Liability)
	December 31, 2011						December 31, 2010
	Recorded Amount			Fair Value			Recorded Amount			Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Fixed-income investments	$	2,811		$	2,811		$	—		$	—
Short-term borrowings		(135,892	)		(135,892	)		(95,904	)		(95,904	)
Long-term debt (including current portion)		(1,128,032	)		(1,298,503	)		(1,072,608	)		(1,176,399	)

The fair value of fixed-income investments is based on quoted market prices. The fair value of short-term borrowings approximates the carrying value. The Company’s long-term debt is all privately held with no public market for this debt, therefore, the fair value of long-term debt was computed based on comparable current market data for similar debt instruments. See Note 9 for long-term debt principals, interest rates and maturities.

Share-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Share-Based Compensation

11.

Share-Based Compensation

Under the terms of the Company’s stockholder-approved share-based plans, incentive and non-qualified stock options and restricted stock have been, and may be, issued to the Company’s officers, management-level employees and members of its Board of Directors. Employee and non-employee director stock options generally vest at a rate of 25% per year, beginning one year from the date of the grant, and restricted stock generally has a four-year cliff vesting. Stock options generally have a maximum contractual term of seven years. At December 31, 2011, 15.4 million shares of Company common stock were reserved for issuance under the Company’s share-based plans, including 5.5 million shares for stock options outstanding.

The Company issues previously unissued shares when stock options are exercised and shares are issued from treasury stock upon the award of restricted stock.

The Company measures and records compensation expense related to all stock awards by recognizing the grant date fair value of the awards over their requisite service periods in the financial statements. For grants under any of the Company’s plans that are subject to graded vesting over a service period, the Company recognizes expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.

The fair value of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used in the Black-Scholes-Merton model to estimate the fair values of options granted during the years indicated:


	2011			2010			2009
Expected volatility		26.4	%		25.6	%		25.8	%
Expected term (years)		5.0			5.0			4.9
Risk-free interest rate		1.96	%		2.48	%		1.89	%
Expected dividend yield		0.54	%		0.54	%		0.73	%
Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted	$	11.34		$	7.56		$	5.20

Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The Company used historical exercise data to estimate the stock options’ expected term, which represents the period of time that the stock options granted are expected to be outstanding. Management anticipates that the future stock option holding periods will be similar to the historical stock option holding periods. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the stock option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the time of grant. Compensation expense recognized for all share-based awards is net of estimated forfeitures. The Company’s estimated forfeiture rates are based on its historical experience.

Total share-based compensation expense was as follows for the years ended December 31:


	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Stock option expense	$	8,027		$	7,580		$	6,297
Restricted stock expense		14,120			9,016			7,205

Total pre-tax expense		22,147			16,596			13,502
Related tax benefit		(7,083	)		(5,459	)		(4,223	)

Reduction of net income	$	15,064		$	11,137		$	9,279

Pre-tax share-based compensation expense is included in either cost of sales, or selling, general and administrative expenses, depending on where the recipient’s cash compensation is reported.

The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2011:


	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(In thousands)					(Years)		(In millions)
Outstanding at the beginning of the year		6,119		$	24.25
Granted		660			44.70
Exercised		(1,165	)		18.91
Forfeited		(148	)		28.28
Expired		—			—

Outstanding at the end of the year		5,466		$	27.75		3.9	$	80.1

Exercisable at the end of the year		2,926		$	24.95		3.0	$	50.2

The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $28.2 million, $29.3 million and $15.5 million, respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested during 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $7.5 million, $7.0 million and $5.4 million, respectively.

The following is a summary of the Company’s nonvested stock option activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2011:


	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Nonvested stock options outstanding at the beginning of the year		3,236		$	6.32
Granted		660			11.34
Vested		(1,208	)		6.23
Forfeited		(148	)		6.91

Nonvested stock options outstanding at the end of the year		2,540		$	7.63

As of December 31, 2011, there was approximately $12.8 million of expected future pre-tax compensation expense related to the 2.5 million nonvested stock options outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of less than two years.

The fair value of restricted shares under the Company’s restricted stock arrangement is determined by the product of the number of shares granted and the grant date market price of the Company’s common stock. Upon the grant of restricted stock, the fair value of the restricted shares (unearned compensation) at the date of grant is charged as a reduction of capital in excess of par value in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, which is the same as the calculated derived service period as determined on the grant date.

Restricted stock grants are subject to accelerated vesting due to certain events, including doubling of the grant price of the Company’s common stock as of the close of business during any five consecutive trading days. On April 6, 2011, 509,709 shares of restricted stock, which were granted on April 23, 2009, vested under this accelerated vesting provision. The pre-tax charge to income due to the accelerated vesting of these shares was $5.2 million ($3.6 million net after-tax charge) for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The following is a summary of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2011:


	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at the beginning of the year		1,532		$	26.23
Granted		268			44.41
Vested		(810	)		22.95
Forfeited		(47	)		32.22

Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at the end of the year		943		$	34.07

The total fair value of the restricted stock that vested was $18.6 million and $5.7 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively, and 2009 was not significant. The weighted average fair value of restricted stock granted per share during 2011 and 2010 was $44.41 and $29.01, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, there was approximately $17.3 million of expected future pre-tax compensation expense related to the 0.9 million nonvested restricted shares outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately two years.

Under a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) in 2011, the Company reserved 34,988 shares of common stock. Reductions for retirements and terminations were 12,667 shares in 2011. The total number of shares of common stock reserved under the SERP was 445,488 as of December 31, 2011. Charges to expense under the SERP are not significant in amount and are considered pension expense with the offsetting credit reflected in capital in excess of par value.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-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 AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-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 SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

+ Details

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

12.

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

Retirement and Pension Plans

The Company sponsors several retirement and pension plans covering eligible salaried and hourly employees. The plans generally provide benefits based on participants’ years of service and/or compensation. The following is a brief description of the Company’s retirement and pension plans.

The Company maintains contributory and noncontributory defined benefit pension plans. Benefits for eligible salaried and hourly employees under all defined benefit plans are funded through trusts established in conjunction with the plans. The Company’s funding policy with respect to its defined benefit plans is to contribute amounts that provide for benefits based on actuarial calculations and the applicable requirements of U.S. federal and local foreign laws. The Company estimates that it will make both required and discretionary cash contributions of approximately $3 million to $6 million to its worldwide defined benefit pension plans in 2012.

The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 (its fiscal year end) for its U.S. and foreign defined benefit pension plans.

The Company sponsors a 401(k) retirement and savings plan for eligible U.S. employees. Participants in the retirement and savings plan may contribute a specified portion of their compensation on a before-tax basis, which vary by location. The Company matches employee contributions ranging from 20% to 100%, up to a maximum percentage ranging from 1% to 8% of eligible compensation or up to a maximum of $1,200 per participant in some locations.

The Company’s retirement and savings plan has a defined contribution retirement feature principally to cover U.S. salaried employees joining the Company after December 31, 1996. Under the retirement feature, the Company makes contributions for eligible employees based on a pre-established percentage of the covered employee’s salary subject to pre-established vesting. Employees of certain of the Company’s foreign operations participate in various local defined contribution plans.

The Company has nonqualified unfunded retirement plans for its Directors and certain retired employees. It also provides supplemental retirement benefits, through contractual arrangements and/or a SERP covering certain current and former executives of the Company. These supplemental benefits are designed to compensate the executive for retirement benefits that would have been provided under the Company’s primary retirement plan, except for statutory limitations on compensation that must be taken into account under those plans. The projected benefit obligations of the SERP and the contracts will primarily be funded by a grant of shares of the Company’s common stock upon retirement or termination of the executive. The Company is providing for these obligations by charges to earnings over the applicable periods.

The following tables set forth the changes in net projected benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets for the funded and unfunded defined benefit plans for the years ended December 31:

U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans:


	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Change in projected benefit obligation (“PBO”):
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	$	384,763		$	376,907
Service cost		3,095			2,917
Interest cost		21,271			21,489
Actuarial losses		34,765			9,578
Gross benefits paid		(24,962	)		(24,380	)
Plan amendments and other		—			(1,748	)

Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	$	418,932		$	384,763

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	$	465,903		$	430,513
Actual return on plan assets		527			59,520
Employer contributions		247			250
Gross benefits paid		(24,962	)		(24,380	)

Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	$	441,715		$	465,903

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:


	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	$	126,334		$	110,607
Service cost		1,267			1,004
Interest cost		7,244			6,386
Acquisitions		—			9,633
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(863	)		(4,370	)
Employee contributions		403			389
Actuarial (gains) losses		(1,869	)		6,069
Gross benefits paid		(4,106	)		(3,384	)

Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	$	128,410		$	126,334

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	$	126,539		$	112,503
Actual return on plan assets		(2,347	)		15,852
Employer contributions		5,139			3,305
Employee contributions		403			389
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(523	)		(4,062	)
Gross benefits paid		(4,106	)		(3,384	)
Acquisitions		—			1,936

Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	$	125,105		$	126,539

The accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”) consisted of the following at December 31:

U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans:


	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Funded plans	$	402,306	$	370,610
Unfunded plans		5,558		4,757

Total	$	407,864	$	375,367

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:


	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Funded plans	$	112,540	$	107,506
Unfunded plans		7,339		7,432

Total	$	119,879	$	114,938

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:


	2011			2010
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Discount rate		5.00	%		5.60	%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)		3.75	%		3.75	%

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Discount rate		5.22	%		5.71	%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)		2.97	%		2.97	%

The following is a summary of the fair value of plan assets for U.S. plans at December 31, 2011 and 2010.


	December 31, 2011						December 31, 2010
Asset Class	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2
	(In thousands)
Cash and temporary investments	$	2,402	$	2,402	$	—	$	23,163	$	23,163	$	—
Equity securities:
AMETEK common stock		26,368		26,368		—		33,822		33,822		—
U.S. Small cap common stocks		26,033		26,033		—		35,280		35,280		—
U.S. Large cap common stocks		62,567		40,281		22,286		71,898		46,461		25,437
Diversified common stocks — U.S.		41,467		—		41,467		42,135		—		42,135
Diversified common stocks — Global		60,430		—		60,430		67,575		—		67,575
Fixed-income securities and other:
U.S. Corporate		24,856		24,856		—		37,963		37,963		—
U.S. Government		5,126		5,126		—		8,024		8,024		—
Global asset allocation*		121,296		70,855		50,441		99,058		60,226		38,832
Inflation related funds		52,438		12,438		40,000		46,985		17,349		29,636
Alternative investments:
Collective trust		18,732		—		—		—		—		—

Total investments	$	441,715	$	208,359	$	214,624	$	465,903	$	262,288	$	203,615

*	This asset class was invested in diversified companies in all geographical regions.

U.S. equity securities and global equity securities categorized as Level 1 are traded on national and international exchanges and are valued at their closing prices on the last trading day of the year. For U.S. equity securities and global equity securities not traded on an active exchange, or if the closing price is not available, the trustee obtains indicative quotes from a pricing vendor, broker or investment manager. These securities are categorized as Level 2 if the custodian obtains corroborated quotes from a pricing vendor.

Additionally, some U.S. equity securities and global equity securities are public investment vehicles valued using the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) provided by the fund manager. The NAV is the total value of the fund divided by the number of shares outstanding. U.S. equity securities and global equity securities are categorized as Level 1 if traded at their NAV on a nationally recognized securities exchange or categorized as Level 2 if the NAV is corroborated by observable market data.

Fixed income securities categorized as Level 1 are traded on national and international exchanges and are valued at their closing prices on the last trading day of the year and categorized as Level 2 if valued by the trustee using pricing models that use verifiable observable market data, bids provided by brokers or dealers or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics.

Alternative investments categorized as Level 3 are valued based on unobservable inputs and cannot be corroborated using verifiable observable market data.

The following is a summary of the changes in the fair value of the U.S. plans’ level 3 investments (fair value using significant unobservable inputs):


	Alternative Investments
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2009	$	18,958
Actual return on assets:
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year		—
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year		755
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net		(19,713	)

Balance, December 31, 2010		—

Actual return on assets:
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year		807
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year		—
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net		17,925

Balance, December 31, 2011	$	18,732

The expected long-term rate of return on these plan assets was 8.00% in 2011 and 8.25% in 2010. Equity securities included 626,324 shares of AMETEK, Inc. common stock with a market value of $26.4 million (6.0% of total plan investment assets) at December 31, 2011 and 861,300 shares of AMETEK, Inc. common stock with a market value of $33.8 million (7.3% of total plan investment assets) at December 31, 2010.

The objectives of the AMETEK, Inc. U.S. defined benefit plans’ investment strategy are to maximize the plans’ funded status and minimize Company contributions and plan expense. Because the goal is to optimize returns over the long term, an investment policy that favors equity holdings has been established. Since there may be periods of time where both equity and fixed-income markets provide poor returns, an allocation to alternative assets may be made to improve the overall portfolio’s diversification and return potential. The Company periodically reviews its asset allocation, taking into consideration plan liabilities, plan benefit payment streams and the investment strategy of the pension plans. The actual asset allocation is monitored frequently relative to the established targets and ranges and is rebalanced when necessary. The target allocations for the U.S. defined benefits plans are approximately 50% equity securities, 25% fixed-income securities and 25% other securities and/or cash.

The equity portfolio is diversified by market capitalization and style. The equity portfolio also includes an international component.

The objective of the fixed-income portion of the pension assets is to provide interest rate sensitivity for a portion of the assets and to provide diversification. The fixed-income portfolio is diversified within certain quality and maturity guidelines in an attempt to minimize the adverse effects of interest rate fluctuations.

Other than for investments in alternative assets, described in the footnote to the table above, certain investments are prohibited. Prohibited investments include venture capital, private placements, unregistered or restricted stock, margin trading, commodities, short selling and rights and warrants. Foreign currency futures, options and forward contracts may be used to manage foreign currency exposure.

The following is a summary of the fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2011 and 2010.


	December 31, 2011				December 31, 2010
Asset Class	Total		Level 2		Total		Level 2
	(In thousands)
Cash	$	4,920	$	4,920	$	4,336	$	4,336
U.S. Mutual equity funds		10,224		10,224		10,141		10,141
Foreign mutual equity funds		72,221		72,221		77,260		77,260
Real estate		404		404		2,647		2,647
Mutual bond funds — Global		21,481		21,481		18,782		18,782
Life insurance		15,855		—		13,373		—

Total investments	$	125,105	$	109,250	$	126,539	$	113,166

Equity funds, real estate funds and fixed income funds that are valued by the vendor using observable market inputs are considered level 2 investments. Life insurance assets are considered level 3 investments as their values are determined by the sponsor using unobservable market data.

The following is a summary of the changes in the fair value of the foreign plans’ level 3 investments (fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs):


	Life Insurance
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2009	$	9,747
Actual return on assets:
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year		1,690
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year		—
Acquisitions		1,936
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net		—

Balance, December 31, 2010		13,373

Actual return on assets:
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year		2,482
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year		—
Acquisitions		—
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net		—

Balance, December 31, 2011	$	15,855

The objective of AMETEK, Inc.’s foreign defined benefit plans’ investment strategy is to maximize the long-term rate of return on plan investments, subject to a reasonable level of risk. Liability studies are also performed on a regular basis to provide guidance in setting investment goals with an objective to balance risks against the current and future needs of the plans. The trustees consider the risk associated with the different asset classes, relative to the plans’ liabilities and how this can be affected by diversification, and the relative returns available on equities, fixed-income investments, real estate and cash. Also, the likely volatility of those returns and the cash flow requirements of the plans are considered. It is expected that equities will outperform fixed-income investments over the long term. However, the trustees recognize the fact that fixed-income investments may better match the liabilities for pensioners. Because of the relatively young active employee group covered by the plans and the immature nature of the plans, the trustees have chosen to adopt an asset allocation strategy more heavily weighted toward equity investments. This asset allocation strategy will be reviewed, from time to time, in view of changes in market conditions and in the plans’ liability profile. The target allocations for the foreign defined benefit plans are approximately 74% equity securities, 17% fixed-income securities and 9% other securities, insurance or cash.

The assumption for the expected return on plan assets was developed based on a review of historical investment returns for the investment categories for the defined benefit pension assets. This review also considered current capital market conditions and projected future investment returns. The estimates of future capital market returns by asset class are lower than the actual long-term historical returns. The current low interest rate environment influences this outlook. Therefore, the assumed rate of return for U.S. plans is 8.0% and 6.96% for foreign plans in 2012.

The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets and pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were as follows at December 31:

U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans:


	Projected Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets				Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets
	2011		2010		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Benefit obligation	$	5,558	$	4,757	$	5,558	$	4,757
Fair value of plan assets		—		—		—		—

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Projected Benefit
Obligation Exceeds
Fair Value of Assets

Accumulated
Benefit
Obligation Exceeds
Fair Value of Assets

2011

2010

2011

2010

(In thousands)

Benefit obligation

61,580

59,966

7,871

9,612

Fair value of plan assets

50,125

51,040

467

2,057

The following table provides the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31:


	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Funded status asset (liability):
Fair value of plan assets	$	566,820		$	592,442
Projected benefit obligation		(547,342	)		(511,097	)

Funded status at the end of the year	$	19,478		$	81,345

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consisted of:
Noncurrent asset for pension benefits (other assets)	$	36,490		$	95,029
Current liabilities for pension benefits		(563	)		(235	)
Noncurrent liability for pension benefits		(16,449	)		(13,449	)

Net amount recognized at the end of the year	$	19,478		$	81,345

The following table provides the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes, at December 31:


Net amounts recognized:	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Net actuarial loss	$	98,345		$	50,677
Prior service costs		93			139
Transition asset		(5	)		(18	)

Total recognized	$	98,433		$	50,798


Other changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income, net of taxes:	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	$	50,582		$	(10,871	)	$	(18,086	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		(2,914	)		(4,306	)		(8,079	)
Loss recognized due to curtailment		—			(993	)		—
Amortization of prior service costs		(46	)		(149	)		(85	)
Amortization of transition asset		13			(4	)		11

Total recognized	$	47,635		$	(16,323	)	$	(26,239	)

The following table provides the components of net periodic pension benefit expense for the years ended December 31:


	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	$	4,362		$	3,921		$	4,517
Interest cost		28,515			27,874			28,239
Expected return on plan assets		(45,049	)		(41,991	)		(35,711	)
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss		4,727			6,949			13,165
Prior service costs		75			83			138
Transition asset		(22	)		(21	)		(18	)

Pension (income) expense		(7,392	)		(3,185	)		10,330
Pension curtailment charge		—			41			—

Total net periodic benefit (income) expense		(7,392	)		(3,144	)		10,330

Other plans:
Defined contribution plans		14,571			12,505			12,521
Foreign plans and other		5,586			4,442			3,977

Total other plans		20,157			16,947			16,498

Total net pension expense	$	12,765		$	13,803		$	26,828

The estimated amount that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension benefit expense in 2012 for the net actuarial losses and prior service costs is expected to be $11.4 million.

The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine the above net periodic pension benefit expense for the years ended December 31:


	2011			2010			2009
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Discount rate		5.60	%		5.90	%		6.50	%
Expected return on plan assets		8.00	%		8.25	%		8.25	%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)		3.75	%		3.75	%		3.75	%

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Discount rate		5.71	%		5.98	%		6.09	%
Expected return on plan assets		6.96	%		6.97	%		6.97	%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)		2.97	%		2.98	%		2.98	%

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

The estimated future benefit payments for U.S. and foreign plans are as follows (in thousands): 2012 – $29,668; 2013 – $30,328; 2014 – $31,126; 2015 – $31,912; 2016 – $32,889; 2017 to 2021 – $177,481. Future benefit payments primarily represent amounts to be paid from pension trust assets. Amounts included that are to be paid from the Company’s assets are not significant in any individual year.

Postretirement Plans and Postemployment Benefits

The Company provides limited postretirement benefits other than pensions for certain retirees and a small number of former employees. Benefits under these arrangements are not funded and are not significant.

The Company also provides limited postemployment benefits for certain former or inactive employees after employment but before retirement. Those benefits are not significant in amount.

The Company has a deferred compensation plan, which allows employees whose compensation exceeds the statutory IRS limit for retirement benefits to defer a portion of earned bonus compensation. The plan permits deferred amounts to be deemed invested in either, or a combination of, (a) an interest-bearing account, benefits from which are payable out of the general assets of the Company, or (b) the equivalent of a fund which invests in shares of the Company’s common stock on behalf of the employee. The amount deferred under the plan, including income earned, was $19.5 million and $16.9 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Administrative expense for the deferred compensation plan is borne by the Company and is not significant.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-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 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h
-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 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph q
-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 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph m
-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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-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 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-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 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-2
-Paragraph 8
-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 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 26
-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 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS106-2
-Paragraph 20, 21, 22
-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 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7, 21, 22
-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 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8
-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 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
-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 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

+ Details

Guarantees

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Guarantees [Abstract]

Guarantees

13.

Guarantees

The Company does not provide significant guarantees on a routine basis. The Company primarily issues guarantees, stand-by letters of credit and surety bonds in the ordinary course of its business to provide financial or performance assurance to third parties on behalf of its consolidated subsidiaries to support or enhance the subsidiary’s stand-alone creditworthiness. The amounts subject to certain of these agreements vary depending on the covered contracts actually outstanding at any particular point in time. At December 31, 2011, the maximum amount of future payment obligations relative to these various guarantees was $64.7 million and the outstanding liability under certain of those guarantees was $4.1 million.

Indemnifications

In conjunction with certain acquisition and divestiture transactions, the Company may agree to make payments to compensate or indemnify other parties for possible future unfavorable financial consequences resulting from specified events (e.g., breaches of contract obligations or retention of previously existing environmental, tax or employee liabilities) whose terms range in duration and often are not explicitly defined. Where appropriate, the obligation for such indemnifications is recorded as a liability. Because the amount of these types of indemnifications generally is not specifically stated, the overall maximum amount of the obligation under such indemnifications cannot be reasonably estimated. Further, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers for claims against them in connection with their positions with the Company. Historically, any such costs incurred to settle claims related to these indemnifications have been minimal for the Company. The Company believes that future payments, if any, under all existing indemnification agreements would not have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Product Warranties

The Company provides limited warranties in connection with the sale of its products. The warranty periods for products sold vary widely among the Company’s operations, but for the most part do not exceed one year. The Company calculates its warranty expense provision based on past warranty experience and adjustments are made periodically to reflect actual warranty expenses.

Changes in the accrued product warranty obligation were as follows at December 31:


	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Balance at the beginning of the year	$	18,347		$	16,035		$	16,068
Accruals for warranties issued during the year		13,247			10,616			8,236
Settlements made during the year		(10,175	)		(9,691	)		(11,095	)
Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties, including expirations during the year		—			(262	)		277
Warranty accruals related to acquired businesses and other during the year		1,047			1,649			2,549

Balance at the end of the year	$	22,466		$	18,347		$	16,035

Certain settlements of warranties made during the period were for specific nonrecurring warranty obligations. Product warranty obligations are reported as current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Contingencies [Abstract]

Contingencies

14.

Contingencies

Environmental Matters

Certain historic processes in the manufacture of products have resulted in environmentally hazardous waste by-products as defined by federal and state laws and regulations. At December 31, 2011, the Company is named a Potentially Responsible Party (“PRP”) at 15 non-AMETEK-owned former waste disposal or treatment sites (the “non-owned” sites). The Company is identified as a “de minimis” party in 14 of these sites based on the low volume of waste attributed to the Company relative to the amounts attributed to other named PRPs. In ten of these sites, the Company has reached a tentative agreement on the cost of the de minimis settlement to satisfy its obligation and is awaiting executed agreements. The tentatively agreed-to settlement amounts are fully reserved. In the other four sites, the Company is continuing to investigate the accuracy of the alleged volume attributed to the Company as estimated by the parties primarily responsible for remedial activity at the sites to establish an appropriate settlement amount. At the remaining site where the Company is a non-de minimis PRP, the Company is participating in the investigation and/or related required remediation as part of a PRP Group and reserves have been established sufficient to satisfy the Company’s expected obligations. The Company historically has resolved these issues within established reserve levels and reasonably expects this result will continue. In addition to these non-owned sites, the Company has an ongoing practice of providing reserves for probable remediation activities at certain of its current or previously owned manufacturing locations (the “owned” sites). For claims and proceedings against the Company with respect to other environmental matters, reserves are established once the Company has determined that a loss is probable and estimable. This estimate is refined as the Company moves through the various stages of investigation, risk assessment, feasibility study and corrective action processes. In certain instances, the Company has developed a range of estimates for such costs and has recorded a liability based on the low end of the range. It is reasonably possible that the actual cost of remediation of the individual sites could vary from the current estimates and the amounts accrued in the consolidated financial statements; however, the amounts of such variances are not expected to result in a material change to the consolidated financial statements. In estimating the Company’s liability for remediation, the Company also considers the likely proportionate share of the anticipated remediation expense and the ability of the other PRPs to fulfill their obligations.

Total environmental reserves at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $28.0 million and $31.3 million, respectively, for both non-owned and owned sites. In 2011, the Company recorded $1.2 million in reserves. Additionally, the Company spent $4.5 million on environmental matters in 2011. The Company’s reserves for environmental liabilities at December 31, 2011 and 2010 include reserves of $17.5 million and $18.9 million, respectively, for an owned site acquired in connection with the 2005 acquisition of HCC Industries (“HCC”). The Company is the designated performing party for the performance of remedial activities for one of several operating units making up a large Superfund site in the San Gabriel Valley of California. The Company has obtained indemnifications and other financial assurances from the former owners of HCC related to the costs of the required remedial activities. At December 31, 2011, the Company had $14.3 million in receivables related to HCC for probable recoveries from third-party escrow funds and other committed third-party funds to support the required remediation. Also, the Company is indemnified by HCC’s former owners for approximately $19.0 million of additional costs.

The Company has agreements with other former owners of certain of its acquired businesses, as well as new owners of previously owned businesses. Under certain of the agreements, the former or new owners retained, or assumed and agreed to indemnify the Company against, certain environmental and other liabilities under certain circumstances. The Company and some of these other parties also carry insurance coverage for some environmental matters. To date, these parties have met their obligations in all material respects.

The Company believes it has established reserves which are sufficient to perform all known responsibilities under existing claims and consent orders. The Company has no reason to believe that other third parties would fail to perform their obligations in the future. In the opinion of management, based upon presently available information and past experience related to such matters, an adequate provision for probable costs has been made and the ultimate cost resulting from these actions is not expected to materially affect the consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows of the Company.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ 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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-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 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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-Paragraph 4
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 2
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

+ Details

Leases and Other Commitments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Leases and Other Commitments [Abstract]

Leases and Other Commitments

15.

Leases and Other Commitments

Minimum aggregate rental commitments under noncancellable leases in effect at December 31, 2011 (principally for production and administrative facilities and equipment) amounted to $131.3 million, consisting of payments of $27.0 million in 2012, $20.9 million in 2013, $16.1 million in 2014, $13.1 million in 2015, $10.1 million in 2016 and $44.1 million thereafter. The leases expire over a range of years from 2012 to 2082, with renewal or purchase options, subject to various terms and conditions, contained in most of the leases. Rental expense was $26.4 million in 2011, $23.1 million in 2010 and $22.8 million in 2009.

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had $275.5 million and $222.0 million, respectively, in purchase obligations outstanding, which primarily consisted of contractual commitments to purchase certain inventories at fixed prices.

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information [Abstract]

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information

16.

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information

Descriptive Information about Reportable Segments

The Company has two reportable segments, EIG and EMG. The Company identifies its operating segments for segment reporting purposes primarily on the basis of product type, production processes, distribution methods and management organizations.

EIG produces instrumentation for various electronic applications used in transportation industries, including aircraft cockpit instruments and displays, airborne electronics systems that monitor and record flight and engine data, and pressure, temperature, flow and liquid-level sensors for commercial airlines and aircraft and jet engine manufacturers. EIG also produces analytical instrumentation for the medical, laboratory and research markets, as well as instruments for food service equipment, measurement and monitoring instrumentation for various process industries and instruments and complete instrument panels for heavy trucks, and heavy construction and agricultural vehicles. EIG also manufactures ultraprecise measurement instrumentation, as well as thermoplastic compounds for automotive, appliance and telecommunications applications.

EMG produces brushless air-moving motors for aerospace, mass transit, medical equipment, computer and business machine applications. EMG also produces high-purity metal powders and alloys in powder, strip and wire form for electronic components, aircraft and automotive products, as well as heat exchangers and thermal management subsystems. EMG also supplies hermetically sealed (moisture-proof) connectors, terminals and headers. These electromechanical devices are used in aerospace, defense, medical and other industrial applications. Additionally, EMG produces air-moving electric motors and motor-blower systems for manufacturers of floorcare appliances and outdoor power equipment.

Measurement of Segment Results

Segment operating income represents net sales less all direct costs and expenses (including certain administrative and other expenses) applicable to each segment, but does not include interest expense. Net sales by segment are reported after elimination of intra- and intersegment sales and profits, which are insignificant in amount. Reported segment assets include allocations directly related to the segment’s operations. Corporate assets consist primarily of investments, prepaid pensions, insurance deposits and deferred taxes.

Reportable Segment Financial Information


	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Net sales(1):
Electronic Instruments	$	1,647,195		$	1,324,113		$	1,146,578
Electromechanical		1,342,719			1,146,839			951,777

Consolidated net sales	$	2,989,914		$	2,470,952		$	2,098,355

Operating income and income before income taxes:
Segment operating income(2):
Electronic Instruments	$	420,197		$	316,184		$	232,875
Electromechanical		262,710			210,397			166,582

Total segment operating income		682,907			526,581			399,457
Corporate administrative and other expenses		(46,966	)		(44,423	)		(33,407	)

Consolidated operating income		635,941			482,158			366,050
Interest and other expenses, net		(79,299	)		(75,908	)		(71,417	)

Consolidated income before income taxes	$	556,642		$	406,250		$	294,633

Assets:
Electronic Instruments	$	2,154,502		$	1,959,586
Electromechanical		1,965,665			1,753,041

Total segment assets		4,120,167			3,712,627
Corporate		199,323			106,288

Consolidated assets	$	4,319,490		$	3,818,915

Additions to property, plant and equipment(3):
Electronic Instruments	$	27,196		$	31,496		$	22,220
Electromechanical		30,977			26,690			16,668

Total segment additions to property, plant and equipment		58,173			58,186			38,888
Corporate		2,419			3,240			2,161

Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment	$	60,592		$	61,426		$	41,049

Depreciation and amortization:
Electronic Instruments	$	39,749		$	32,893		$	32,635
Electromechanical		46,143			38,524			32,444

Total segment depreciation and amortization		85,892			71,417			65,079
Corporate		640			1,479			421

Consolidated depreciation and amortization	$	86,532		$	72,896		$	65,500

(1)	After elimination of intra- and intersegment sales, which are not significant in amount.

(2)	Segment operating income represents net sales less all direct costs and expenses (including certain administrative and other expenses) applicable to each segment, but does not include interest expense.

(3)	Includes $9.8 million in 2011, $22.2 million in 2010 and $8.0 million in 2009 from acquired businesses.

Geographic Areas

Information about the Company’s operations in different geographic areas for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is shown below. Net sales were attributed to geographic areas based on the location of the customer. Accordingly, U.S. export sales are reported in international sales.


	2011		2010		2009
	(In thousands)
Net sales:
United States	$	1,488,773	$	1,259,608	$	1,066,644

International(1):
United Kingdom		174,714		174,980		170,229
European Union countries		456,035		362,463		339,328
Asia		546,542		405,200		308,805
Other foreign countries		323,850		268,701		213,349

Total international		1,501,141		1,211,344		1,031,711

Total consolidated	$	2,989,914	$	2,470,952	$	2,098,355

Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
United States	$	215,987	$	206,869

International(2):
United Kingdom		34,093		34,031
European Union countries		52,832		54,815
Asia		8,496		8,862
Other foreign countries		13,921		13,549

Total international		109,342		111,257

Total consolidated	$	325,329	$	318,126

(1)	Includes U.S. export sales of $774.9 million in 2011, $564.5 million in 2010 and $414.1 million in 2009.

(2)	Represents long-lived assets of foreign-based operations only.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-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 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8933-108599

+ Details

Additional Consolidated Income Statement and Cash Flow Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Additional Consolidated Income Statement and Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Additional Consolidated Income Statement and Cash Flow Information

17.

Additional Consolidated Income Statement and Cash Flow Information

Included in other income are interest and other investment income of $0.8 million, $1.1 million and $0.9 million for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Income taxes paid in 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $130.1 million, $95.9 million and $84.3 million, respectively. Cash paid for interest was $68.2 million, $66.8 million and $68.0 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

18.

Stockholders’ Equity

In 2010, the Company repurchased approximately 3,071,000 shares of common stock for $78.6 million in cash under its share repurchase authorization. At December 31, 2010, $64.9 million was available under the Board authorization for future share repurchases. In 2011, the Company repurchased approximately 1,677,000 shares of common stock for $59.3 million in cash under its share repurchase authorization. In November 2011, the Board of Directors approved an increase of $100 million in the authorization for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock. This increase was added to the $5.5 million that remained available from an existing $75 million authorization approved in 2010. At December 31, 2011, $105.5 million was available under the Board authorization for future share repurchases.

At December 31, 2011, the Company held 8.8 million shares in its treasury at a cost of $209.8 million, compared with 7.3 million shares at a cost of $153.6 million at December 31, 2010. The number of shares outstanding at December 31, 2011 was 160.4 million shares, compared with 160.7 million shares at December 31, 2010.

The Company has a Shareholder Rights Plan, under which the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of one Right for each share of Company common stock owned at the close of business on June 2, 2007, and has authorized the issuance of one Right for each share of common stock of the Company issued between the Record Date and the Distribution Date. The Plan provides, under certain conditions involving acquisition of the Company’s common stock, that holders of Rights, except for the acquiring entity, would be entitled (i) to purchase shares of preferred stock at a specified exercise price, or (ii) to purchase shares of common stock of the Company, or the acquiring company, having a value of twice the Rights exercise price. The Rights under the Plan expire in June 2017.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-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 SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 4
-Section 08
-Paragraph d

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 1
-Section B
-Paragraph 7, 11A
-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 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 129
-Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
-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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Article 4

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 15
-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 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section C

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21564-112644

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405834&loc=d3e23285-112656

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.E)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6228006&loc=d3e74512-122707

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Preferred Stock
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29-31)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.C)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187143-122770

+ Details

Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs [Abstract]

Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs

19.

Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs

During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company recorded pre-tax charges totaling $40.0 million, which had the effect of reducing net income by $27.3 million ($0.17 per diluted share). These charges included restructuring costs for employee reductions and facility closures ($32.6 million), as well as asset write-downs ($7.4 million). The charges included $30.1 million for severance costs for more than 10% of the Company’s workforce and $1.5 million for lease termination costs associated with the closure of certain facilities. Of the $40.0 million in charges, $32.9 million of the restructuring charges and asset write-downs were recorded in cost of sales and $7.1 million of the restructuring charges and asset write-downs were recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses. The restructuring charges and asset write-downs were reported in 2008 segment operating income as follows: $20.4 million in EIG, $19.4 million in EMG and $0.2 million in Corporate administrative and other expenses. The restructuring costs for employee reductions and facility closures relate to plans established by the Company in 2008 as part of cost reduction initiatives that were broadly implemented across the Company’s various businesses during fiscal 2009. The restructuring costs resulted from the consolidation of manufacturing facilities, the migration of production to low-cost locales and a general reduction in workforce in response to lower levels of expected sales volumes in certain of the Company’s businesses.

The following table provides a rollforward of the remaining accruals established in the fourth quarter of 2008 for restructuring charges and asset write-downs:


	Restructuring
	Severance			Facility Closures			Total
	(In millions)
Restructuring accruals at December 31, 2009	$	12.2		$	1.0		$	13.2
Utilization		(4.6	)		(0.7	)		(5.3	)
Foreign currency translation and other		(1.0	)		—			(1.0	)

Restructuring accruals at December 31, 2010		6.6			0.3			6.9
Utilization		(3.5	)		(0.1	)		(3.6	)
Foreign currency translation and other		(0.1	)		—			(0.1	)

Restructuring accruals at December 31, 2011	$	3.0		$	0.2		$	3.2

- Definition

The entire disclosure for restructuring and related activities. Description of restructuring activities such as exit and disposal activities, include facts and circumstances leading to the plan, the expected plan completion date, the major types of costs associated with the plan activities, total expected costs, the accrual balance at the end of the period, and the periods over which the remaining accrual will be settled.

+ References + Details

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

20.

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)


	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter		Total Year
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2011
Net sales	$	717,783	$	758,834	$	750,546	$	762,751	$	2,989,914
Operating income	$	152,020	$	156,955	$	159,586	$	167,380	$	635,941
Net income	$	90,435	$	94,144	$	97,978	$	101,907	$	384,464
Basic earnings per share*	$	0.57	$	0.59	$	0.61	$	0.64	$	2.40
Diluted earnings per share*	$	0.56	$	0.58	$	0.60	$	0.63	$	2.37
Dividends paid per share*	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.24
2010
Net sales	$	556,662	$	591,941	$	644,374	$	677,975	$	2,470,952
Operating income	$	102,446	$	115,595	$	128,593	$	135,524	$	482,158
Net income	$	57,945	$	67,391	$	77,357	$	81,239	$	283,932
Basic earnings per share*	$	0.36	$	0.43	$	0.49	$	0.51	$	1.79
Diluted earnings per share*	$	0.36	$	0.42	$	0.48	$	0.50	$	1.76
Dividends paid per share*	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.06	$	0.18

*	The sum of quarterly earnings per share may not equal total year earnings per share due to rounding of earnings per share amounts, and differences in weighted average shares and equivalent shares outstanding for each of the periods presented.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References + Details

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Consolidation

Basis of Consolidation

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

Cash Equivalents, Securities and Other Investments

Cash Equivalents, Securities and Other Investments

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Inventories

Inventories

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Research and Development

Research and Development

Company-funded research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred and were $78.0 million in 2011, $56.8 million in 2010 and $50.5 million in 2009.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales and were $35.9 million in 2011, $33.3 million in 2010 and $24.6 million in 2009.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

2011

2010

2009

(In thousands)

Weighted average shares:

Basic shares

160,255

159,056

160,182

Equity-based compensation plans

1,853

1,828

1,593

Diluted shares

162,108

160,884

161,775

Financial Instruments and Foreign Currency Translation

Financial Instruments and Foreign Currency Translation

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, primarily trademarks and trade names, are not amortized; rather, they are tested for impairment at least annually.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures

Business Combinations

Presentation of Comprehensive Income

Goodwill Impairment

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Number of weighted average shares

2011

2010

2009

(In thousands)

Weighted average shares:

Basic shares

160,255

159,056

160,182

Equity-based compensation plans

1,853

1,828

1,593

Diluted shares

162,108

160,884

161,775

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Allocation of aggregate purchase price of acquired net assets


Property, plant and equipment	$	13.6
Goodwill		238.1
Other intangible assets		260.0
Deferred income taxes		(37.0	)
Net working capital and other*		0.2

Total purchase price	$	474.9

*	Includes $28.3 million in accounts receivable, whose fair value, contractual cash flows and expected cash flows are approximately equal.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of a material business combination completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. This table does not include leveraged buyouts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 51
-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 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 52
-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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 68
-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 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Appendix F
-Paragraph F4
-Subparagraph e

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1392-128463

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1486-128463

+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment


	EIG			EMG			Total
	(In millions)
Balance at December 31, 2009	$	746.9		$	530.4		$	1,277.3
Goodwill acquired		105.2			208.3			313.5
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other		25.8			(24.3	)		1.5
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(13.5	)		(5.2	)		(18.7	)

Balance at December 31, 2010		864.4			709.2			1,573.6
Goodwill acquired		135.7			102.4			238.1
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other		3.7			(2.0	)		1.7
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(6.1	)		(1.1	)		(7.2	)

Balance at December 31, 2011	$	997.7		$	808.5		$	1,806.2

Other intangible assets


	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization):
Patents	$	53,048		$	52,403
Purchased technology		124,773			107,170
Customer lists		657,152			479,943
Other acquired intangibles		24,865			25,944

		859,838			665,460

Accumulated amortization:
Patents		(30,913	)		(28,687	)
Purchased technology		(33,819	)		(28,026	)
Customer lists		(97,832	)		(70,982	)
Other acquired intangibles		(22,057	)		(20,825	)

		(184,621	)		(148,520	)

Net intangible assets subject to amortization		675,217			516,940
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (not subject to amortization):
Trademarks and trade names		307,740			244,616

	$	982,957		$	761,556

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information


	December 31,
	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
INVENTORIES
Finished goods and parts	$	70,315		$	46,953
Work in process		72,676			73,556
Raw materials and purchased parts		237,480			214,744

	$	380,471		$	335,253

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land	$	32,172		$	32,634
Buildings		211,060			209,019
Machinery and equipment		679,446			651,883

		922,678			893,536
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(597,349	)		(575,410	)

	$	325,329		$	318,126

ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Employee compensation and benefits	$	75,051		$	71,957
Severance and lease termination		11,614			18,143
Product warranty obligation		22,466			18,347
Other		72,041			69,634

	$	181,172		$	178,081


	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
ALLOWANCES FOR POSSIBLE LOSSES ON ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE
Balance at the beginning of the year	$	6,047		$	5,788		$	8,489
Additions charged to expense		2,458			1,466			1,139
Recoveries credited to allowance		11			120			70
Write-offs		(585	)		(1,036	)		(4,520	)
Currency translation adjustments and other		(91	)		(291	)		610

Balance at the end of the year	$	7,840		$	6,047		$	5,788

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Components of income before income taxes and the details of the provision for income taxes


	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Income before income taxes:
Domestic	$	366,654		$	266,783		$	207,831
Foreign		189,988			139,467			86,802

Total	$	556,642		$	406,250		$	294,633

Provision for income taxes:
Current:
Federal	$	103,598		$	70,008		$	58,247
Foreign		39,516			37,514			22,123
State		16,910			11,022			2,725

Total current		160,024			118,544			83,095

Deferred:
Federal		14,051			7,071			7,024
Foreign		(2,508	)		(3,105	)		(1,464	)
State		611			(192	)		208

Total deferred		12,154			3,774			5,768

Total provision	$	172,178		$	122,318		$	88,863

Components of the deferred tax (asset) liability


	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Current deferred tax (asset) liability:
Reserves not currently deductible	$	(20,874	)	$	(19,795	)
Share-based compensation		(4,234	)		(4,989	)
Net operating loss carryforwards		(2,264	)		(2,344	)
Foreign tax credit carryforwards		—			(2,018	)
Other		(1,896	)		2,040

Net current deferred tax asset	$	(29,268	)	$	(27,106	)

Noncurrent deferred tax (asset) liability:
Differences in basis of property and accelerated depreciation	$	27,329		$	28,697
Reserves not currently deductible		(22,822	)		(21,953	)
Pensions		8,720			31,927
Differences in basis of intangible assets and accelerated amortization		376,986			287,645
Net operating loss carryforwards		(1,241	)		(9,077	)
Share-based compensation		(8,548	)		(10,422	)
Foreign tax credit carryforwards		(331	)		—
Other		8,581			(494	)

		388,674			306,323
Less: Valuation allowance		414			5,143

Net noncurrent deferred tax liability		389,088			311,466

Net deferred tax liability	$	359,820		$	284,360

Reconciliation of effective tax rate to the U.S. Federal statutory rate


	2011			2010			2009
U.S. Federal statutory rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		2.0			1.9			0.4
Foreign operations, net		(4.9	)		(3.4	)		(4.2	)
Other		(1.2	)		(3.4	)		(1.0	)

Consolidated effective tax rate		30.9	%		30.1	%		30.2	%

Reconciliation of liability for uncertain tax positions


	2011			2010			2009
	(In millions)
Balance at the beginning of the year	$	22.8		$	26.5		$	18.6
Additions for tax positions related to the current year		1.4			1.2			8.8
Additions for tax positions of prior years		6.5			2.7			2.5
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(2.0	)		(3.5	)		(1.4	)
Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities		—			(4.1	)		(2.0	)
Reductions due to statute expirations		(0.2	)		—			—

Balance at the end of the year	$	28.5		$	22.8		$	26.5

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of tax positions taken in the tax returns filed or to be filed for which it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities (i.e., uncertain tax positions) and other types of income tax contingencies, including: (1) the policy on classification of interest and penalties; (2) a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the period; the total amount(s) of: (3) unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate, and (4) interest and penalties recognized in each of the income statement and balance sheet; (5) for positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts unrecognized will significantly change within 12 months of the reporting date the: (i) nature of the uncertainty, (ii) nature of the event that could occur that would cause the change, and (iii) an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change or a statement that an estimate of the range cannot be made; and (6) a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions.

+ References + Details

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Debt [Abstract]

Long-term debt


	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
U.S. dollar 6.59% senior notes due September 2015	$	90,000		$	90,000
U.S. dollar 6.69% senior notes due December 2015		35,000			35,000
U.S. dollar 6.20% senior notes due December 2017		270,000			270,000
U.S. dollar 6.35% senior notes due July 2018		80,000			80,000
U.S. dollar 7.08% senior notes due September 2018		160,000			160,000
U.S. dollar 7.18% senior notes due December 2018		65,000			65,000
U.S. dollar 6.30% senior notes due December 2019		100,000			100,000
British pound 5.99% senior note due November 2016		62,170			62,396
British pound 4.68% senior note due September 2020		124,339			124,792
Euro 3.94% senior note due August 2015		64,800			66,850
Swiss franc 2.44% senior note due December 2021		58,686			—
Revolving credit loan		134,200			92,000
Other, principally foreign		19,729			22,474

Total debt		1,263,924			1,168,512
Less: Current portion		(140,508	)		(97,152	)

Total long-term debt	$	1,123,416		$	1,071,360

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Estimated fair values and recorded amounts of the Company's financial instruments


	Asset (Liability)
	December 31, 2011						December 31, 2010
	Recorded Amount			Fair Value			Recorded Amount			Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Fixed-income investments	$	2,811		$	2,811		$	—		$	—
Short-term borrowings		(135,892	)		(135,892	)		(95,904	)		(95,904	)
Long-term debt (including current portion)		(1,128,032	)		(1,298,503	)		(1,072,608	)		(1,176,399	)

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Weighted average assumptions used for estimating fair value of options granted


	2011			2010			2009
Expected volatility		26.4	%		25.6	%		25.8	%
Expected term (years)		5.0			5.0			4.9
Risk-free interest rate		1.96	%		2.48	%		1.89	%
Expected dividend yield		0.54	%		0.54	%		0.73	%
Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted	$	11.34		$	7.56		$	5.20

Total share-based compensation expense


	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Stock option expense	$	8,027		$	7,580		$	6,297
Restricted stock expense		14,120			9,016			7,205

Total pre-tax expense		22,147			16,596			13,502
Related tax benefit		(7,083	)		(5,459	)		(4,223	)

Reduction of net income	$	15,064		$	11,137		$	9,279

Company's stock option activity and related information


	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(In thousands)					(Years)		(In millions)
Outstanding at the beginning of the year		6,119		$	24.25
Granted		660			44.70
Exercised		(1,165	)		18.91
Forfeited		(148	)		28.28
Expired		—			—

Outstanding at the end of the year		5,466		$	27.75		3.9	$	80.1

Exercisable at the end of the year		2,926		$	24.95		3.0	$	50.2


	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Nonvested stock options outstanding at the beginning of the year		3,236		$	6.32
Granted		660			11.34
Vested		(1,208	)		6.23
Forfeited		(148	)		6.91

Nonvested stock options outstanding at the end of the year		2,540		$	7.63

Non-vested restricted stock outstanding


	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at the beginning of the year		1,532		$	26.23
Granted		268			44.41
Vested		(810	)		22.95
Forfeited		(47	)		32.22

Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at the end of the year		943		$	34.07

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of components of a stock option or other award plan under which equity-based compensation is awarded to employees, typically comprised of the amount of unearned compensation (deferred compensation cost), compensation expense, and changes in the quantity and fair value of the shares (or other type of equity) granted, exercised, forfeited, and issued and outstanding pertaining to that plan. Disclosure may also include nature and general terms of such arrangements that existed during the period and potential effects of those arrangements on shareholders, effect of compensation cost arising from equity-based payment arrangements on the income statement, method of estimating the fair value of the goods or services received, or the fair value of the equity instruments granted, during the period, cash flow effects resulting from equity-based payment arrangements and, for registrants that accelerate vesting of out of the money share options, reasons for the decision to accelerate.

+ References + Details

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]

Net projected benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets for the funded and unfunded defined benefit plans

U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans:


	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Change in projected benefit obligation (“PBO”):
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	$	384,763		$	376,907
Service cost		3,095			2,917
Interest cost		21,271			21,489
Actuarial losses		34,765			9,578
Gross benefits paid		(24,962	)		(24,380	)
Plan amendments and other		—			(1,748	)

Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	$	418,932		$	384,763

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	$	465,903		$	430,513
Actual return on plan assets		527			59,520
Employer contributions		247			250
Gross benefits paid		(24,962	)		(24,380	)

Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	$	441,715		$	465,903

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:


	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	$	126,334		$	110,607
Service cost		1,267			1,004
Interest cost		7,244			6,386
Acquisitions		—			9,633
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(863	)		(4,370	)
Employee contributions		403			389
Actuarial (gains) losses		(1,869	)		6,069
Gross benefits paid		(4,106	)		(3,384	)

Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	$	128,410		$	126,334

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	$	126,539		$	112,503
Actual return on plan assets		(2,347	)		15,852
Employer contributions		5,139			3,305
Employee contributions		403			389
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(523	)		(4,062	)
Gross benefits paid		(4,106	)		(3,384	)
Acquisitions		—			1,936

Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	$	125,105		$	126,539

Accumulated benefit obligation ("ABO")

U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans:


	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Funded plans	$	402,306	$	370,610
Unfunded plans		5,558		4,757

Total	$	407,864	$	375,367

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:


	2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Funded plans	$	112,540	$	107,506
Unfunded plans		7,339		7,432

Total	$	119,879	$	114,938

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations


	2011			2010
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Discount rate		5.00	%		5.60	%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)		3.75	%		3.75	%

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Discount rate		5.22	%		5.71	%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)		2.97	%		2.97	%

Fair value of plan assets


	December 31, 2011						December 31, 2010
Asset Class	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2
	(In thousands)
Cash and temporary investments	$	2,402	$	2,402	$	—	$	23,163	$	23,163	$	—
Equity securities:
AMETEK common stock		26,368		26,368		—		33,822		33,822		—
U.S. Small cap common stocks		26,033		26,033		—		35,280		35,280		—
U.S. Large cap common stocks		62,567		40,281		22,286		71,898		46,461		25,437
Diversified common stocks — U.S.		41,467		—		41,467		42,135		—		42,135
Diversified common stocks — Global		60,430		—		60,430		67,575		—		67,575
Fixed-income securities and other:
U.S. Corporate		24,856		24,856		—		37,963		37,963		—
U.S. Government		5,126		5,126		—		8,024		8,024		—
Global asset allocation*		121,296		70,855		50,441		99,058		60,226		38,832
Inflation related funds		52,438		12,438		40,000		46,985		17,349		29,636
Alternative investments:
Collective trust		18,732		—		—		—		—		—

Total investments	$	441,715	$	208,359	$	214,624	$	465,903	$	262,288	$	203,615

*	This asset class was invested in diversified companies in all geographical regions.

Summary of changes of the fair value of the U.S plans' investments using significant unobservable inputs


	Alternative Investments
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2009	$	18,958
Actual return on assets:
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year		—
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year		755
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net		(19,713	)

Balance, December 31, 2010		—

Actual return on assets:
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year		807
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year		—
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net		17,925

Balance, December 31, 2011	$	18,732

Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans


	December 31, 2011				December 31, 2010
Asset Class	Total		Level 2		Total		Level 2
	(In thousands)
Cash	$	4,920	$	4,920	$	4,336	$	4,336
U.S. Mutual equity funds		10,224		10,224		10,141		10,141
Foreign mutual equity funds		72,221		72,221		77,260		77,260
Real estate		404		404		2,647		2,647
Mutual bond funds — Global		21,481		21,481		18,782		18,782
Life insurance		15,855		—		13,373		—

Total investments	$	125,105	$	109,250	$	126,539	$	113,166

Summary of changes of the fair value of the foreign plans' investments using significant unobservable inputs


	Life Insurance
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2009	$	9,747
Actual return on assets:
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year		1,690
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year		—
Acquisitions		1,936
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net		—

Balance, December 31, 2010		13,373

Actual return on assets:
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year		2,482
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year		—
Acquisitions		—
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net		—

Balance, December 31, 2011	$	15,855

Defined benefit plan, plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets

U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans:


	Projected Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets				Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets
	2011		2010		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Benefit obligation	$	5,558	$	4,757	$	5,558	$	4,757
Fair value of plan assets		—		—		—		—

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Projected Benefit
Obligation Exceeds
Fair Value of Assets

Accumulated
Benefit
Obligation Exceeds
Fair Value of Assets

2011

2010

2011

2010

(In thousands)

Benefit obligation

61,580

59,966

7,871

9,612

Fair value of plan assets

50,125

51,040

467

2,057

Funded status of plan and amounts recognized in balance sheet


	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Funded status asset (liability):
Fair value of plan assets	$	566,820		$	592,442
Projected benefit obligation		(547,342	)		(511,097	)

Funded status at the end of the year	$	19,478		$	81,345

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consisted of:
Noncurrent asset for pension benefits (other assets)	$	36,490		$	95,029
Current liabilities for pension benefits		(563	)		(235	)
Noncurrent liability for pension benefits		(16,449	)		(13,449	)

Net amount recognized at the end of the year	$	19,478		$	81,345

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income , net of taxes


Net amounts recognized:	2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Net actuarial loss	$	98,345		$	50,677
Prior service costs		93			139
Transition asset		(5	)		(18	)

Total recognized	$	98,433		$	50,798


Other changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income, net of taxes:	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	$	50,582		$	(10,871	)	$	(18,086	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		(2,914	)		(4,306	)		(8,079	)
Loss recognized due to curtailment		—			(993	)		—
Amortization of prior service costs		(46	)		(149	)		(85	)
Amortization of transition asset		13			(4	)		11

Total recognized	$	47,635		$	(16,323	)	$	(26,239	)

Components of net periodic pension benefit expense


	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	$	4,362		$	3,921		$	4,517
Interest cost		28,515			27,874			28,239
Expected return on plan assets		(45,049	)		(41,991	)		(35,711	)
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss		4,727			6,949			13,165
Prior service costs		75			83			138
Transition asset		(22	)		(21	)		(18	)

Pension (income) expense		(7,392	)		(3,185	)		10,330
Pension curtailment charge		—			41			—

Total net periodic benefit (income) expense		(7,392	)		(3,144	)		10,330

Other plans:
Defined contribution plans		14,571			12,505			12,521
Foreign plans and other		5,586			4,442			3,977

Total other plans		20,157			16,947			16,498

Total net pension expense	$	12,765		$	13,803		$	26,828

Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic pension benefit expense


	2011			2010			2009
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Discount rate		5.60	%		5.90	%		6.50	%
Expected return on plan assets		8.00	%		8.25	%		8.25	%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)		3.75	%		3.75	%		3.75	%

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Discount rate		5.71	%		5.98	%		6.09	%
Expected return on plan assets		6.96	%		6.97	%		6.97	%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)		2.97	%		2.98	%		2.98	%

Guarantees (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Guarantees [Abstract]

Changes in accrued product warranty obligation


	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Balance at the beginning of the year	$	18,347		$	16,035		$	16,068
Accruals for warranties issued during the year		13,247			10,616			8,236
Settlements made during the year		(10,175	)		(9,691	)		(11,095	)
Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties, including expirations during the year		—			(262	)		277
Warranty accruals related to acquired businesses and other during the year		1,047			1,649			2,549

Balance at the end of the year	$	22,466		$	18,347		$	16,035

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information [Abstract]

Reportable Segment Financial Information


	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Net sales(1):
Electronic Instruments	$	1,647,195		$	1,324,113		$	1,146,578
Electromechanical		1,342,719			1,146,839			951,777

Consolidated net sales	$	2,989,914		$	2,470,952		$	2,098,355

Operating income and income before income taxes:
Segment operating income(2):
Electronic Instruments	$	420,197		$	316,184		$	232,875
Electromechanical		262,710			210,397			166,582

Total segment operating income		682,907			526,581			399,457
Corporate administrative and other expenses		(46,966	)		(44,423	)		(33,407	)

Consolidated operating income		635,941			482,158			366,050
Interest and other expenses, net		(79,299	)		(75,908	)		(71,417	)

Consolidated income before income taxes	$	556,642		$	406,250		$	294,633

Assets:
Electronic Instruments	$	2,154,502		$	1,959,586
Electromechanical		1,965,665			1,753,041

Total segment assets		4,120,167			3,712,627
Corporate		199,323			106,288

Consolidated assets	$	4,319,490		$	3,818,915

Additions to property, plant and equipment(3):
Electronic Instruments	$	27,196		$	31,496		$	22,220
Electromechanical		30,977			26,690			16,668

Total segment additions to property, plant and equipment		58,173			58,186			38,888
Corporate		2,419			3,240			2,161

Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment	$	60,592		$	61,426		$	41,049

Depreciation and amortization:
Electronic Instruments	$	39,749		$	32,893		$	32,635
Electromechanical		46,143			38,524			32,444

Total segment depreciation and amortization		85,892			71,417			65,079
Corporate		640			1,479			421

Consolidated depreciation and amortization	$	86,532		$	72,896		$	65,500

(1)	After elimination of intra- and intersegment sales, which are not significant in amount.

(2)	Segment operating income represents net sales less all direct costs and expenses (including certain administrative and other expenses) applicable to each segment, but does not include interest expense.

(3)	Includes $9.8 million in 2011, $22.2 million in 2010 and $8.0 million in 2009 from acquired businesses.

Information about the Company's operations in different geographic areas


	2011		2010		2009
	(In thousands)
Net sales:
United States	$	1,488,773	$	1,259,608	$	1,066,644

International(1):
United Kingdom		174,714		174,980		170,229
European Union countries		456,035		362,463		339,328
Asia		546,542		405,200		308,805
Other foreign countries		323,850		268,701		213,349

Total international		1,501,141		1,211,344		1,031,711

Total consolidated	$	2,989,914	$	2,470,952	$	2,098,355

Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
United States	$	215,987	$	206,869

International(2):
United Kingdom		34,093		34,031
European Union countries		52,832		54,815
Asia		8,496		8,862
Other foreign countries		13,921		13,549

Total international		109,342		111,257

Total consolidated	$	325,329	$	318,126

(1)	Includes U.S. export sales of $774.9 million in 2011, $564.5 million in 2010 and $414.1 million in 2009.

(2)	Represents long-lived assets of foreign-based operations only.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References + Details

Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs [Abstract]

Restructuring accruals


	Restructuring
	Severance			Facility Closures			Total
	(In millions)
Restructuring accruals at December 31, 2009	$	12.2		$	1.0		$	13.2
Utilization		(4.6	)		(0.7	)		(5.3	)
Foreign currency translation and other		(1.0	)		—			(1.0	)

Restructuring accruals at December 31, 2010		6.6			0.3			6.9
Utilization		(3.5	)		(0.1	)		(3.6	)
Foreign currency translation and other		(0.1	)		—			(0.1	)

Restructuring accruals at December 31, 2011	$	3.0		$	0.2		$	3.2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data


	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter		Total Year
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2011
Net sales	$	717,783	$	758,834	$	750,546	$	762,751	$	2,989,914
Operating income	$	152,020	$	156,955	$	159,586	$	167,380	$	635,941
Net income	$	90,435	$	94,144	$	97,978	$	101,907	$	384,464
Basic earnings per share*	$	0.57	$	0.59	$	0.61	$	0.64	$	2.40
Diluted earnings per share*	$	0.56	$	0.58	$	0.60	$	0.63	$	2.37
Dividends paid per share*	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.24
2010
Net sales	$	556,662	$	591,941	$	644,374	$	677,975	$	2,470,952
Operating income	$	102,446	$	115,595	$	128,593	$	135,524	$	482,158
Net income	$	57,945	$	67,391	$	77,357	$	81,239	$	283,932
Basic earnings per share*	$	0.36	$	0.43	$	0.49	$	0.51	$	1.79
Diluted earnings per share*	$	0.36	$	0.42	$	0.48	$	0.50	$	1.76
Dividends paid per share*	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.06	$	0.18

*	The sum of quarterly earnings per share may not equal total year earnings per share due to rounding of earnings per share amounts, and differences in weighted average shares and equivalent shares outstanding for each of the periods presented.

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Weighted average shares:
Basic shares	160,255	159,056	160,182
Equity-based compensation plans	1,853	1,828	1,593
Diluted shares	162,108	160,884	161,775

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 8
-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 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920599&loc=d3e1448-109256

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-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

Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) yr Derivative	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) Derivative	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual)
Maximum ownership percentage of equity method investment	50.00%
Maturity period of liquid investments	three months or less
Maturity period of fixed income securities	3 years
Aggregate market value of equity and fixed-income securities \| $	$ 7,300	$ 4,700
Amortized cost of investment \| $	7,300	4,500
Allowance for possible losses on receivables \| $	$ 7,800	6,000
Percentage of FIFO method of inventory in total inventory	74.00%
Percentage of LIFO method of inventory in total inventory	26.00%
Excess of the FIFO value over the LIFO value \| $	$ 25,100	23,900
Accrual for future warranty obligations \| $	22,466	18,347	$ 16,035
Expense for warranty obligations \| $	$ 13,247	10,616	8,200
Product warranty period	1 year
Research and development costs \| $	$ 78,000	56,800	50,500
Shipping and handling costs \| $	$ 35,900	$ 33,300	$ 24,600
Forward contracts outstanding \| Derivative	0	0
Investments in owned subsidiaries	100.00%
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Range of lives for depreciable assets, minimum	3
Range of lives for depreciable assets, maximum	10
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Range of lives for depreciable assets, minimum	5
Range of lives for depreciable assets, maximum	27
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Range of lives for depreciable assets, minimum	25
Range of lives for depreciable assets, maximum	50
Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life, minimum	4
Useful life, maximum	20
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life, minimum	5
Useful life, maximum	20
Miscellaneous Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life, minimum	3
Useful life, maximum	20

Fair Value Measurement (Details) - Recurring [Member] $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement (Textual)
Marketable securities	$ 0.2
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement (Textual)
Marketable securities	$ 4.4

- Definition

This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents investment securities as of the balance sheet date which may include marketable securities, derivative financial instruments, and investments accounted for under the equity method.

+ References + Details

Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Hedging Activities (Textual)
Currency remeasurement gains	$ 0.7	$ 9.9
Investments in owned subsidiaries	100.00%
British pound-denominated loans [Member]
Hedging Activities (Textual)
Hedge against the net investment in foreign subsidiaries acquired	$ 186.5	187.2
Euro-denominated loans [Member]
Hedging Activities (Textual)
Hedge against the net investment in foreign subsidiaries acquired		$ 66.9

- Definition

Accumulated adjustment, net of tax, that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency from the functional currency of the reporting entity, net of reclassification of realized foreign currency translation gains or losses.

+ References

+ Details

Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allocation of aggregate purchase price of acquired net assets
Property, plant and equipment		$ 13.6
Goodwill		238.1
Other intangible assets		260.0
Deferred income taxes		(37.0)
Net working capital and other		0.2
Total purchase price	$ 175.0	$ 474.9

Acquisitions (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Details Textual) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) yr Business	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($) Business	Jan. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Acquisitions (Textual)
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 197.0
Future amortization expense, Year One	45.0
Future amortization expense, Year Two	45.0
Future amortization expense, Year Three	45.0
Future amortization expense, Year Four	45.0
Future amortization expense, Year Five	45.0
Amount of cash paid for acquisitions	474.9	$ 72.9		$ 538.6
Accounts receivable included in purchase price	$ 28.3
Number of businesses acquired \| Business	2	2
Goodwill recorded in connection with 2011 acquisitions	$ 47.0
Contingent liabilities	2.5
Total other intangible assets acquired	260.0
Indefinite-lived intangible trademarks and trade names acquired	63.0
Purchase price of acquisition	474.9		$ 175.0
Estimated annual sales			$ 80.0
2011 Acquisitions [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual)
Future amortization expense, Year One	11.1
Future amortization expense, Year Two	11.1
Future amortization expense, Year Three	11.1
Future amortization expense, Year Four	11.1
Future amortization expense, Year Five	11.1
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual)
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 178.9
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual)
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset \| yr	20
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual)
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset \| yr	12
Purchased Technology and Other [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual)
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 18.1
Purchased Technology and Other [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual)
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset \| yr	20
Purchased Technology and Other [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual)
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset \| yr	3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment
Beginning Balance	$ 1,573,645	$ 1,277,300
Goodwill acquired	238,100	313,500
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other	1,700	1,500
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(7,200)	(18,700)
Ending Balance	1,806,237	1,573,645
EIG [Member]
Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment
Beginning Balance	864,400	746,900
Goodwill acquired	135,700	105,200
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other	3,700	25,800
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(6,100)	(13,500)
Ending Balance	997,700	864,400
EMG [Member]
Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment
Beginning Balance	709,200	530,400
Goodwill acquired	102,400	208,300
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other	(2,000)	(24,300)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,100)	(5,200)
Ending Balance	$ 808,500	$ 709,200

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43
-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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 68
-Subparagraph l
-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 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-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 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 1
-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 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 34
-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

- Definition

The increase (decrease) in the recorded value of goodwill for foreign currency translation adjustments and purchase accounting adjustments needed to revise the carrying amount of goodwill to fair value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Subparagraph e
-Paragraph 45
-Clause 6
-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 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (f)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-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 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Subparagraph e
-Paragraph 45
-Clause 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 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Subparagraph e
-Paragraph 45
-Clause 7
-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

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Other intangible assets
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	$ 859,838	$ 665,460
Accumulated amortization	(184,621)	(148,520)
Net intangible assets subject to amortization	675,217	516,940
Other intangible assets
Total	982,957	761,556
Trademarks and trade names [Member]
Other intangible assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (not subject to amortization)	307,740	244,616
Patents [Member]
Other intangible assets
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	53,048	52,403
Accumulated amortization	(30,913)	(28,687)
Purchased technology [Member]
Other intangible assets
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	124,773	107,170
Accumulated amortization	(33,819)	(28,026)
Customer lists [Member]
Other intangible assets
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	657,152	479,943
Accumulated amortization	(97,832)	(70,982)
Other acquired intangibles [Member]
Other intangible assets
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	24,865	25,944
Accumulated amortization	$ (22,057)	$ (20,825)

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Textual)
Amortization expense	$ 37.6	$ 27.5	$ 23.3
Future amortization expense, 2012	45.0
Future amortization expense, 2013	45.0
Future amortization expense, 2014	45.0
Future amortization expense, 2015	45.0
Future amortization expense, 2016	$ 45.0

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
INVENTORIES
Finished goods and parts	$ 70,315	$ 46,953
Work in process	72,676	73,556
Raw materials and purchased parts	237,480	214,744
Total inventories	380,471	335,253
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land	32,172	32,634
Buildings	211,060	209,019
Machinery and equipment	679,446	651,883
Property, plant and equipment, gross	922,678	893,536
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(597,349)	(575,410)
Property, plant and equipment, net	325,329	318,126
ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Employee compensation and benefits	75,051	71,957
Severance and lease termination	11,614	18,143
Product warranty obligation	22,466	18,347
Other	72,041	69,634
Total accrued liabilities	181,172	178,081
ALLOWANCES FOR POSSIBLE LOSSES ON ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE
Balance at the beginning of the year	6,047	5,788	$ 8,489
Additions charged to expense	2,458	1,466	1,139
Recoveries credited to allowance	11	120	70
Write-offs	(585)	(1,036)	(4,520)
Currency translation adjustments and other	(91)	(291)	610
Balance at the end of the year	$ 7,840	$ 6,047	$ 5,788

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income before income taxes:
Domestic	$ 366,654	$ 266,783	$ 207,831
Foreign	189,988	139,467	86,802
Income before income taxes	556,642	406,250	294,633
Current:
Federal	103,598	70,008	58,247
Foreign	39,516	37,514	22,123
State	16,910	11,022	2,725
Total current	160,024	118,544	83,095
Deferred:
Federal	14,051	7,071	7,024
Foreign	(2,508)	(3,105)	(1,464)
State	611	(192)	208
Total deferred	12,154	3,774	5,768
Total provision	$ 172,178	$ 122,318	$ 88,863

Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Deferred tax (asset) liability:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 3,500
Net current deferred tax asset	(29,268)	$ (27,106)
Noncurrent deferred tax (asset) liability	388,674	306,323
Less: Valuation allowance	414	5,143
Net noncurrent deferred tax liability	389,088	311,466
Net deferred tax liability	359,820	284,360
Current [Member]
Deferred tax (asset) liability:
Reserves not currently deductible	(20,874)	(19,795)
Share-based compensation	(4,234)	(4,989)
Net operating loss carryforwards	(2,264)	(2,344)
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	0	(2,018)
Other	(1,896)	2,040
Noncurrent [Member]
Deferred tax (asset) liability:
Differences in basis of property and accelerated depreciation	27,329	28,697
Reserves not currently deductible	(22,822)	(21,953)
Pensions	8,720	31,927
Share-based compensation	(8,548)	(10,422)
Net operating loss carryforwards	(1,241)	(9,077)
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	(331)	0
Differences in basis of intangible assets and accelerated amortization	376,986	287,645
Other	$ 8,581	$ (494)

Income Taxes (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 2)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Reconciliation of effective tax rate to the U.S. Federal statutory rate
U. S. Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	2.00%	1.90%	0.40%
Foreign operations, net	(4.90%)	(3.40%)	(4.20%)
Other	(1.20%)	(3.40%)	(1.00%)
Consolidated effective tax rate	30.90%	30.10%	30.20%

Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Reconciliation of liability for uncertain tax positions
Balance at the beginning of the year	$ 22.8	$ 26.5	$ 18.6
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	1.4	1.2	8.8
Additions for tax positions of prior years	6.5	2.7	2.5
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(2.0)	(3.5)	(1.4)
Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities		(4.1)	(2.0)
Reductions due to statute expirations	(0.2)
Balance at the end of the year	$ 28.5	$ 22.8	$ 26.5

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Income Taxes (Textual)
Undistributed earnings of certain other subsidiaries	$ 410.3
Provision for U.S. deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings		$ 5.7
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 3.5
Expiration period for operating loss carryforwards	between 2012 and 2032
U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards	$ 0.3
Valuation allowance	(4.7)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	28.5	22.8	$ 26.5	$ 18.6
Total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact tax rate, if recognized	25.9	18.3
Interest and penalties accrued related to uncertain tax positions	7.2	6.1
Expense (income) of interest and penalties	$ 1.1	1.9	$ (0.7)
Period between open tax years subject to tax audit	three and six years
Additions of tax, interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	$ 9.6	5.4
Tax and interest related to statute expirations and settlement of prior uncertain positions reversed	2.9	$ 8.4
Amount of tax, interest and penalties classified as a noncurrent liability	30.4
Increase of income tax expense	3.2
Federal [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual)
Operating loss carryforwards	0.2
Operating loss carryforwards valuation allowance	0.0
State [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual)
Operating loss carryforwards	3.0
Operating loss carryforwards valuation allowance	0.1
Foreign [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual)
Operating loss carryforwards	0.3
Operating loss carryforwards valuation allowance	$ 0.0

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Long-term debt
Total debt	$ 1,263,924	$ 1,168,512
Less: Current portion	(140,508)	(97,152)
Total long-term debt	1,123,416	1,071,360
6.59% senior notes due September 2015 [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	90,000	90,000
6.69% senior notes due December 2015 [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	35,000	35,000
6.20% senior notes due December 2017 [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	270,000	270,000
6.35% senior notes due July 2018 [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	80,000	80,000
7.08% senior notes due September 2018 [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	160,000	160,000
7.18% senior notes due December 2018 [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	65,000	65,000
6.30% senior notes due December 2019 [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	100,000	100,000
British pound 5.99% senior note due November 2016 [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	62,170	62,396
British pound 4.68% senior note due September 2020 [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	124,339	124,792
Euro 3.94% senior note due August 2015 [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	64,800	66,850
Swiss franc 2.44% senior note due December 2021
Long-term debt
Total debt	58,686	0
Revolving credit loan [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	134,200	92,000
Other, principally foreign [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	$ 19,729	$ 22,474

Debt (Details Textual) $ in Thousands, € in Millions, £ in Millions, SFr in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2010 GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2010 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 CHF (SFr)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2008 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2008 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2008 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2007 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2005 EUR (€)	Nov. 30, 2004 GBP (£)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt						$ 1,168,512		$ 1,263,924
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2013								2,300
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2014								1,800
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2015								191,200
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2016								64,300
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2017								270,000
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2018 and thereafter								$ 593,800
Weighted average interest rate on total debt outstanding						6.30%	6.00%	6.00%
6.59% senior notes due September 2015 [Member]
Debt (Textual)
Interest rate on senior note						6.59%	6.59%	6.59%		6.59%
Maturity date of senior note					Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes										$ 90,000
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt						$ 90,000		$ 90,000
6.69% senior notes due December 2015 [Member]
Debt (Textual)
Interest rate on senior note						6.69%	6.69%	6.69%	6.69%
Maturity date of senior note					Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes									$ 35,000
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt						$ 35,000		$ 35,000
6.20% senior notes due December 2017 [Member]
Debt (Textual)
Interest rate on senior note						6.20%	6.20%	6.20%				6.20%
Maturity date of senior note					Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes												$ 270,000
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt						$ 270,000		$ 270,000
6.35% senior notes due July 2018 [Member]
Debt (Textual)
Interest rate on senior note						6.35%	6.35%	6.35%			6.35%
Maturity date of senior note					Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes											$ 80,000
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt						$ 80,000		$ 80,000
7.08% senior notes due September 2018 [Member]
Debt (Textual)
Interest rate on senior note						7.08%	7.08%	7.08%		7.08%
Maturity date of senior note					Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes										$ 160,000
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt						$ 160,000		$ 160,000
7.18% senior notes due December 2018 [Member]
Debt (Textual)
Interest rate on senior note						7.18%	7.18%	7.18%	7.18%
Maturity date of senior note					Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes									$ 65,000
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt						$ 65,000		$ 65,000
6.30% senior notes due December 2019 [Member]
Debt (Textual)
Interest rate on senior note						6.30%	6.30%	6.30%				6.30%
Maturity date of senior note					Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes												$ 100,000
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt						$ 100,000		$ 100,000
British pound 5.99% senior note due November 2016 [Member]
Debt (Textual)
Interest rate on senior note						5.99%	5.99%	5.99%						5.99%
Maturity date of senior note					Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2016
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes								$ 62,200						£ 40
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt						$ 62,396		$ 62,170
British pound 4.68% senior note due September 2020 [Member]
Debt (Textual)
Interest rate on senior note		4.68%				4.68%	4.68%	4.68%
Maturity date of senior note					Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes		£ 80						$ 124,300
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt						$ 124,792		$ 124,339
Euro 3.94% senior note due August 2015 [Member]
Debt (Textual)
Interest rate on senior note						3.94%	3.94%	3.94%					3.94%
Maturity date of senior note					Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes								$ 64,800					€ 50
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt						$ 66,850		$ 64,800
British pound 5.96% senior note due September 2010 [Member]
Debt (Textual)
Interest rate on senior note		5.96%
Payment of debt		£ 50	$ 78,200
Swiss franc 2.44% senior note due December 2021
Debt (Textual)
Interest rate on senior note						2.44%	2.44%	2.44%
Maturity date of senior note					Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes							SFr 55	$ 58,700
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt						$ 0		58,686
Revolving credit loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Term of revolving credit facility	5 years
Total borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	$ 700,000			$ 700,000
Additional borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility				200,000	$ 200,000
Available borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility								742,700
Borrowings outstanding						$ 92,000		$ 134,200
Percentage of weighted average interest rate on revolving credit facility						0.82%	1.10%	1.10%
Revolving credit facility terminated [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	$ 450,000			450,000
Additional borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility				$ 100,000
Revolving credit facility expiration date				June 2012
Letter of credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowings outstanding						$ 22,600		$ 25,900
Foreign subsidiaries [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Available borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility								56,000
Borrowings outstanding								19,700
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt								$ 13,400

Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Estimated fair values and recorded amounts of the Company's financial instruments
Long-term debt (including current portion)	$ (1,263,924)	$ (1,168,512)
Recorded Amount [Member]
Estimated fair values and recorded amounts of the Company's financial instruments
Fixed-income investments	2,811	0
Short-term borrowings	(135,892)	(95,904)
Long-term debt (including current portion)	(1,128,032)	(1,072,608)
Fair Value [Member]
Estimated fair values and recorded amounts of the Company's financial instruments
Fixed-income investments	2,811	0
Short-term borrowings	(135,892)	(95,904)
Long-term debt (including current portion)	$ (1,298,503)	$ (1,176,399)

Share-Based Compensation (Details)	12 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation (Details)	Dec. 31, 2011 yr $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2010 yr $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2009 yr $ / shares
Weighted average assumptions used for estimating fair value of options granted
Expected volatility	26.40%	25.60%	25.80%
Expected term (years) \| yr	5.0	5.0	4.9
Risk-free interest rate	1.96%	2.48%	1.89%
Expected dividend yield	0.54%	0.54%	0.73%
Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted \| $ / shares	$ 11.34	$ 7.56	$ 5.20

Share-Based Compensation (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Total share-based compensation expense
Stock option expense	$ 8,027	$ 7,580	$ 6,297
Restricted stock expense	14,120	9,016	7,205
Total pre-tax expense	22,147	16,596	13,502
Related tax benefit	(7,083)	(5,459)	(4,223)
Reduction of net income	$ 15,064	$ 11,137	$ 9,279

Share-Based Compensation (Details 2) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) yr $ / shares shares
Company's stock option activity and related information
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Shares \| shares	6,119
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 24.25
Granted, Shares \| shares	660
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 44.70
Exercised, Shares \| shares	(1,165)
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 18.91
Forfeited, Shares \| shares	(148)
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 28.28
Ending balance, Outstanding, Shares \| shares	5,466
Ending balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 27.75
Ending balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) \| yr	3.9
Ending balance, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 80.1
Ending balance, Exercisable, Shares \| shares	2,926
Ending balance, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 24.95
Ending balance, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) \| yr	3.0
Ending balance, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 50.2

Share-Based Compensation (Details 3) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Non-vested stock options outstanding
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Shares	6,119
Granted, Shares	660
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 11.34	$ 7.56	$ 5.20
Forfeited, Shares	(148)
Ending balance, Outstanding, Shares	5,466	6,119
Non-vested Stock Options [Member]
Non-vested stock options outstanding
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Shares	3,236
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 6.32
Granted, Shares	660
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 11.34
Vested, Shares	(1,208)
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 6.23
Forfeited, Shares	(148)
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 6.91
Ending balance, Outstanding, Shares	2,540	3,236
Ending balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 7.63	$ 6.32

Share-Based Compensation (Details 4) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation (Details 4) - $ / shares	Apr. 06, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding
Vested, Shares	(509,709)
Non-vested Restricted Shares [Member]
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Shares	1,532,000	1,532,000
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 26.23	$ 26.23
Granted, Shares		268,000
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 44.41	$ 29.01
Vested, Shares		(810,000)
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 22.95
Forfeited, Shares		(47,000)
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 32.22
Ending balance, Outstanding, Shares		943,000	1,532,000
Ending balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 34.07	$ 26.23

Share-Based Compensation (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 06, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Share-Based Compensation (Textual)
Stock options outstanding		5,466,000	6,119,000
Vesting period		1 year
Total vested restricted shares	509,709
Contractual term of stock options		7 years
Common stock reserved for share-based plans		15,400,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised		$ 28.2	$ 29.3	$ 15.5
Total fair value of stock options vested		7.5	7.0	$ 5.4
Vesting charges, pre-tax		5.2
Vesting charges, net after-tax		3.6
Total fair value of vested restricted stock		$ 18.6	$ 5.7
Total number of shares reserved under the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan		34,988
Shares used for retirements and terminations		12,667
Shares reserved under the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan in the current year		445,488
Vesting rate		25.00%
Cliff vesting period		4 years
Non-vested Stock Options [Member]
Share-Based Compensation (Textual)
Expected future pre-tax compensation expense		$ 12.8
Stock options outstanding		2,540,000	3,236,000
Weighted average period to recognize expected future pre-tax compensation expense (in years)		less than two years
Non-vested Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-Based Compensation (Textual)
Expected future pre-tax compensation expense		$ 17.3
Weighted average period to recognize expected future pre-tax compensation expense (in years)		approximately two years
Vesting period	certain events, including doubling of the grant price of the Company’s common stock as of the close of business during any five consecutive trading days
Total vested restricted shares		810,000
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding		943,000	1,532,000
Weighted average fair value, per share		$ 44.41	$ 29.01

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Change in projected benefit obligation ("PBO"):
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	$ 511,097
Service cost	4,362	$ 3,921	$ 4,517
Interest cost	28,515	27,874	28,239
Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	547,342	511,097
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	592,442
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	566,820	592,442
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation ("PBO"):
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	384,763	376,907
Service cost	3,095	2,917
Interest cost	21,271	21,489
Actuarial (gains) losses	34,765	9,578
Gross benefits paid	(24,962)	(24,380)
Plan amendments and other		(1,748)
Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	418,932	384,763	376,907
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	465,903	430,513
Actual return on plan assets	527	59,520
Employer contributions	247	250
Gross benefits paid	(24,962)	(24,380)
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	441,715	465,903	430,513
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation ("PBO"):
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	126,334	110,607
Service cost	1,267	1,004
Interest cost	7,244	6,386
Acquisitions		9,633
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(863)	(4,370)
Employee contributions	403	389
Actuarial (gains) losses	(1,869)	6,069
Gross benefits paid	(4,106)	(3,384)
Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	128,410	126,334	110,607
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	126,539	112,503
Actual return on plan assets	(2,347)	15,852
Employer contributions	5,139	3,305
Employee contributions	403	389
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(523)	(4,062)
Gross benefits paid	(4,106)	(3,384)
Acquisitions		1,936
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	$ 125,105	$ 126,539	$ 112,503

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 407,864	$ 375,367
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation	119,879	114,938
Funded plans [Member] \| U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation	402,306	370,610
Funded plans [Member] \| Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation	112,540	107,506
Unfunded plans [Member] \| U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation	5,558	4,757
Unfunded plans [Member] \| Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 7,339	$ 7,432

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 2)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	5.00%	5.60%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)	3.75%	3.75%
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	5.22%	5.71%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)	2.97%	2.97%

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 566,820	$ 592,442
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	441,715	465,903	$ 430,513
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	208,359	262,288
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	214,624	203,615
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Cash and temporary investments [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	2,402	23,163
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Cash and temporary investments [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	2,402	23,163
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Cash and temporary investments [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| AMETEK common stock [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	26,368	33,822
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| AMETEK common stock [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	26,368	33,822
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| AMETEK common stock [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Small cap common stocks [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	26,033	35,280
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Small cap common stocks [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	26,033	35,280
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Small cap common stocks [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Large cap common stocks [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	62,567	71,898
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Large cap common stocks [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	40,281	46,461
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Large cap common stocks [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	22,286	25,437
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Diversified common stocks - U.S. [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	41,467	42,135
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Diversified common stocks - U.S. [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Diversified common stocks - U.S. [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	41,467	42,135
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Diversified common stocks - Global [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	60,430	67,575
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Diversified common stocks - Global [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Diversified common stocks - Global [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	60,430	67,575
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Corporate [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	24,856	37,963
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Corporate [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	24,856	37,963
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Corporate [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Government [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	5,126	8,024
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Government [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	5,126	8,024
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Government [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Global asset allocation [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	121,296	99,058
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Global asset allocation [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	70,855	60,226
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Global asset allocation [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	50,441	38,832
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Inflation related funds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	52,438	46,985
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Inflation related funds [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	12,438	17,349
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Inflation related funds [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	40,000	29,636
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Collective trust [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	18,732	0
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Collective trust [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Collective trust [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary of changes of the fair value of the U.S. plans' investments using significant unobservable inputs
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	$ 592,442
Actual return on assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	566,820	$ 592,442
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Summary of changes of the fair value of the U.S. plans' investments using significant unobservable inputs
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	465,903	430,513
Actual return on assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	441,715	465,903
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Alternative Investments [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Summary of changes of the fair value of the U.S. plans' investments using significant unobservable inputs
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	0	18,958
Actual return on assets:
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year	807
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year		755
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	17,925	(19,713)
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	$ 18,732	$ 0

- Definition

Assets, usually stocks, bonds, and other investments, that have been segregated and restricted (usually in a trust) to provide benefits, at their fair value as of the measurement date. Plan assets include amounts contributed by the employer (and by employees for a contributory plan) and amounts earned from investing the contributions, less benefits paid. If a plan has liabilities other than for benefits, those non-benefit obligations may be considered as reductions of plan assets.

+ References + Details

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension
Fair value of plan assets	$ 566,820	$ 592,442
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension
Fair value of plan assets	125,105	126,539	$ 112,503
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension
Fair value of plan assets	109,250	113,166
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Cash [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension
Fair value of plan assets	4,920	4,336
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Cash [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension
Fair value of plan assets	4,920	4,336
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Mutual equity funds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension
Fair value of plan assets	10,224	10,141
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Mutual equity funds [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension
Fair value of plan assets	10,224	10,141
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Foreign mutual equity funds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension
Fair value of plan assets	72,221	77,260
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Foreign mutual equity funds [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension
Fair value of plan assets	72,221	77,260
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Real estate [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension
Fair value of plan assets	404	2,647
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Real estate [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension
Fair value of plan assets	404	2,647
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Mutual bond funds - Global [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension
Fair value of plan assets	21,481	18,782
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Mutual bond funds - Global [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension
Fair value of plan assets	21,481	18,782
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Life insurance [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension
Fair value of plan assets	15,855	13,373
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Life insurance [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary of changes of the fair value of the foreign plans' investments using significant unobservable inputs
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	$ 592,442
Actual return on assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	566,820	$ 592,442
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Summary of changes of the fair value of the foreign plans' investments using significant unobservable inputs
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	126,539	112,503
Actual return on assets:
Acquisitions		1,936
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	125,105	126,539
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Life insurance [Member]
Summary of changes of the fair value of the foreign plans' investments using significant unobservable inputs
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	13,373
Actual return on assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	15,855	13,373
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Life insurance [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Summary of changes of the fair value of the foreign plans' investments using significant unobservable inputs
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	13,373	9,747
Actual return on assets:
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year	2,482	1,690
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year
Acquisitions		1,936
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	$ 15,855	$ 13,373

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 7) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined benefit plan, plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation exceeds fair value of assets, projected benefit obligation	$ 5,558	$ 4,757
Projected benefit obligation exceeds fair value of assets, fair value of plan assets	0	0
Accumulated benefit obligation exceeds fair value of assets, projected benefit obligation	5,558	4,757
Accumulated benefit obligation exceeds fair value of assets, fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined benefit plan, plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation exceeds fair value of assets, projected benefit obligation	61,580	59,966
Projected benefit obligation exceeds fair value of assets, fair value of plan assets	50,125	51,040
Accumulated benefit obligation exceeds fair value of assets, projected benefit obligation	7,871	9,612
Accumulated benefit obligation exceeds fair value of assets, fair value of plan assets	$ 467	$ 2,057

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 8) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Funded status asset (liability):
Fair value of plan assets	$ 566,820	$ 592,442
Projected benefit obligation	(547,342)	(511,097)
Funded status at the end of the year	19,478	81,345
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consisted of:
Noncurrent asset for pension benefits (other assets)	36,490	95,029
Current liabilities for pension benefits	(563)	(235)
Noncurrent liability for pension benefits	(16,449)	(13,449)
Net amount recognized at the end of the year	$ 19,478	$ 81,345

- Definition

1) For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value as of a date of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered prior to that date. 2) For other postretirement defined benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value of benefits attributed to employee service rendered to a particular date.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

+ References + Details

- Definition

This represents the noncurrent liability for underfunded plans recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement defined benefit plans.

+ References

+ Details

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 9) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net amounts recognized:
Net actuarial loss	$ 98,345	$ 50,677
Prior service costs	93	139
Transition asset	(5)	(18)
Total recognized	98,433	50,798
Other changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
Net actuarial (loss) gain	50,582	(10,871)	$ (18,086)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	(2,914)	(4,306)	(8,079)
Loss recognized due to curtailment		(993)
Amortization of prior service costs	(46)	(149)	(85)
Amortization of transition asset	13	(4)	11
Total recognized	$ 47,635	$ (16,323)	$ (26,239)

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 10) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	$ 4,362	$ 3,921	$ 4,517
Interest cost	28,515	27,874	28,239
Expected return on plan assets	(45,049)	(41,991)	(35,711)
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss	4,727	6,949	13,165
Prior service costs	75	83	138
Transition asset	(22)	(21)	(18)
Pension (income) expense	(7,392)	(3,185)	10,330
Pension curtailment charge		41
Total net periodic benefit (income) expense	(7,392)	(3,144)	10,330
Other plans:
Defined contribution plans	14,571	12,505	12,521
Foreign plans and other	5,586	4,442	3,977
Total other plans	20,157	16,947	16,498
Total net pension expense	$ 12,765	$ 13,803	$ 26,828

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 11)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	5.60%	5.90%	6.50%
Expected return on plan assets	8.00%	8.25%	8.25%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)	3.75%	3.75%	3.75%
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	5.71%	5.98%	6.09%
Expected return on plan assets	6.96%	6.97%	6.97%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)	2.97%	2.98%	2.98%

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Retirement Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits (Textual)
Defined benefit plan estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year range, Minimum	$ 3,000,000
Defined benefit plan estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year range, Maximum	$ 6,000,000
Percentage of minimum employee contribution	20.00%
Percentage of maximum employee contribution	100.00%
Percentage of employee contribution for eligible compensation, Minimum	1.00%
Percentage of employee contribution for eligible compensation, Maximum	8.00%
Defined benefit plan contributions by employer employee match	$ 1,200
Expected long term return on plan assets	8.00%	8.25%
Number of equity securities in AMETEK common stock	626,324	861,300
Total market value of equity securities in AMETEK common stock	$ 26,400,000	$ 33,800,000
Percentage of equity securities in company common stock included in plan assets	6.00%	7.30%
Expected amount of amortization related to net actuarial losses and prior service costs	$ 11,400,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2012	29,668,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2013	30,328,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2014	31,126,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2015	31,912,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2016	32,889,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2017 to 2021	177,481,000
Amount deferred under the compensation plan, including income earned	$ 19,500,000	$ 16,900,000
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign benefits plans, equity securities	50.00%
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign benefits plans, fixed income securities	25.00%
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign benefits plans, other securities	25.00%
Assumed rate of return next year	8.00%
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign benefits plans, equity securities	74.00%
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign benefits plans, fixed income securities	17.00%
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign benefits plans, other securities	9.00%
Assumed rate of return next year	6.96%

Guarantees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Guarantees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Changes in accrued product warranty obligation
Balance at the beginning of the year	$ 18,347	$ 16,035
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	13,247	10,616	$ 8,200
Settlements made during the year	(10,175)	(9,691)
Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties, including expirations during the year		(262)
Warranty accruals related to acquired businesses and other during the year	1,047	1,649
Balance at the end of the year	$ 22,466	$ 18,347	$ 16,035

Guarantees (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Guarantees (Details Textual) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Guarantees (Textual)
Future payment obligations of various guarantees, Maximum amount	$ 64.7
Outstanding liability of guarantees	$ 4.1
Product warranty period	1 year

Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) Site	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Contingencies (Textual)
Number of non-owned sites Company is named Potentially Responsible Party \| Site	15
Number of non-owned sites the Company is identified as a de minimis party \| Site	14
Number of non-owned sites Company has reached tentative settlement agreement \| Site	10
Number of non-owned sites Company is still working to establish settlement amount \| Site	4
Total environmental reserves	$ 28.0	$ 31.3
Reserves related to business acquisition	1.2
Total expenses related to environmental matters	4.5
Reserves related to an owned site acquired	17.5	$ 18.9
Receivables related to HCC for probable recoveries from third-party funds	14.3
Amount for which the Company is indemnified by HCC's former owners	$ 19.0

Leases and Other Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Leases and Other Commitments (Textual)
Minimum aggregate rental commitments under non-cancelable leases	$ 131.3
Future minimum rental payments in 2012	27.0
Future minimum rental payments in 2013	20.9
Future minimum rental payments in 2014	16.1
Future minimum rental payments in 2015	13.1
Future minimum rental payments in 2016	10.1
Future minimum rental payments thereafter	44.1
Rental expenses under non-cancelable leases	26.4	$ 23.1	$ 22.8
Purchase obligation outstanding	$ 275.5	$ 222.0

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Reportable Segment Financial Information
Net sales	$ 762,751	$ 750,546	$ 758,834	$ 717,783	$ 677,975	$ 644,374	$ 591,941	$ 556,662	$ 2,989,914	$ 2,470,952	$ 2,098,355
Segment operating income:
Consolidated operating income	167,380	$ 159,586	$ 156,955	$ 152,020	135,524	$ 128,593	$ 115,595	$ 102,446	635,941	482,158	366,050
Interest and other expenses, net									(79,299)	(75,908)	(71,417)
Income before income taxes									556,642	406,250	294,633
Assets:
Assets	4,319,490				3,818,915				4,319,490	3,818,915
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment									60,592	61,426	41,049
Depreciation and amortization:
Consolidated depreciation and amortization									86,532	72,896	65,500
Electronic Instruments [Member]
Reportable Segment Financial Information
Net sales									1,647,195	1,324,113	1,146,578
Segment operating income:
Consolidated operating income									420,197	316,184	232,875
Assets:
Assets	2,154,502				1,959,586				2,154,502	1,959,586
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment									27,196	31,496	22,220
Depreciation and amortization:
Consolidated depreciation and amortization									39,749	32,893	32,635
Electromechanical [Member]
Reportable Segment Financial Information
Net sales									1,342,719	1,146,839	951,777
Segment operating income:
Consolidated operating income									262,710	210,397	166,582
Assets:
Assets	1,965,665				1,753,041				1,965,665	1,753,041
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment									30,977	26,690	16,668
Depreciation and amortization:
Consolidated depreciation and amortization									46,143	38,524	32,444
Corporate [Member]
Segment operating income:
Corporate administrative and other expenses									(46,966)	(44,423)	(33,407)
Assets:
Assets	199,323				106,288				199,323	106,288
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment									2,419	3,240	2,161
Depreciation and amortization:
Consolidated depreciation and amortization									640	1,479	421
Total Segment [Member]
Segment operating income:
Consolidated operating income									682,907	526,581	399,457
Assets:
Assets	$ 4,120,167				$ 3,712,627				4,120,167	3,712,627
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment									58,173	58,186	38,888
Depreciation and amortization:
Consolidated depreciation and amortization									$ 85,892	$ 71,417	$ 65,079

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 762,751	$ 750,546	$ 758,834	$ 717,783	$ 677,975	$ 644,374	$ 591,941	$ 556,662	$ 2,989,914	$ 2,470,952	$ 2,098,355
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	325,329				318,126				325,329	318,126
United States [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									1,488,773	1,259,608	1,066,644
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	215,987				206,869				215,987	206,869
United Kingdom [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									174,714	174,980	170,229
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	34,093				34,031				34,093	34,031
European Union countries [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									456,035	362,463	339,328
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	52,832				54,815				52,832	54,815
Asia [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									546,542	405,200	308,805
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	8,496				8,862				8,496	8,862
Other foreign countries [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									323,850	268,701	213,349
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	13,921				13,549				13,921	13,549
Total International [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									1,501,141	1,211,344	$ 1,031,711
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	$ 109,342				$ 111,257				$ 109,342	$ 111,257

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) Segment	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information (Textual)
Number of reportable segments \| Segment	2
Additions to property, plant and equipment from acquired businesses	$ 9.8	$ 22.2	$ 8.0
Revenue from U.S. export sales	$ 774.9	$ 564.5	$ 414.1

Additional Consolidated Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Additional Consolidated Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Textual)
Interest and other investment income	$ 0.8	$ 1.1	$ 0.9
Income taxes paid	130.1	95.9	84.3
Cash paid for interest	$ 68.2	$ 66.8	$ 68.0

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Stockholders' Equity (Textual)
Repurchase of common stock, shares		1,677,000	3,071,000
Repurchase of common stock under share repurchase authorization		$ 59.3	$ 78.6
Common stock repurchase authorization, Total		105.5	64.9
Increase of common stock repurchase authorization	$ 100.0
Existing share repurchase authorization			$ 5.5
Existing share repurchase authorization approved			$ 75.0
Treasury stock, shares		8,800	7,300
Treasury stock, cost		$ 209.8	$ 153.6
Number of shares outstanding		160,400	160,700

Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Restructuring accruals
Restructuring accruals, Beginning Balance		$ 6.9	$ 13.2
Utilization		(3.6)	(5.3)
Foreign currency translation and other		(0.1)	(1.0)
Restructuring accruals, Ending Balance		3.2	6.9
Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Textual)
Total pre-tax charges including restructuring costs and asset write-downs	$ 40.0
Reduction in net income	$ 27.3
Reduction in net income in terms of diluted earnings per share	$ 0.17
Asset write-downs	$ 7.4
Charges related to severance costs	$ 30.1
Percentage of Company's workforce for which severance costs applied	10.00%
Charges related to lease termination costs	$ 1.5
Electromechanical Group Segment Operating Income [Member]
Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Textual)
Total pre-tax charges including restructuring costs and asset write-downs	19.4
Electronic Instruments Group Segment Operating Income [Member]
Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Textual)
Total pre-tax charges including restructuring costs and asset write-downs	20.4
Cost of Sales [Member]
Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Textual)
Total pre-tax charges including restructuring costs and asset write-downs	32.9
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Textual)
Total pre-tax charges including restructuring costs and asset write-downs	7.1
Corporate Administrative and Other Expenses Segment Operating Income [Member]
Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Textual)
Total pre-tax charges including restructuring costs and asset write-downs	0.2
Severance [Member]
Restructuring accruals
Restructuring accruals, Beginning Balance		6.6	12.2
Utilization		(3.5)	(4.6)
Foreign currency translation and other		(0.1)	(1.0)
Restructuring accruals, Ending Balance		3.0	6.6
Facility Closures [Member]
Restructuring accruals
Restructuring accruals, Beginning Balance		0.3	1.0
Utilization		(0.1)	(0.7)
Restructuring accruals, Ending Balance		$ 0.2	$ 0.3
Employee Reductions And Facility Closures [Member]
Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Textual)
Total pre-tax charges including restructuring costs and asset write-downs	$ 32.6

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Quarterly Financial Data
Net sales	$ 762,751	$ 750,546	$ 758,834	$ 717,783	$ 677,975	$ 644,374	$ 591,941	$ 556,662	$ 2,989,914	$ 2,470,952	$ 2,098,355
Operating income	167,380	159,586	156,955	152,020	135,524	128,593	115,595	102,446	635,941	482,158	366,050
Net income	$ 101,907	$ 97,978	$ 94,144	$ 90,435	$ 81,239	$ 77,357	$ 67,391	$ 57,945	$ 384,464	$ 283,932	$ 205,770
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.64	$ 0.61	$ 0.59	$ 0.57	$ 0.51	$ 0.49	$ 0.43	$ 0.36	$ 2.40	$ 1.79	$ 1.28
Diluted earnings per share	0.63	0.60	0.58	0.56	0.50	0.48	0.42	0.36	2.37	1.76	$ 1.27
Dividends paid per share	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.24	$ 0.18

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 36, 37, 38
-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 SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 20

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 7
-Paragraph 18

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 21
-Article 9

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.21)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920599&loc=d3e1252-109256

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 52
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6945512&loc=d3e4984-109258

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.23)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-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

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 87-21
-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 AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 10, 15
-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 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28, 29, 30
-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 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 19

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 20
-Article 9

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Net Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e565-108580

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
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-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph d
-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 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A

+ Details