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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010	Jan. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
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, 2010
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2010
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			$ 4,300,000,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		160,780,060

Consolidated Statement of Income $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statement of Income $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2008 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,470,952	$ 2,098,355	$ 2,531,135
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation	1,646,892	1,435,953	1,730,086
Selling, general and administrative	296,482	254,143	322,552
Depreciation	45,420	42,209	45,843
Total operating expenses	1,988,794	1,732,305	2,098,481
Operating income	482,158	366,050	432,654
Other expenses:
Interest expense	(67,522)	(68,750)	(63,652)
Other, net	(8,386)	(2,667)	(2,786)
Income before income taxes	406,250	294,633	366,216
Total provision	122,318	88,863	119,264
Net income	$ 283,932	$ 205,770	$ 246,952
Basic earnings per share \| (per share)	$ 1.79	$ 1.28	$ 1.55
Diluted earnings per share \| (per share)	$ 1.76	$ 1.27	$ 1.53
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic shares \| shares			159,222,000
Diluted shares \| shares			161,164,000

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 163,208	$ 246,356
Marketable securities	5,645	4,994
Receivables, less allowance for possible losses	399,913	331,383
Inventories	335,253	311,542
Deferred income taxes	27,106	30,669
Other current assets	43,367	44,486
Total current assets	974,492	969,430
Property, plant and equipment, net	318,126	310,053
Goodwill	1,573,645	1,277,291
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	761,556	521,888
Investments and other assets	191,096	167,370
Total assets	3,818,915	3,246,032
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	97,152	85,801
Accounts payable	236,600	191,779
Income taxes payable	39,026	13,345
Accrued liabilities	178,081	133,357
Total current liabilities	550,859	424,282
Long-term debt	1,071,360	955,880
Deferred income taxes	311,466	206,354
Other long-term liabilities	110,026	92,492
Total liabilities	2,043,711	1,679,008
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized: 5,000,000 shares; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized: 400,000,000 shares; issued: 2010 - 168,050,869 shares; 2009 - 166,500,867 shares	1,681	1,665
Capital in excess of par value	263,290	223,502
Retained earnings	1,755,742	1,500,471
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(91,958)	(75,281)
Treasury stock: 2010 - 7,341,520 shares; 2009 - 4,674,869 shares	(153,551)	(83,333)
Total stockholders' equity	1,775,204	1,567,024
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,818,915	$ 3,246,032

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	168,050,869	166,500,867
Treasurey stock, shares	7,341,520	4,674,869

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Statement [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		$ 1,567,024	$ 1,287,772	$ 1,567,024	$ 1,287,772
Net income	$ 81,239	57,945	59,055	283,932	205,770	$ 246,952
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities:
Ending Balance	1,775,204			1,775,204	1,567,024	1,287,772
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value
Statement [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		0	0	0	0
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities:
Ending Balance	0			0	0	0
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Statement [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		1,665	1,653	1,665	1,653	1,646
Shares issued				16	12	7
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities:
Ending Balance	1,681			1,681	1,665	1,653
Capital in Excess of Par Value
Statement [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		223,502	202,449	223,502	202,449	173,901
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans				14,202	3,455	3,472
Share-based compensation costs				16,596	13,502	20,186
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options				8,990	4,096	4,890
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities:
Ending Balance	263,290			263,290	223,502	202,449
Retained Earnings
Statement [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		1,500,471	1,320,470	1,500,471	1,320,470	1,099,111
Net income				283,932	205,770	246,952
Cash dividends paid				(28,554)	(25,579)	(25,685)
Other				(107)	(190)	92
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities:
Ending Balance	1,755,742			1,755,742	1,500,471	1,320,470
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Statement [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		(75,281)	(144,767)	(75,281)	(144,767)
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities:
Total other comprehensive (loss) income for the year				(16,677)	69,486	(150,137)
Total comprehensive income				267,255	275,256	96,815
Ending Balance	(91,958)			(91,958)	(75,281)	(144,767)
Foreign currency translation
Statement [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		(8,096)	(50,706)	(8,096)	(50,706)	7,331
Foreign currency translation:
Translation adjustments				(29,791)	38,357	(46,784)
(Loss) gain on net investment hedges, net of tax benefit (expense) of $1,893, ($2,290) and $6,058 in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively				(3,515)	4,253	(11,253)
Total Foreign Currency Translation				(33,306)	42,610	(58,037)
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities:
Ending Balance	(41,402)			(41,402)	(8,096)	(50,706)
Defined benefit pension plans
Statement [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		(67,121)	(93,360)	(67,121)	(93,360)	(3,040)
Defined benefit pension plans:
Change in pension plans, net of tax (expense) benefit of ($9,938), ($15,830) and $56,344 in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively				16,323	26,239	(90,320)
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities:
Ending Balance	(50,798)			(50,798)	(67,121)	(93,360)
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities
Statement [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		(64)	(701)	(64)	(701)	1,079
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities:
Increase (decrease) during the year, net of tax benefit (expense) of $165, $343 and ($958) in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively				306	637	(1,780)
Ending Balance	242			242	(64)	(701)
Treasury Stock
Statement [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		$ (83,333)	$ (92,033)	(83,333)	(92,033)	(39,321)
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans				8,391	8,700	4,732
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities:
Purchase of treasury stock				(78,609)		(57,444)
Ending Balance	$ (153,551)			$ (153,551)	$ (83,333)	$ (92,033)

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Statement [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, par value	0.01	0.01	0.01
Foreign currency translation
Foreign currency translation:
Tax expense benefit from investment hedges	1,893,000	(2,290,000)	6,058,000
Defined benefit pension plans
Defined benefit pension plans:
Tax expense benefit from change in pension plans	(9,938,000)	(15,830,000)	56,344,000
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities:
Tax expense benefit from Increase (decrease) on available-for-sale securities	$ 165,000	$ 343,000	$ (958,000)

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 283,932	$ 205,770	$ 246,952
Adjustments to reconcile net income to total operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	72,896	65,500	63,261
Deferred income tax expense	3,774	5,768	29,742
Share-based compensation expense	16,596	13,502	20,186
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
(Increase) decrease in receivables	(43,179)	87,146	6,636
Decrease (increase) in inventories and other current assets	7,334	83,622	(35,180)
Increase (decrease) in payables, accruals and income taxes	77,773	(91,622)	3,161
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities	6,382	3,345	(1,907)
Pension contribution	(3,555)	(21,127)	(79,905)
Other	1,060	12,767	(5,681)
Total operating activities	423,013	364,671	247,265
Investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(39,183)	(33,062)	(44,215)
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired	(538,585)	(72,919)	(463,012)
(Increase) decrease in marketable securities	(619)	(638)	6,323
Other	11,564	275	4,282
Total investing activities	(566,823)	(106,344)	(496,622)
Financing activities:
Net change in short-term borrowings	92,364	(13,013)	69,693
Additional long-term borrowings	125,120	1,466	430,000
Reduction in long-term borrowings	(78,200)	(80,817)	(232,835)
Repayment of life insurance policy loans			(21,394)
Repurchases of common stock	(78,609)		(57,444)
Cash dividends paid	(28,554)	(25,579)	(25,685)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	8,990	4,096	4,890
Proceeds from employee stock plans and other	21,518	11,328	6,238
Total financing activities	62,629	(102,519)	173,463
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(1,967)	3,568	(7,265)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(83,148)	159,376	(83,159)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	246,356	86,980	170,139
End of year	$ 163,208	$ 246,356	$ 86,980

Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies


1.	Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the 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, 2010 and 2009, 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, 2010 and 2009 was $4.7 million ($4.5 million amortized cost) and $13.2 million ($13.5 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 $6.0 million and $5.8 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. See Note 9.

Inventories

The Company uses the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method of accounting, which approximates current replacement cost, for 69% of its inventories at December 31, 2010. The last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method of accounting is used to determine cost for the remaining 31% of the Company’s inventory at December 31, 2010. For inventories where cost is determined by the LIFO method, the excess of the FIFO value over the LIFO value was $23.9 million and $20.8 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, 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 operations 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, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the accrual for future warranty obligations was $18.3 million, $16.0 million and $16.1 million, respectively. The Company’s expense for warranty obligations was $10.6 million in 2010, $8.2 million in 2009 and $12.2 million in 2008. 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 operations as incurred and were $56.8 million in 2010, $50.5 million in 2009 and $57.5 million in 2008.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales and were $33.3 million in 2010, $24.6 million in 2009 and $34.0 million in 2008.

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 common 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:

2010

2009

2008

(In thousands)

Weighted average shares*:

Basic shares

159,056

160,182

159,222

Stock option and award plans

1,828

1,593

1,942

Diluted shares

160,884

161,775

161,164


*		Adjusted to reflect a three-for-two stock split paid to stockholders on December 21, 2010. See Note 2.

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, 2010 or 2009. 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. These net investment hedges are the Company’s British-pound-denominated long-term debt and Euro-denominated long-term debt, pertaining to certain European acquisitions whose functional currencies are either the British pound or the Euro. These acquisitions were financed by foreign-currency-denominated borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility and were subsequently refinanced with long-term private placement debt. These borrowings were designed to create net investment hedges in each of the foreign subsidiaries on their respective dates of acquisition. On the respective dates of acquisition, the Company designated the British pound- and Euro-denominated loans referred to above as hedging instruments to offset foreign exchange gains or losses on the net investment in the acquired business 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, 2010 and 2009, all net investment hedges were effective. 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 is included in AOCI. At December 31, 2009, the translation gains on the net carrying value of the foreign-currency-denominated investments exceeded the translation losses on the carrying value of the underlying debt and the difference is 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 5.

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 12.

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 the business units one level below our operating segment at 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 2010, 2009 and 2008 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 four 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.

Stock Split

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Stock Split [Abstract]

Stock Split


2.	Stock Split

On November 2, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a three-for-two split of the Company’s common stock. The stock split resulted in the issuance of one additional share for every two shares owned. The stock split was paid on December 21, 2010, to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 10, 2010. Additionally, the Board of Directors approved a 50% increase in the quarterly cash dividend rate on the Company’s common stock to $0.06 per common share from $0.04 per common share on a post-split basis. All share and per share information included in this report has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of the stock split.

Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards [Abstract]

Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards


3.	Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards

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. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the level 3 disclosures of ASU 2010-06 that are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within those fiscal years.

In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09, Subsequent Events (“ASU 2010-09”). ASU 2010-09 removes the requirement for an SEC filer to disclose a date in both the issued and revised financial statements for which the Company evaluated events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. ASU 2010-09 was effective as of February 2010.

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 is effective for the Company prospectively beginning January 1, 2011. The Company has evaluated ASU 2010-17 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 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 is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the disclosure requirements of ASU 2010-29 that are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010.

Fair Value Measurement

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurement


4.	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, 2010, $3.6 million of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities are valued as level 1 investments. In addition, the Company held $4.7 million of marketable securities in an institutional diversified equity securities mutual fund. These securities are valued as level 2 investments. During 2010, the Company sold its level 2 investments in fixed-income securities. The marketable securities are shown as a separate line on the consolidated balance sheet. The fixed-income securities are included in the investments and other assets line of the consolidated balance sheet. For the year ended December 31, 2010, 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, 2010.

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. Fair value of the fixed-income securities was estimated using observable market inputs and the securities are primarily corporate debt instruments and U.S. Government securities. There are no restrictions on the Company’s ability to redeem these equity and fixed-income securities investments.

Hedging Activities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Hedging Activities [Abstract]

Hedging Activities


5.	Hedging Activities

The Company has designated certain foreign-currency-denominated long-term borrowings as hedges of the net investment in certain foreign operations. These net investment hedges are the Company’s British-pound-denominated long-term debt and Euro-denominated long-term debt, pertaining to certain European acquisitions whose functional currencies are either the British pound or the Euro. These acquisitions were financed by foreign-currency-denominated borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility and subsequently refinanced with long-term private placement debt. These borrowings were designed to create net investment hedges in each of the foreign subsidiaries on their respective dates of acquisition. On the respective dates of acquisition, the Company designated the British pound- and Euro-denominated loans referred to above as hedging instruments to offset foreign exchange gains or losses on the net investment in the acquired business 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, 2010, the Company had $187.2 million 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, 2009, the Company had $145.5 million of British-pound-denominated loans, which were designated as a hedge against the net investment in foreign subsidiaries acquired in 2004 and 2003. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company had $66.9 million and $71.6 million, respectively, of Euro-denominated loans, which were 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, $9.9 million of currency remeasurement gains and $15.3 million of currency remeasurement losses have been included in the foreign currency translation component of other comprehensive income at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

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

Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs


6.	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 Electronic Instruments Group (“EIG”), $19.4 million in Electromechanical Group (“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
				Facility
	Severance			Closures			Total
	(In millions)

Restructuring accruals at December 31, 2008	$	30.1		$	1.5		$	31.6
Utilization		(18.1	)		(0.2	)		(18.3	)
Foreign currency translation and other		0.2			(0.3	)		(0.1	)

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

Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Acquisitions


7.	Acquisitions

The Company spent $538.6 million in cash, net of cash acquired, to acquire Technical Services for Electronics (“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 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 (in millions):


Property, plant and equipment	$	23.3
Goodwill		313.5
Other intangible assets		276.3
Deferred income taxes		(80.6	)
Net working capital and other		6.1

Total purchase price	$	538.6

The amount allocated to goodwill is reflective of the benefits the Company expects to realize from the acquisitions as follows: TSE expands the Company’s position in the medical device market and is an excellent fit with the HCC division, which manufactures highly engineered electronic interconnects and microelectronics packaging for sophisticated electronic applications. Haydon Enterprises’ product line complements the Company’s highly differentiated technical motor business, which shares common markets, customers and distribution channels, and places AMETEK in a unique position as the premier industry provider of high-end linear and rotary motion control solutions. Atlas has products which include weather exposure test systems, corrosion-testing instruments, specialty lighting systems, and large-scale weathering test chambers. In addition, Atlas offers indoor laboratory and outdoor testing services, photovoltaic and solar testing and consulting. Atlas provides the Company with another growth platform in the materials testing equipment market and broadens AMETEK’s presence in the fast-growing photovoltaic testing market. The Company expects approximately $36.3 million of the goodwill recorded in connection with 2010 acquisitions will be tax deductible in future years.

The Company is in the process of conducting third-party valuations of certain tangible and intangible assets acquired. Adjustments to the allocation of purchase price will be recorded when this information is finalized. Therefore, the allocation of the purchase price is subject to revision.

At December 31, 2010, purchase price allocated to other intangible assets of $276.3 million consists of $80.6 million of indefinite-lived intangible trademarks and trade names, which are not subject to amortization. The remaining $195.7 million of other intangible assets consist of $159.7 million of customer relationships, which are being amortized over a period of 20 years and $36.0 million of purchased technology, which are being amortized over a period of 12 to 16 years.

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.

The 2010 acquisitions noted above had an immaterial impact on reported net sales, net income and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2010. Had the 2010 acquisitions been made at the beginning of 2010, unaudited pro forma net sales, net income and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2010 would not have been materially different than the amounts reported.

Had the 2010 acquisitions and the 2009 acquisitions been made at the beginning of 2009, unaudited pro forma net sales would have been $2,290.8 million and net income and diluted earnings per share 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 2009.

In 2008, the Company spent $463.0 million in cash, net of cash acquired, for six acquisitions and one small technology line. The acquisitions include Drake Air (“Drake”) and Motion Control Group (“MCG”) in February 2008, Reading Alloys in April 2008, Vision Research, Inc. in June 2008, the programmable power business of Xantrex Technology, Inc. (“Xantrex Programmable”) in August 2008 and Muirhead Aerospace Limited (“Muirhead”) in November 2008. Drake is a provider of heat-transfer repair services to the commercial aerospace industry and further expands the Company’s presence in the global aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul services industry. MCG is a leading global manufacturer of highly customized motors and motion control solutions for the medical, life sciences, industrial automation, semiconductor and aviation markets. MCG enhances the Company’s capability in providing precision motion technology solutions. Reading Alloys is a global leader in specialty titanium master alloys and highly engineered metal powders used in the aerospace, medical implant, military and electronics markets. Vision Research is a leading manufacturer of high-speed digital imaging systems used for motion capture and analysis in numerous test and measurement applications. Xantrex Programmable is a leader in alternating current and direct current programmable power supplies used to test electrical and electronic products. Muirhead is a leading manufacturer of motion technology products and a provider of avionics repair and overhaul services for the aerospace and defense markets. Drake, MCG, Reading Alloys and Muirhead are part of EMG and Vision Research and Xantrex Programmable are part of EIG.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets


8.	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, 2008	$	737.2		$	502.9		$	1,240.1
Goodwill acquired during the year		2.5			14.9			17.4
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other		(8.7	)		1.1			(7.6	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		15.9			11.5			27.4

Balance at December 31, 2009		746.9			530.4			1,277.3
Goodwill acquired during the year		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

Other intangible assets were as follows at December 31:


	2010			2009
	(In thousands)

Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization):
Patents	$	52,403		$	54,150
Purchased technology		107,170			75,564
Customer lists		479,943			319,820
Other acquired intangibles		25,944			25,111

		665,460			474,645

Accumulated amortization:
Patents		(28,687	)		(27,099	)
Purchased technology		(28,026	)		(24,442	)
Customer lists		(70,982	)		(51,596	)
Other acquired intangibles		(20,825	)		(19,772	)

		(148,520	)		(122,909	)

Net intangible assets subject to amortization		516,940			351,736
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (not subject to amortization):
Trademarks and trade names		244,616			170,152

	$	761,556		$	521,888

Amortization expense was $27.5 million, $23.3 million and $17.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Amortization expense for each of the next five years is expected to approximate $33.5 million per year, not considering the impact of potential future acquisitions.

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information


9.	Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information


	December 31,
	2010			2009
	(In thousands)

INVENTORIES
Finished goods and parts	$	46,953		$	46,777
Work in process		73,556			65,752
Raw materials and purchased parts		214,744			199,013

	$	335,253		$	311,542

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land	$	32,634		$	30,792
Buildings		209,019			204,447
Machinery and equipment		651,883			635,463

		893,536			870,702
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(575,410	)		(560,649	)

	$	318,126		$	310,053

ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Employee compensation and benefits	$	71,957		$	41,670
Severance and lease termination		18,143			23,129
Product warranty obligation		18,347			16,035
Other		69,634			52,523

	$	178,081		$	133,357


	2010			2009			2008
				(In thousands)

ALLOWANCES FOR POSSIBLE LOSSES ON ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE
Balance at the beginning of the year	$	5,788		$	8,489		$	6,393
Additions charged to expense		1,466			1,139			5,648
Recoveries credited to allowance		120			70			10
Write-offs		(1,036	)		(4,520	)		(2,878	)
Currency translation adjustments and other		(291	)		610			(684	)

Balance at the end of the year	$	6,047		$	5,788		$	8,489

Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Debt [Abstract]

Debt


10.	Debt

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


	2010			2009
	(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 5.96% senior note due September 2010		—			80,815
British pound 5.99% senior note due November 2016		62,396			64,652
British pound 4.68% senior note due September 2020		124,792			—
Euro 3.94% senior note due August 2015		66,850			71,582
Revolving credit loan		92,000			—
Other, principally foreign		22,474			24,632

Total debt		1,168,512			1,041,681
Less: Current portion		(97,152	)		(85,801	)

Total long-term debt	$	1,071,360		$	955,880

Maturities of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2010 were as follows: $4.1 million in 2012; $2.3 million in 2013; $1.7 million in 2014; $193.3 million in 2015; $63.2 million in 2016; and $806.7 million in 2017 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 the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company paid in full a 10.5 million British pound ($16.9 million) floating-rate term note. In the second quarter of 2009, the Company paid in full a 40 million British pound ($62.0 million) borrowing under the revolving credit facility.

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 ($66.9 million at December 31, 2010) 3.94% senior note due August 2015. In November 2004, the Company issued a 40 million British pound ($62.4 million at December 31, 2010) 5.99% senior note due in November 2016. In September 2010, the Company issued an 80 million British pound ($124.8 million at December 31, 2010) 4.68% senior note due in September 2020.

The Company’s revolving credit facility’s total borrowing capacity is $550 million, which includes an accordion feature that permits the Company to request up to an additional $100 million in revolving credit commitments at any time during the life of the revolving credit agreement under certain conditions. The facility expires in June 2012. The revolving credit facility places certain restrictions on allowable additional indebtedness. At December 31, 2010, the Company had available borrowing capacity of $437.5 million under its revolving bank credit facility.

Interest rates on outstanding loans under the 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, 2010, the Company had $92.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility. At December 31, 2009, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility. The weighted average interest rate on the revolving credit facility for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was 0.82% and 0.60%, respectively. The Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $22.6 million and $19.8 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, 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, 2010.

Foreign subsidiaries of the Company had available credit facilities with local foreign lenders of $54.5 million at December 31, 2010. Foreign subsidiaries had debt outstanding at December 31, 2010 totaling $22.5 million, including $17.3 million reported in long-term debt.

The weighted average interest rate on total debt outstanding at December 31, 2010 and 2009 was 6.3% and 6.4%, respectively.

Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity


11.	Stockholders’ Equity

In January 2010, the Board of Directors approved an increase of $75 million in the authorization for the repurchase of its common stock. This increase was added to the $68.5 million that remained available at December 31, 2009 from existing authorizations approved in 2008, for a total of $143.5 million available for repurchases of the Company’s common stock. In 2010, the Company repurchased approximately 3,071,000 shares of common stock for $78.6 million in cash under its current share repurchase authorization. The Company did not repurchase shares in 2009. At December 31, 2010, $64.9 million was available under the current Board authorization for future share repurchases.

At December 31, 2010, the Company held 7.3 million shares in its treasury at a cost of $153.6 million, compared with 4.7 million shares at a cost of $83.3 million at December 31, 2009. The number of shares outstanding at December 31, 2010 was 160.7 million shares, compared with 161.8 million shares at December 31, 2009.

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.

Share-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Share-Based Compensation


12.	Share-Based Compensation

Under the terms of the Company’s stockholder-approved share-based plans, incentive and non-qualified stock options and restricted stock awards 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 awards generally have a four-year cliff vesting. Stock options generally have a maximum contractual term of seven years. At December 31, 2010, 8.3 million shares of Company common stock were reserved for issuance under the Company’s share-based plans, including 6.1 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:


	2010			2009			2008

Expected stock volatility		25.6	%		25.8	%		18.4	%
Expected life of the options (years)		5.0			4.9			4.7
Risk-free interest rate		2.48	%		1.89	%		2.60	%
Expected dividend yield		0.54	%		0.73	%		0.49	%
Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per option granted*	$	7.56		$	5.20		$	6.39


*		Adjusted to reflect a three-for-two stock split paid to stockholders on December 21, 2010. See Note 2.

Expected stock volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The Company used historical exercise data to estimate the stock options’ expected life, 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:


	2010			2009			2008
	(In thousands)

Stock option expense	$	7,580		$	6,297		$	6,300
Restricted stock expense		9,016			7,205			13,886

Total pre-tax expense		16,596			13,502			20,186
Related tax benefit		(5,459	)		(4,223	)		(3,990	)

Reduction of net income	$	11,137		$	9,279		$	16,196

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, 2010:


						Weighted Average
				Weighted Average		Remaining		Aggregate
	Shares*			Exercise Price*		Contractual Life		Intrinsic Value
	(In thousands)					(Years)		(In millions)

Outstanding at the beginning of the year		6,608		$	21.04
Granted		1,214			29.38
Exercised		(1,550	)		14.42
Forfeited		(135	)		25.05
Expired		(18	)		31.17

Outstanding at the end of the year		6,119		$	24.25		4.2	$	91.8

Exercisable at the end of the year		2,883		$	21.99		2.8	$	49.8


*		Adjusted to reflect a three-for-two stock split paid to stockholders on December 21, 2010. See Note 2.

The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $29.3 million, $15.5 million and $13.3 million, respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested during 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $7.0 million, $5.4 million and $5.6 million, respectively.

The following is a summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested stock options outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2010:


				Weighted Average
				Grant Date
	Shares*			Fair Value*
	(In thousands)

Nonvested stock options outstanding at the beginning of the year		3,339		$	5.69
Granted		1,214			7.56
Vested		(1,182	)		5.90
Forfeited		(135	)		5.69

Nonvested stock options outstanding at the end of the year		3,236		$	6.32


*		Adjusted to reflect a three-for-two stock split paid to stockholders on December 21, 2010. See Note 2.

As of December 31, 2010, there was approximately $14.1 million of expected future pre-tax compensation expense related to the 3.2 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 awards 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 May 19, 2008, the April 27, 2005 grant of 1,059,908 shares (as adjusted to reflect a three-for-two stock split paid to stockholders on December 21, 2010. See Note 2.) of restricted stock vested under this accelerated vesting provision. The pre-tax charge to income due to the accelerated vesting of these shares was $7.8 million ($7.3 million net after-tax charge) for the year ended December 31, 2008.

The following is a summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2010:


				Weighted Average
				Grant Date
	Shares*			Fair Value*
	(In thousands)

Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at the beginning of the year		1,376		$	24.63
Granted		480			28.97
Vested		(256	)		22.33
Forfeited		(68	)		25.69

Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at the end of the year		1,532		$	26.23


*		Adjusted to reflect a three-for-two stock split paid to stockholders on December 21, 2010. See Note 2.

The total fair value of the restricted stock that vested was $5.7 million and $17.8 million in 2010 and 2008, respectively, and 2009 was not significant. The weighted average fair value of restricted stock granted per share during 2010 and 2009 was $29.01 and $21.83 (as adjusted to reflect a three-for-two stock split paid to stockholders on December 21, 2010. See Note 2.), respectively. As of December 31, 2010, there was approximately $20.9 million of expected future pre-tax compensation expense related to the 1.5 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 2010, the Company reserved 27,301 shares of common stock. Reductions for retirements and terminations were 3,599 shares in 2010. The total number of shares of common stock reserved under the SERP was 423,167 as of December 31, 2010. 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.

Leases and Other Commitments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Leases and Other Commitments [Abstract]

Leases and Other Commitments


13.	Leases and Other Commitments

Minimum aggregate rental commitments under noncancellable leases in effect at December 31, 2010 (principally for production and administrative facilities and equipment) amounted to $97.1 million, consisting of payments of $19.6 million in 2011, $15.6 million in 2012, $11.5 million in 2013, $7.9 million in 2014, $6.8 million in 2015 and $35.7 million thereafter. Rental expense was $23.1 million in 2010, $22.8 million in 2009 and $22.7 million in 2008. The leases expire over a range of years from 2011 to 2082, with renewal or purchase options, subject to various terms and conditions, contained in most of the leases.

The Company acquired a capital lease obligation in 2007 for land and a building. The lease has a term of 12 years, which began July 2006, and is payable quarterly. Property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2010 includes a building of $11.9 million, net of $2.2 million of accumulated depreciation, and land of $2.0 million related to this capital lease. Amortization of the leased assets of $0.6 million is included in 2010 depreciation expense. Future minimum lease payments are estimated to be $0.9 million in each of the years 2011 through 2015 and $7.6 million thereafter, for total minimum lease payments of $12.1 million, net of interest.

As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company had $222.0 million and $161.9 million, respectively, in purchase obligations outstanding, which primarily consisted of contractual commitments to purchase certain inventories at fixed prices.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes


14.	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:


	2010			2009			2008
	(In thousands)

Income before income taxes:
Domestic	$	266,783		$	207,831		$	260,464
Foreign		139,467			86,802			105,752

Total	$	406,250		$	294,633		$	366,216

Provision for income taxes:
Current:
Federal	$	70,008		$	58,247		$	52,581
Foreign		37,514			22,123			29,889
State		11,022			2,725			7,052

Total current		118,544			83,095			89,522

Deferred:
Federal		7,071			7,024			28,920
Foreign		(3,105	)		(1,464	)		(1,378	)
State		(192	)		208			2,200

Total deferred		3,774			5,768			29,742

Total provision	$	122,318		$	88,863		$	119,264

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


	2010			2009
	(In thousands)

Current deferred tax (asset) liability:
Reserves not currently deductible	$	(19,795	)	$	(19,437	)
Share-based compensation		(4,989	)		(3,870	)
Net operating loss carryforwards		(2,344	)		(2,829	)
Foreign tax credit carryforwards		(2,018	)		(3,360	)
Other		2,040			(1,173	)

Net current deferred tax asset	$	(27,106	)	$	(30,669	)

Noncurrent deferred tax (asset) liability:
Differences in basis of property and accelerated depreciation	$	28,697		$	22,285
Reserves not currently deductible		(21,953	)		(19,913	)
Pensions		31,927			31,453
Differences in basis of intangible assets and accelerated amortization		287,645			188,045
Net operating loss carryforwards		(9,077	)		(6,513	)
Share-based compensation		(10,422	)		(9,893	)
Other		(494	)		(3,578	)

		306,323			201,886
Less: Valuation allowance		5,143			4,468

Net noncurrent deferred tax liability		311,466			206,354

Net deferred tax liability	$	284,360		$	175,685

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


	2010			2009			2008

U.S. Federal statutory rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		1.9			0.4			1.5
Foreign operations, net		(3.4	)		(4.2	)		(3.0	)
Other		(3.4	)		(1.0	)		(0.9	)

Consolidated effective tax rate		30.1	%		30.2	%		32.6	%

At December 31, 2010, U.S. deferred income taxes totaling $5.7 million were provided on undistributed earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries that are not expected to be permanently reinvested in such companies. There has been no provision for U.S. deferred income taxes for the undistributed earnings of certain other subsidiaries, which total approximately $284.3 million at December 31, 2010, 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.

At December 31, 2010, the Company had tax benefits of $11.4 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 $8.4 million for federal income tax purposes with a valuation allowance of $3.3 million, $2.7 million for state income tax purposes with a valuation allowance of $0.3 million, and $0.3 million for foreign income tax purposes with a valuation allowance of $0.1 million. These net operating loss carryforwards, if not used, will expire between 2011 and 2031. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had $2.0 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 net operating loss carryforwards. In 2010, the Company recorded an increase of $0.7 million in the valuation allowance primarily related to state tax credits that will not be utilized due to net operating loss carryforwards.

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, 2009, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $26.5 million, of which $25.6 million, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company reported $6.1 million and $5.5 million, respectively, related to interest and penalty exposure as accrued income tax expense in the consolidated balance sheet. During 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company recognized $1.9 million of expense, $0.7 million of income and $0.8 million of expense, respectively, for interest and penalties in the income statement.

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. In 2010, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed the examination of the Company’s U.S. income tax returns for 2006 and 2007. In 2009, the Company concluded an exam in Germany for the period 2004 through 2006. 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. Tax years in certain state and foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination; however the uncertain tax positions related to these jurisdictions are not considered material.

During 2010, the Company added $5.4 million of tax, interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions and reversed $8.4 million of tax and interest related to statute expirations and settlement of prior uncertain positions. During 2009, the Company added $15.9 million of tax, interest and penalties related to 2009 activity for identified uncertain tax positions and reversed $4.8 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:


	2010			2009			2008
	(In millions)

Balance at the beginning of the year	$	26.5		$	18.6		$	22.7
Additions for tax positions related to the current year		1.2			8.8			0.9
Additions for tax positions of prior years		2.7			2.5			10.1
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(3.5	)		(1.4	)		(4.2	)
Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities		(4.1	)		(2.0	)		(10.8	)
Reductions due to statute expirations		—			—			(0.1	)

Balance at the end of the year	$	22.8		$	26.5		$	18.6

The additions above primarily reflect the increase in tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions related to certain foreign activities and for research and development credits, while the reductions above reflect the settlement of an IRS audit and amended filings. At December 31, 2010, tax, interest and penalties of $19.9 million were classified as a noncurrent liability. The net decrease in uncertain tax positions for the year ended December 31, 2010 resulted in a decrease to income tax expense of $4.1 million.

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits


15.	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 $5 million to its worldwide defined benefit pension plans in 2011.

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 savings plan may contribute a portion of their compensation on a before-tax basis. The Company matches employee contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis up to six percent of eligible compensation or a maximum of $1,200 per participant.

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 also has a defined contribution retirement plan for certain of its U.S. acquired businesses for the benefit of eligible employees. Company contributions are made for each participant up to a specified percentage, not to exceed six percent of the participant’s base compensation.

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:


	2010			2009
	(In thousands)

Change in projected benefit obligation (“PBO”):
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	$	376,907		$	348,475
Service cost		2,917			3,278
Interest cost		21,489			22,395
Actuarial losses		9,578			26,620
Gross benefits paid		(24,380	)		(23,861	)
Plan amendments and other		(1,748	)		—

Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	$	384,763		$	376,907

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	$	430,513		$	354,851
Actual return on plan assets		59,520			81,150
Employer contributions		250			18,373
Gross benefits paid		(24,380	)		(23,861	)

Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	$	465,903		$	430,513

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:


	2010			2009
	(In thousands)

Change in projected benefit obligation:
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	$	110,607		$	88,166
Service cost		1,004			1,238
Interest cost		6,386			5,844
Acquisitions		9,633			—
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(4,370	)		9,371
Employee contributions		389			404
Actuarial losses		6,069			9,532
Gross benefits paid		(3,384	)		(3,473	)
Other		—			(475	)

Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	$	126,334		$	110,607

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	$	112,503		$	84,817
Actual return on plan assets		15,852			19,000
Employer contributions		3,305			2,754
Employee contributions		389			404
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(4,062	)		9,001
Gross benefits paid		(3,384	)		(3,473	)
Acquisitions		1,936			—

Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	$	126,539		$	112,503

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

U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans:


	2010		2009
	(In thousands)

Funded plans	$	370,610	$	359,516
Unfunded plans		4,757		4,802

Total	$	375,367	$	364,318

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:


	2010		2009
	(In thousands)

Funded plans	$	107,506	$	98,886
Unfunded plans		7,432		1,344

Total	$	114,938	$	100,230

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


	2010			2009

U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Discount rate		5.60	%		5.90	%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)		3.75	%		3.75	%

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Discount rate		5.71	%		5.98	%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)		2.97	%		2.98	%

The following is a summary of the fair value of plan assets for U.S. plans at December 31, 2010 and 2009. Certain reclassifications of prior year amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation.


	December 31, 2010						December 31, 2009
Asset Class	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2
					(In thousands)

Cash and temporary investments	$	23,163	$	23,163	$	—	$	2,936	$	2,936	$	—
Equity securities:
AMETEK common stock		33,822		33,822		—		25,973		25,973		—
U.S. Small cap common stocks		35,280		35,280		—		35,627		35,627		—
U.S. Large cap common stocks		71,898		46,461		25,437		57,225		33,340		23,885
Diversified common stocks — U.S.		42,135		—		42,135		40,920		—		40,920
Diversified common stocks — Global		67,575		—		67,575		63,554		42,984		20,570
Fixed-income securities and other:
U.S. Corporate and government		45,987		45,987		—		62,531		62,531		—
Global asset allocation*		99,058		60,226		38,832		81,229		50,153		31,076
Inflation related funds		46,985		17,349		29,636		41,560		16,317		25,243
Hedge funds		—		—		—		18,958		—		—

Total investments	$	465,903	$	262,288	$	203,615	$	430,513	$	269,861	$	141,694


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

Level 1 investments are valued using unadjusted, observable inputs from active markets. Equity funds and fixed income funds that are valued by the vendor using observable market inputs are considered level 2 investments. Hedge funds 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 U.S. plans’ level 3 investments (fair value using significant unobservable inputs):


	Hedge Funds
	(In thousands)

Balance, January 1, 2009	$	17,410
Actual return on assets:
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year		1,548
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year		—
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net		—

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	$	—

The expected long-term rate of return on these plan assets was 8.25% in 2010 and 2009. Equity securities included 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 and 1,018,800 shares of AMETEK, Inc. common stock with a market value of $26.0 million (6.0% of total plan investment assets) at December 31, 2009.

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, 30% fixed-income securities and 20% 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, 2010 and 2009. Certain reclassifications of prior year amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation.


	December 31, 2010				December 31, 2009
Asset Class	Total		Level 2		Total		Level 2
	(In thousands)

Cash	$	4,336	$	4,336	$	3,148	$	3,148
U.S. Mutual equity funds		10,141		10,141		7,758		7,758
Foreign mutual equity funds		77,260		77,260		72,513		72,513
Real estate		2,647		2,647		2,379		2,379
Mutual bond funds — Global		18,782		18,782		16,958		16,958
Life insurance		13,373		—		9,747		—

Total investments	$	126,539	$	113,166	$	112,503	$	102,756

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, January 1, 2009	$	8,639
Actual return on assets:
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year		1,108
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year		—
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net		—

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

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 75% equity securities, 10% fixed-income securities and 15% 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 was reduced 25 basis points to 8.0% and foreign plans are 6.96% for 2011.

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				Accumulated Benefit
	Obligation Exceeds				Obligation Exceeds
	Fair Value of Assets				Fair Value of Assets
	2010		2009		2010		2009
	(In thousands)

Projected benefit obligation	$	4,757	$	4,802	$	4,757	$	4,802
Fair value of plan assets		—		—		—		—

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Projected Benefit

Accumulated Benefit

Obligation Exceeds

Fair Value of Assets

2010

2009

2010

2009

(In thousands)

Projected benefit obligation

59,966

49,561

9,612

1,911

Fair value of plan assets

51,040

46,049

2,057

406

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


	2010			2009
	(In thousands)

Funded status asset (liability):
Fair value of plan assets	$	592,442		$	543,016
Projected benefit obligation		(511,097	)		(487,514	)

Funded status at the end of the year	$	81,345		$	55,502

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consisted of:
Noncurrent asset for pension benefits (other assets)	$	95,029		$	63,815
Current liabilities for pension benefits		(235	)		(333	)
Noncurrent liability for pension benefits		(13,449	)		(7,980	)

Net amount recognized at the end of the year	$	81,345		$	55,502

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


Net amounts recognized:	2010			2009
	(In thousands)

Net actuarial loss	$	50,677		$	66,848
Prior service costs		139			286
Transition asset		(18	)		(13	)

Total recognized	$	50,798		$	67,121


Other changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations
recognized in other comprehensive income, net of taxes:	2010			2009			2008
	(In thousands)

Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	(10,871	)	$	(18,086	)	$	90,580
Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain		(4,306	)		(8,079	)		74
Loss recognized due to curtailment		(993	)		—			(227	)
Amortization of prior service costs		(149	)		(85	)		78
Amortization of transition asset		(4	)		11			(185	)

Total recognized	$	(16,323	)	$	(26,239	)	$	90,320

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


	2010			2009			2008
	(In thousands)

Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	$	3,921		$	4,517		$	5,827
Interest cost		27,874			28,239			28,549
Expected return on plan assets		(41,991	)		(35,711	)		(41,578	)
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss (gain)		6,949			13,165			(74	)
Prior service costs		83			138			200
Transition asset		(21	)		(18	)		(15	)
Special termination benefits		—			—			35

Pension (income) expense		(3,185	)		10,330			(7,056	)
Pension curtailment charge		41			—			277

Total net periodic benefit (income) expense		(3,144	)		10,330			(6,779	)

Other plans:
Defined contribution plans		12,505			12,521			12,950
Foreign plans and other		4,442			3,977			4,406

Total other plans		16,947			16,498			17,356

Total net pension expense	$	13,803		$	26,828		$	10,577

The estimated amount that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension benefit expense in 2011 for the net actuarial losses and prior service costs is expected to be $4.6 million.

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


	2010			2009			2008

U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Discount rate		5.90	%		6.50	%		6.25	%
Expected return on plan assets		8.25	%		8.25	%		8.25	%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)		3.75	%		3.75	%		3.75	%

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Discount rate		5.98	%		6.09	%		5.89	%
Expected return on plan assets		6.97	%		6.97	%		7.00	%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)		2.98	%		2.98	%		3.86	%

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

The estimated future benefit payments for U.S. and foreign plans are as follows (in thousands): 2011 — $28,587; 2012 — $29,620; 2013 — $30,602; 2014 — $31,189; 2015 — $32,022; 2016 to 2020 — $173,500. 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 $16.9 million and $16.1 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Administrative expense for the plan is borne by the Company and is not significant.

Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Financial Instruments


16.	Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are compared below to the recorded amounts at December 31, 2010 and 2009. Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities are recorded at fair value at December 31, 2010 and 2009 in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.


	Asset (Liability)
	December 31,						December 31,
	2010						2009
	Recorded			Fair			Recorded			Fair
	Amount			Value			Amount			Value
	(In thousands)

Fixed-income investments	$	—		$	—		$	8,883		$	8,883
Short-term borrowings		(95,904	)		(95,904	)		(4,076	)		(4,076	)
Long-term debt (including current portion)		(1,072,608	)		(1,176,399	)		(1,037,605	)		(1,084,877	)

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 10 for long-term debt principals, interest rates and maturities.

Additional Consolidated Income Statement and Cash Flow Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Additional Consolidated Income Statement and Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Additional Consolidated Income Statement And Cash Flow Information Text Block


17.	Additional Consolidated Income Statement and Cash Flow Information

Included in other income are interest and other investment income of $1.1 million, $0.9 million and $3.9 million for 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Income taxes paid in 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $95.9 million, $84.3 million and $113.4 million, respectively. Cash paid for interest was $66.8 million, $68.0 million and $59.2 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information [Abstract]

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information


18.	Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information

Descriptive Information about Reportable Segments

The Company has two reportable segments, EIG and EMG. The Company manages, evaluates and aggregates 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 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 and other industrial applications. Additionally, EMG produces air-moving electric motors and motor-blower systems for manufacturers of floorcare appliances and outdoor power equipment. Sales of floorcare and specialty motors represented 10.3% in 2010, 10.8% in 2009 and 12.1% in 2008 of the Company’s consolidated net sales.

Measurement of Segment Results

Segment operating income represents sales, less all direct costs and expenses (including certain administrative and other expenses) applicable to each segment, but does not include an allocation of interest expense. Net sales by segment are reported after elimination of intra- and inter-segment 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


	2010			2009			2008
	(In thousands)

Net sales*:
Electronic Instruments	$	1,324,113		$	1,146,578		$	1,402,653
Electromechanical		1,146,839			951,777			1,128,482

Consolidated net sales	$	2,470,952		$	2,098,355		$	2,531,135

Operating income and income before income taxes:
Segment operating income**:
Electronic Instruments	$	316,184		$	232,875		$	306,764
Electromechanical		210,397			166,582			175,181

Total segment operating income		526,581			399,457			481,945
Corporate administrative and other expenses		(44,423	)		(33,407	)		(49,291	)

Consolidated operating income		482,158			366,050			432,654
Interest and other expenses, net		(75,908	)		(71,417	)		(66,438	)

Consolidated income before income taxes	$	406,250		$	294,633		$	366,216

Assets:
Electronic Instruments	$	1,959,586		$	1,535,646
Electromechanical		1,753,041			1,357,219

Total segment assets		3,712,627			2,892,865
Corporate		106,288			353,167

Consolidated assets	$	3,818,915		$	3,246,032

Additions to property, plant and equipment***:
Electronic Instruments	$	31,496		$	22,220		$	25,860
Electromechanical		26,690			16,668			52,231

Total segment additions to property, plant and equipment		58,186			38,888			78,091
Corporate		3,240			2,161			4,650

Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment	$	61,426		$	41,049		$	82,741

Depreciation and amortization:
Electronic Instruments	$	32,893		$	32,635		$	30,569
Electromechanical		38,524			32,444			32,460

Total segment depreciation and amortization		71,417			65,079			63,029
Corporate		1,479			421			232

Consolidated depreciation and amortization	$	72,896		$	65,500		$	63,261


*		After elimination of intra- and inter-segment sales, which are not significant in amount.

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

***		Includes $22.2 million in 2010, $8.0 million in 2009 and $38.5 million in 2008 from acquired businesses.

Geographic Areas

Information about the Company’s operations in different geographic areas for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 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.


	2010		2009		2008
	(In thousands)

Net sales:
United States	$	1,259,608	$	1,066,644	$	1,305,594

International*:
United Kingdom		174,980		170,229		167,891
European Union countries		362,463		339,328		394,937
Asia		405,200		308,805		373,477
Other foreign countries		268,701		213,349		289,236

Total international		1,211,344		1,031,711		1,225,541

Total consolidated	$	2,470,952	$	2,098,355	$	2,531,135

Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
United States	$	206,869	$	190,737

International**:
United Kingdom		34,031		38,375
European Union countries		54,815		60,973
Asia		8,862		8,905
Other foreign countries		13,549		11,063

Total international		111,257		119,316

Total consolidated	$	318,126	$	310,053


*		Includes U.S. export sales of $564.5 million in 2010, $414.1 million in 2009 and $478.5 million in 2008.

**		Represents long-lived assets of foreign-based operations only.

Guarantees

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Guarantees [Abstract]

Guarantees


19.	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, 2010, the maximum amount of future payment obligations relative to these various guarantees was $59.3 million and the outstanding liability under certain of those guarantees was $5.9 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:


	2010			2009
	(In thousands)

Balance at the beginning of the year	$	16,035		$	16,068
Accruals for warranties issued during the year		10,616			8,236
Settlements made during the year		(9,691	)		(11,095	)
Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties, including expirations during the year		(262	)		277
Warranty accruals related to new businesses		1,649			2,549

Balance at the end of the year	$	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, 2010

Contingencies [Abstract]

Contingencies


20.	Contingencies

Asbestos Litigation

The Company (including its subsidiaries) has been named as a defendant, along with many other companies, in a number of asbestos-related lawsuits. Many of these lawsuits either relate to businesses which were acquired by the Company and do not involve products which were manufactured or sold by the Company or relate to previously owned businesses of the Company which are under new ownership. In connection with many of these lawsuits, the sellers or new owners of such businesses, as the case may be, have agreed to indemnify the Company against these claims (the “Indemnified Claims”). The Indemnified Claims have been tendered to, and are being defended by, such sellers and new owners. These sellers and new owners have met their obligations, in all respects, and the Company does not have any reason to believe such parties would fail to fulfill their obligations in the future; however, one of these companies filed for bankruptcy liquidation in 2007. To date, no judgments have been rendered against the Company as a result of any asbestos-related lawsuit. The Company believes it has strong defenses to the claims being asserted and intends to continue to vigorously defend itself in these matters.

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, 2010, the Company is named a Potentially Responsible Party (“PRP”) at 16 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. In the two remaining sites 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, 2010 and 2009 were $31.3 million and $27.0 million, respectively, for both non-owned and owned sites. In 2010, the Company recorded $6.4 million in reserves, related primarily to a 2010 business acquisition. These reserves relate to the estimated costs to remediate known environmental issues at an owned site associated with the acquired business. Additionally, the Company spent $2.1 million on environmental matters in 2010. The Company’s reserves for environmental liabilities at December 31, 2010 and 2009 include reserves of $18.9 million and $19.2 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, 2010, the Company had $14.2 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; however, one of these companies filed for bankruptcy liquidation in 2007 and, as a result, the Company is performing investigation and remediation of a formerly owned site under a Stipulation and Settlement Agreement.

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.

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)


21.	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)


	First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Year
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)

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(a)(b)	$	0.36	$	0.43	$	0.49	$	0.51	$	1.79
Diluted earnings per share(a)(b)	$	0.36	$	0.42	$	0.48	$	0.50	$	1.76
Dividends paid per share(a)	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.06	$	0.18
2009
Net sales	$	552,866	$	524,929	$	497,060	$	523,500	$	2,098,355
Operating income	$	106,202	$	93,180	$	77,475	$	89,193	$	366,050
Net income	$	59,055	$	51,813	$	43,018	$	51,884	$	205,770
Basic earnings per share(a)(b)	$	0.37	$	0.32	$	0.27	$	0.32	$	1.28
Diluted earnings per share(a)(b)	$	0.37	$	0.32	$	0.27	$	0.32	$	1.27
Dividends paid per share(a)	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.16


(a)		Per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect a three-for-two stock split paid to stockholders on December 21, 2010. See Note 2.

(b)		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 (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Significant Accounting Policies (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 operations as incurred and were $56.8 million in 2010, $50.5 million in 2009 and $57.5 million in 2008.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales and were $33.3 million in 2010, $24.6 million in 2009 and $34.0 million in 2008.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

2010

2009

2008

(In thousands)

Weighted average shares*:

Basic shares

159,056

160,182

159,222

Stock option and award plans

1,828

1,593

1,942

Diluted shares

160,884

161,775

161,164


*		Adjusted to reflect a three-for-two stock split paid to stockholders on December 21, 2010. See Note 2.

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

Subsequent Events

Business Combinations

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) [Abstract]

Number of weighted average shares

2010

2009

2008

(In thousands)

Weighted average shares*:

Basic shares

159,056

160,182

159,222

Stock option and award plans

1,828

1,593

1,942

Diluted shares

160,884

161,775

161,164


*		Adjusted to reflect a three-for-two stock split paid to stockholders on December 21, 2010. See Note 2.

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

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

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

Restructuring accruals


	Restructuring
				Facility
	Severance			Closures			Total
	(In millions)

Restructuring accruals at December 31, 2008	$	30.1		$	1.5		$	31.6
Utilization		(18.1	)		(0.2	)		(18.3	)
Foreign currency translation and other		0.2			(0.3	)		(0.1	)

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

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Acquisitions (Tables) [Abstract]

Allocation of aggregate purchase price of acquired net assets


Property, plant and equipment	$	23.3
Goodwill		313.5
Other intangible assets		276.3
Deferred income taxes		(80.6	)
Net working capital and other		6.1

Total purchase price	$	538.6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables) [Abstract]

Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment


	EIG			EMG			Total
	(In millions)

Balance at December 31, 2008	$	737.2		$	502.9		$	1,240.1
Goodwill acquired during the year		2.5			14.9			17.4
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other		(8.7	)		1.1			(7.6	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		15.9			11.5			27.4

Balance at December 31, 2009		746.9			530.4			1,277.3
Goodwill acquired during the year		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

Other intangible assets


	2010			2009
	(In thousands)

Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization):
Patents	$	52,403		$	54,150
Purchased technology		107,170			75,564
Customer lists		479,943			319,820
Other acquired intangibles		25,944			25,111

		665,460			474,645

Accumulated amortization:
Patents		(28,687	)		(27,099	)
Purchased technology		(28,026	)		(24,442	)
Customer lists		(70,982	)		(51,596	)
Other acquired intangibles		(20,825	)		(19,772	)

		(148,520	)		(122,909	)

Net intangible assets subject to amortization		516,940			351,736
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (not subject to amortization):
Trademarks and trade names		244,616			170,152

	$	761,556		$	521,888

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information (Tables) [Abstract]

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information


	December 31,
	2010			2009
	(In thousands)

INVENTORIES
Finished goods and parts	$	46,953		$	46,777
Work in process		73,556			65,752
Raw materials and purchased parts		214,744			199,013

	$	335,253		$	311,542

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land	$	32,634		$	30,792
Buildings		209,019			204,447
Machinery and equipment		651,883			635,463

		893,536			870,702
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(575,410	)		(560,649	)

	$	318,126		$	310,053

ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Employee compensation and benefits	$	71,957		$	41,670
Severance and lease termination		18,143			23,129
Product warranty obligation		18,347			16,035
Other		69,634			52,523

	$	178,081		$	133,357


	2010			2009			2008
				(In thousands)

ALLOWANCES FOR POSSIBLE LOSSES ON ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE
Balance at the beginning of the year	$	5,788		$	8,489		$	6,393
Additions charged to expense		1,466			1,139			5,648
Recoveries credited to allowance		120			70			10
Write-offs		(1,036	)		(4,520	)		(2,878	)
Currency translation adjustments and other		(291	)		610			(684	)

Balance at the end of the year	$	6,047		$	5,788		$	8,489

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Debt (Tables) [Abstract]

Long-term debt


	2010			2009
	(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 5.96% senior note due September 2010		—			80,815
British pound 5.99% senior note due November 2016		62,396			64,652
British pound 4.68% senior note due September 2020		124,792			—
Euro 3.94% senior note due August 2015		66,850			71,582
Revolving credit loan		92,000			—
Other, principally foreign		22,474			24,632

Total debt		1,168,512			1,041,681
Less: Current portion		(97,152	)		(85,801	)

Total long-term debt	$	1,071,360		$	955,880

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Share-Based Compensation (Tables) [Abstract]

Weighted average assumptions used for estimating fair value of options granted


	2010			2009			2008

Expected stock volatility		25.6	%		25.8	%		18.4	%
Expected life of the options (years)		5.0			4.9			4.7
Risk-free interest rate		2.48	%		1.89	%		2.60	%
Expected dividend yield		0.54	%		0.73	%		0.49	%
Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per option granted*	$	7.56		$	5.20		$	6.39


*		Adjusted to reflect a three-for-two stock split paid to stockholders on December 21, 2010. See Note 2.

Total share-based compensation expense


	2010			2009			2008
	(In thousands)

Stock option expense	$	7,580		$	6,297		$	6,300
Restricted stock expense		9,016			7,205			13,886

Total pre-tax expense		16,596			13,502			20,186
Related tax benefit		(5,459	)		(4,223	)		(3,990	)

Reduction of net income	$	11,137		$	9,279		$	16,196

Company's stock option activity and related information


						Weighted Average
				Weighted Average		Remaining		Aggregate
	Shares*			Exercise Price*		Contractual Life		Intrinsic Value
	(In thousands)					(Years)		(In millions)

Outstanding at the beginning of the year		6,608		$	21.04
Granted		1,214			29.38
Exercised		(1,550	)		14.42
Forfeited		(135	)		25.05
Expired		(18	)		31.17

Outstanding at the end of the year		6,119		$	24.25		4.2	$	91.8

Exercisable at the end of the year		2,883		$	21.99		2.8	$	49.8


*		Adjusted to reflect a three-for-two stock split paid to stockholders on December 21, 2010. See Note 2.

Nonvested stock options outstanding


				Weighted Average
				Grant Date
	Shares*			Fair Value*
	(In thousands)

Nonvested stock options outstanding at the beginning of the year		3,339		$	5.69
Granted		1,214			7.56
Vested		(1,182	)		5.90
Forfeited		(135	)		5.69

Nonvested stock options outstanding at the end of the year		3,236		$	6.32


*		Adjusted to reflect a three-for-two stock split paid to stockholders on December 21, 2010. See Note 2.

Nonvested restricted stock outstanding


				Weighted Average
				Grant Date
	Shares*			Fair Value*
	(In thousands)

Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at the beginning of the year		1,376		$	24.63
Granted		480			28.97
Vested		(256	)		22.33
Forfeited		(68	)		25.69

Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at the end of the year		1,532		$	26.23


*		Adjusted to reflect a three-for-two stock split paid to stockholders on December 21, 2010. See Note 2.

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Income Taxes (Tables) [Abstract]

Components of income before income taxes and provision for income taxes


	2010			2009			2008
	(In thousands)

Income before income taxes:
Domestic	$	266,783		$	207,831		$	260,464
Foreign		139,467			86,802			105,752

Total	$	406,250		$	294,633		$	366,216

Provision for income taxes:
Current:
Federal	$	70,008		$	58,247		$	52,581
Foreign		37,514			22,123			29,889
State		11,022			2,725			7,052

Total current		118,544			83,095			89,522

Deferred:
Federal		7,071			7,024			28,920
Foreign		(3,105	)		(1,464	)		(1,378	)
State		(192	)		208			2,200

Total deferred		3,774			5,768			29,742

Total provision	$	122,318		$	88,863		$	119,264

Components of deferred tax (asset) liability


	2010			2009
	(In thousands)

Current deferred tax (asset) liability:
Reserves not currently deductible	$	(19,795	)	$	(19,437	)
Share-based compensation		(4,989	)		(3,870	)
Net operating loss carryforwards		(2,344	)		(2,829	)
Foreign tax credit carryforwards		(2,018	)		(3,360	)
Other		2,040			(1,173	)

Net current deferred tax asset	$	(27,106	)	$	(30,669	)

Noncurrent deferred tax (asset) liability:
Differences in basis of property and accelerated depreciation	$	28,697		$	22,285
Reserves not currently deductible		(21,953	)		(19,913	)
Pensions		31,927			31,453
Differences in basis of intangible assets and accelerated amortization		287,645			188,045
Net operating loss carryforwards		(9,077	)		(6,513	)
Share-based compensation		(10,422	)		(9,893	)
Other		(494	)		(3,578	)

		306,323			201,886
Less: Valuation allowance		5,143			4,468

Net noncurrent deferred tax liability		311,466			206,354

Net deferred tax liability	$	284,360		$	175,685

Reconciliaton of effective tax rate to U.S. Federal statutory rate


	2010			2009			2008

U.S. Federal statutory rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		1.9			0.4			1.5
Foreign operations, net		(3.4	)		(4.2	)		(3.0	)
Other		(3.4	)		(1.0	)		(0.9	)

Consolidated effective tax rate		30.1	%		30.2	%		32.6	%

Reconciliation of liability for uncertain tax positions


	2010			2009			2008
	(In millions)

Balance at the beginning of the year	$	26.5		$	18.6		$	22.7
Additions for tax positions related to the current year		1.2			8.8			0.9
Additions for tax positions of prior years		2.7			2.5			10.1
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(3.5	)		(1.4	)		(4.2	)
Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities		(4.1	)		(2.0	)		(10.8	)
Reductions due to statute expirations		—			—			(0.1	)

Balance at the end of the year	$	22.8		$	26.5		$	18.6

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Tables) [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:


	2010			2009
	(In thousands)

Change in projected benefit obligation (“PBO”):
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	$	376,907		$	348,475
Service cost		2,917			3,278
Interest cost		21,489			22,395
Actuarial losses		9,578			26,620
Gross benefits paid		(24,380	)		(23,861	)
Plan amendments and other		(1,748	)		—

Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	$	384,763		$	376,907

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	$	430,513		$	354,851
Actual return on plan assets		59,520			81,150
Employer contributions		250			18,373
Gross benefits paid		(24,380	)		(23,861	)

Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	$	465,903		$	430,513

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:


	2010			2009
	(In thousands)

Change in projected benefit obligation:
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	$	110,607		$	88,166
Service cost		1,004			1,238
Interest cost		6,386			5,844
Acquisitions		9,633			—
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(4,370	)		9,371
Employee contributions		389			404
Actuarial losses		6,069			9,532
Gross benefits paid		(3,384	)		(3,473	)
Other		—			(475	)

Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	$	126,334		$	110,607

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	$	112,503		$	84,817
Actual return on plan assets		15,852			19,000
Employer contributions		3,305			2,754
Employee contributions		389			404
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(4,062	)		9,001
Gross benefits paid		(3,384	)		(3,473	)
Acquisitions		1,936			—

Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	$	126,539		$	112,503

Accumulated benefit obligation

U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans:


	2010		2009
	(In thousands)

Funded plans	$	370,610	$	359,516
Unfunded plans		4,757		4,802

Total	$	375,367	$	364,318

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:


	2010		2009
	(In thousands)

Funded plans	$	107,506	$	98,886
Unfunded plans		7,432		1,344

Total	$	114,938	$	100,230

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations


	2010			2009

U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Discount rate		5.60	%		5.90	%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)		3.75	%		3.75	%

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Discount rate		5.71	%		5.98	%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)		2.97	%		2.98	%

Fair value of plan assets


	December 31, 2010						December 31, 2009
Asset Class	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2
					(In thousands)

Cash and temporary investments	$	23,163	$	23,163	$	—	$	2,936	$	2,936	$	—
Equity securities:
AMETEK common stock		33,822		33,822		—		25,973		25,973		—
U.S. Small cap common stocks		35,280		35,280		—		35,627		35,627		—
U.S. Large cap common stocks		71,898		46,461		25,437		57,225		33,340		23,885
Diversified common stocks — U.S.		42,135		—		42,135		40,920		—		40,920
Diversified common stocks — Global		67,575		—		67,575		63,554		42,984		20,570
Fixed-income securities and other:
U.S. Corporate and government		45,987		45,987		—		62,531		62,531		—
Global asset allocation*		99,058		60,226		38,832		81,229		50,153		31,076
Inflation related funds		46,985		17,349		29,636		41,560		16,317		25,243
Hedge funds		—		—		—		18,958		—		—

Total investments	$	465,903	$	262,288	$	203,615	$	430,513	$	269,861	$	141,694


*		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


	Hedge Funds
	(In thousands)

Balance, January 1, 2009	$	17,410
Actual return on assets:
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year		1,548
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year		—
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net		—

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	$	—

Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans


	December 31, 2010				December 31, 2009
Asset Class	Total		Level 2		Total		Level 2
	(In thousands)

Cash	$	4,336	$	4,336	$	3,148	$	3,148
U.S. Mutual equity funds		10,141		10,141		7,758		7,758
Foreign mutual equity funds		77,260		77,260		72,513		72,513
Real estate		2,647		2,647		2,379		2,379
Mutual bond funds — Global		18,782		18,782		16,958		16,958
Life insurance		13,373		—		9,747		—

Total investments	$	126,539	$	113,166	$	112,503	$	102,756

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


	Life Insurance
	(In thousands)

Balance, January 1, 2009	$	8,639
Actual return on assets:
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year		1,108
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year		—
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net		—

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

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

U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans:


	Projected Benefit				Accumulated Benefit
	Obligation Exceeds				Obligation Exceeds
	Fair Value of Assets				Fair Value of Assets
	2010		2009		2010		2009
	(In thousands)

Projected benefit obligation	$	4,757	$	4,802	$	4,757	$	4,802
Fair value of plan assets		—		—		—		—

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Projected Benefit

Accumulated Benefit

Obligation Exceeds

Fair Value of Assets

2010

2009

2010

2009

(In thousands)

Projected benefit obligation

59,966

49,561

9,612

1,911

Fair value of plan assets

51,040

46,049

2,057

406

Funded status of plan and amounts recognized in the balance sheet


	2010			2009
	(In thousands)

Funded status asset (liability):
Fair value of plan assets	$	592,442		$	543,016
Projected benefit obligation		(511,097	)		(487,514	)

Funded status at the end of the year	$	81,345		$	55,502

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consisted of:
Noncurrent asset for pension benefits (other assets)	$	95,029		$	63,815
Current liabilities for pension benefits		(235	)		(333	)
Noncurrent liability for pension benefits		(13,449	)		(7,980	)

Net amount recognized at the end of the year	$	81,345		$	55,502

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes


Net amounts recognized:	2010			2009
	(In thousands)

Net actuarial loss	$	50,677		$	66,848
Prior service costs		139			286
Transition asset		(18	)		(13	)

Total recognized	$	50,798		$	67,121


Other changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations
recognized in other comprehensive income, net of taxes:	2010			2009			2008
	(In thousands)

Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	(10,871	)	$	(18,086	)	$	90,580
Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain		(4,306	)		(8,079	)		74
Loss recognized due to curtailment		(993	)		—			(227	)
Amortization of prior service costs		(149	)		(85	)		78
Amortization of transition asset		(4	)		11			(185	)

Total recognized	$	(16,323	)	$	(26,239	)	$	90,320

Components of net periodic pension benefit expense


	2010			2009			2008
	(In thousands)

Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	$	3,921		$	4,517		$	5,827
Interest cost		27,874			28,239			28,549
Expected return on plan assets		(41,991	)		(35,711	)		(41,578	)
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss (gain)		6,949			13,165			(74	)
Prior service costs		83			138			200
Transition asset		(21	)		(18	)		(15	)
Special termination benefits		—			—			35

Pension (income) expense		(3,185	)		10,330			(7,056	)
Pension curtailment charge		41			—			277

Total net periodic benefit (income) expense		(3,144	)		10,330			(6,779	)

Other plans:
Defined contribution plans		12,505			12,521			12,950
Foreign plans and other		4,442			3,977			4,406

Total other plans		16,947			16,498			17,356

Total net pension expense	$	13,803		$	26,828		$	10,577

Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic pension benefit expense


	2010			2009			2008

U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Discount rate		5.90	%		6.50	%		6.25	%
Expected return on plan assets		8.25	%		8.25	%		8.25	%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)		3.75	%		3.75	%		3.75	%

Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

Discount rate		5.98	%		6.09	%		5.89	%
Expected return on plan assets		6.97	%		6.97	%		7.00	%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)		2.98	%		2.98	%		3.86	%

Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Financial Instruments (Tables) [Abstract]

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


	Asset (Liability)
	December 31,						December 31,
	2010						2009
	Recorded			Fair			Recorded			Fair
	Amount			Value			Amount			Value
	(In thousands)

Fixed-income investments	$	—		$	—		$	8,883		$	8,883
Short-term borrowings		(95,904	)		(95,904	)		(4,076	)		(4,076	)
Long-term debt (including current portion)		(1,072,608	)		(1,176,399	)		(1,037,605	)		(1,084,877	)

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Reportable Segments And Geographic Areas Information (Tables) [Abstract]

Reportable Segment Financial Information


	2010			2009			2008
	(In thousands)

Net sales*:
Electronic Instruments	$	1,324,113		$	1,146,578		$	1,402,653
Electromechanical		1,146,839			951,777			1,128,482

Consolidated net sales	$	2,470,952		$	2,098,355		$	2,531,135

Operating income and income before income taxes:
Segment operating income**:
Electronic Instruments	$	316,184		$	232,875		$	306,764
Electromechanical		210,397			166,582			175,181

Total segment operating income		526,581			399,457			481,945
Corporate administrative and other expenses		(44,423	)		(33,407	)		(49,291	)

Consolidated operating income		482,158			366,050			432,654
Interest and other expenses, net		(75,908	)		(71,417	)		(66,438	)

Consolidated income before income taxes	$	406,250		$	294,633		$	366,216

Assets:
Electronic Instruments	$	1,959,586		$	1,535,646
Electromechanical		1,753,041			1,357,219

Total segment assets		3,712,627			2,892,865
Corporate		106,288			353,167

Consolidated assets	$	3,818,915		$	3,246,032

Additions to property, plant and equipment***:
Electronic Instruments	$	31,496		$	22,220		$	25,860
Electromechanical		26,690			16,668			52,231

Total segment additions to property, plant and equipment		58,186			38,888			78,091
Corporate		3,240			2,161			4,650

Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment	$	61,426		$	41,049		$	82,741

Depreciation and amortization:
Electronic Instruments	$	32,893		$	32,635		$	30,569
Electromechanical		38,524			32,444			32,460

Total segment depreciation and amortization		71,417			65,079			63,029
Corporate		1,479			421			232

Consolidated depreciation and amortization	$	72,896		$	65,500		$	63,261


*		After elimination of intra- and inter-segment sales, which are not significant in amount.

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

***		Includes $22.2 million in 2010, $8.0 million in 2009 and $38.5 million in 2008 from acquired businesses.

Information about the Company's operations in different geographic areas


	2010		2009		2008
	(In thousands)

Net sales:
United States	$	1,259,608	$	1,066,644	$	1,305,594

International*:
United Kingdom		174,980		170,229		167,891
European Union countries		362,463		339,328		394,937
Asia		405,200		308,805		373,477
Other foreign countries		268,701		213,349		289,236

Total international		1,211,344		1,031,711		1,225,541

Total consolidated	$	2,470,952	$	2,098,355	$	2,531,135

Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
United States	$	206,869	$	190,737

International**:
United Kingdom		34,031		38,375
European Union countries		54,815		60,973
Asia		8,862		8,905
Other foreign countries		13,549		11,063

Total international		111,257		119,316

Total consolidated	$	318,126	$	310,053


*		Includes U.S. export sales of $564.5 million in 2010, $414.1 million in 2009 and $478.5 million in 2008.

**		Represents long-lived assets of foreign-based operations only.

Guarantees (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Guarantees (Tables) [Abstract]

Changes in accrued product warranty obligation


	2010			2009
	(In thousands)

Balance at the beginning of the year	$	16,035		$	16,068
Accruals for warranties issued during the year		10,616			8,236
Settlements made during the year		(9,691	)		(11,095	)
Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties, including expirations during the year		(262	)		277
Warranty accruals related to new businesses		1,649			2,549

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

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables) [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data


	First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Year
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)

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(a)(b)	$	0.36	$	0.43	$	0.49	$	0.51	$	1.79
Diluted earnings per share(a)(b)	$	0.36	$	0.42	$	0.48	$	0.50	$	1.76
Dividends paid per share(a)	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.06	$	0.18
2009
Net sales	$	552,866	$	524,929	$	497,060	$	523,500	$	2,098,355
Operating income	$	106,202	$	93,180	$	77,475	$	89,193	$	366,050
Net income	$	59,055	$	51,813	$	43,018	$	51,884	$	205,770
Basic earnings per share(a)(b)	$	0.37	$	0.32	$	0.27	$	0.32	$	1.28
Diluted earnings per share(a)(b)	$	0.37	$	0.32	$	0.27	$	0.32	$	1.27
Dividends paid per share(a)	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.16


(a)		Per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect a three-for-two stock split paid to stockholders on December 21, 2010. See Note 2.

(b)		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, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Weighted average shares:
Basic shares	159,056	160,182	159,222
Stock option and award plans	1,828	1,593	1,942
Diluted shares	160,884	161,775	161,164

Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textuals)	12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textuals)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2008 USD ($)	Nov. 02, 2010
Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals)
Maximum ownership percentage of equity method investment	50.00%
Maturity period of liquid investments	three months or less
Maturity period of fixed income securities	Within three years
Aggregate market value of equity and fixed-income securities	$ 4,700,000	$ 13,200,000
Amortized cost of investment	4,500,000	13,500,000
Allowance for possible losses on receivables	$ 6,000,000	5,800,000
Percentage of FIFO method of inventory in total inventory	69.00%
Percentage of LIFO method of inventory in total inventory	31.00%
Excess of the FIFO value over the LIFO value	$ 23,900,000	20,800,000
Accrual for future warranty obligations	18,347,000	16,035,000	$ 16,068,000
Expense for warranty obligations	10,616,000	8,236,000	12,200,000
Research and development costs	56,800,000	50,500,000	57,500,000
Shipping and handling costs	$ 33,300,000	$ 24,600,000	$ 34,000,000
Forward contracts outstanding	0	0
Type of stock split	Three-for-two split of the Company’s common stock			Three-for-two split of the Company’s common stock
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
Leaseholds and 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
Building [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	4
Useful life, maximum	20

Stock Split (Details) - $ / shares	1 Months Ended
Stock Split (Details) - $ / shares	Nov. 02, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Stock Split (Textuals)
Date stock split declared	Nov. 02, 2010
Type of stock split	Three-for-two split of the Company’s common stock	Three-for-two split of the Company’s common stock
Stock split description	One additional share for every two shares owned as of the record date
Stock split payable date	Dec. 21, 2010
Stock split record date	Dec. 10, 2010
Percentage increase in quarterly cash dividend rate	50.00%
Quarterly cash dividend rate per common share after stock split	$ 0.06
Quarterly cash dividend rate per common share before stock split	$ 0.04

Fair Value Measurement (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement (Textuals)
Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities	$ 3.6
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement (Textuals)
Marketable securities	$ 4.7

Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Hedging Activities (Textuals)
Currency remeasurement gains	$ 9.9	$ 15.3
British pound-denominated loans [Member]
Hedging Activities (Textuals)
Hedge against the net investment in foreign subsidiaries acquired	187.2	145.5
Euro-denominated loans [Member]
Hedging Activities (Textuals)
Hedge against the net investment in foreign subsidiaries acquired	$ 66.9	$ 71.6

Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Textuals)
Total pre-tax charges including restructuring costs and asset write-downs	$ 40,000	$ 18,143	$ 23,129
Reduction in net income	$ 27,300
Reduction in net income in terms of diluted earnings per share	$ 0.17
Asset write-downs	$ 7,400
Charges related to severance costs	$ 30,100
Percentage of Company's workforce for which severance costs applied	10.00%
Charges related to lease termination costs	$ 1,500
Restructuring accruals
Restructuring accruals, Beginning Balance		13,200	31,600
Utilization		(5,300)	(18,300)
Foreign currency translation and other		(1,000)	(100)
Restructuring accruals, Ending Balance	31,600	6,900	13,200
Electromechanical Group Segment Operating Income [Member]
Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Textuals)
Total pre-tax charges including restructuring costs and asset write-downs	19,400
Electronic Instruments Group Segment Operating Income [Member]
Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Textuals)
Total pre-tax charges including restructuring costs and asset write-downs	20,400
Cost of Sales [Member]
Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Textuals)
Total pre-tax charges including restructuring costs and asset write-downs	32,900
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Textuals)
Total pre-tax charges including restructuring costs and asset write-downs	7,100
Corporate Administrative and Other Expenses Segment Operating Income [Member]
Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Textuals)
Total pre-tax charges including restructuring costs and asset write-downs	200
Severance [Member]
Restructuring accruals
Restructuring accruals, Beginning Balance		12,200	30,100
Utilization		(4,600)	(18,100)
Foreign currency translation and other		(1,000)	200
Restructuring accruals, Ending Balance	30,100	6,600	12,200
Facility Closures [Member]
Restructuring accruals
Restructuring accruals, Beginning Balance		1,000	1,500
Utilization		(700)	(200)
Foreign currency translation and other			(300)
Restructuring accruals, Ending Balance	1,500	$ 300	$ 1,000
Employee Reductions And Facility Closures [Member]
Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Textuals)
Total pre-tax charges including restructuring costs and asset write-downs	$ 32,600

Acquisitions (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Allocation of aggregate purchase price of acquired net assets
Property, plant and equipment	$ 23.3
Goodwill	313.5
Other intangible assets	276.3
Deferred income taxes	(80.6)
Net working capital and other	6.1
Total purchase price	$ 538.6

Acquisitions (Details Textuals) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Details Textuals) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2008 USD ($)
Acquisitions (Textuals)
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 195.7
Amount of cash paid for acquisitions	538.6	$ 72.9	$ 463.0
Goodwill recorded in connection with 2010 acquisitions	36.3
Total other intangible assets acquired	276.3
Indefinite-lived intangible trademarks and trade names acquired	80.6
Unaudited pro forma net sales		$ 2,290.8
Purchased Technology [Member]
Acquisitions (Textuals)
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 36.0
Amortization period for purchased technology, minimum	12
Amortization period for purchased technology, maximum	16
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquisitions (Textuals)
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 159.7
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset	20

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment
Beginning Balance	$ 1,277,291	$ 1,240,100
Goodwill acquired during the year	313,500	17,400
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other	1,500	(7,600)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(18,700)	27,400
Ending Balance	1,573,645	1,277,291
EMG [Member]
Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment
Beginning Balance	530,400	502,900
Goodwill acquired during the year	208,300	14,900
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other	(24,300)	1,100
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(5,200)	11,500
Ending Balance	709,200	530,400
EIG [Member]
Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment
Beginning Balance	746,900	737,200
Goodwill acquired during the year	105,200	2,500
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other	25,800	(8,700)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(13,500)	15,900
Ending Balance	$ 864,400	$ 746,900

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Other intangible assets
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	$ 665,460	$ 474,645
Accumulated amortization	(148,520)	(122,909)
Net intangible assets subject to amortization	516,940	351,736
Other intangible assets
Total	761,556	521,888
Trademarks and trade names [Member]
Other intangible assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (not subject to amortization)	244,616	170,152
Customer lists [Member]
Other intangible assets
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	479,943	319,820
Accumulated amortization	(70,982)	(51,596)
Purchased technology [Member]
Other intangible assets
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	107,170	75,564
Accumulated amortization	(28,026)	(24,442)
Patents [Member]
Other intangible assets
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	52,403	54,150
Accumulated amortization	(28,687)	(27,099)
Other acquired intangibles [Member]
Other intangible assets
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	25,944	25,111
Accumulated amortization	$ (20,825)	$ (19,772)

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Textuals)
Amortization expense	$ 27.5	$ 23.3	$ 17.5
Future amortization expense, 2011	33.5
Future amortization expense, 2012	33.5
Future amortization expense, 2013	33.5
Future amortization expense, 2014	33.5
Future amortization expense, 2015	$ 33.5

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
INVENTORIES
Finished goods and parts		$ 46,953	$ 46,777
Work in process		73,556	65,752
Raw materials and purchased parts		214,744	199,013
Total inventories		335,253	311,542
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land		32,634	30,792
Buildings		209,019	204,447
Machinery and equipment		651,883	635,463
Property, plant and equipment, gross		893,536	870,702
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(575,410)	(560,649)
Property, plant and equipment, net		318,126	310,053
ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Employee compensation and benefits		71,957	41,670
Severance and lease termination	$ 40,000	18,143	23,129
Product warranty obligation		18,347	16,035
Other		69,634	52,523
Accrued liabilities		178,081	133,357
ALLOWANCES FOR POSSIBLE LOSSES ON ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE
Balance at the beginning of the year		5,788	8,489	$ 6,393
Additions charged to expense		1,466	1,139	5,648
Recoveries credited to allowance		120	70	10
Write-offs		(1,036)	(4,520)	(2,878)
Currency translation adjustments and other		(291)	610	(684)
Balance at the end of the year	$ 8,489	$ 6,047	$ 5,788	$ 8,489

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Long-term debt
Total debt	$ 1,168,512	$ 1,041,681
Less: Current portion	(97,152)	(85,801)
Total long-term debt	1,071,360	955,880
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 5.96% senior note due September 2010 [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	0	80,815
British pound 4.68% senior note due September 2020 [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	124,792	0
Euro 3.94% senior note due August 2015 [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	66,850	71,582
British pound 5.99% senior note due November 2016 [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	62,396	64,652
Other, principally foreign [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	22,474	24,632
Revolving credit loan [Member]
Long-term debt
Total debt	$ 92,000	$ 0

Debt (Details Textuals) $ in Thousands, € in Millions, £ in Millions	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended	15 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2009 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2009 GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2009 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2010 GBP (£)	Jun. 30, 2010 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2010 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2008 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2008 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2008 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2007 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2005 EUR (€)	Nov. 30, 2004 GBP (£)
Debt (Textuals)
Available borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility					$ 437,500
Borrowings outstanding					$ 92,000
Percentage of weighted average interest rate on revolving credit facility		0.60%			0.82%
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt		$ 1,041,681			$ 1,168,512
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2012					4,100
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2013					2,300
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2014					1,700
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2015					193,300
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2016					63,200
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2017 and thereafter					806,700
Total borrowing capacity under revolving credit fecility					550,000
Additional borrowing capacity under revolving credit fecility					100,000
Foreign subsidiaries [Member]
Debt (Textuals)
Available borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility					54,500
Borrowings outstanding					22,500
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt					$ 17,300
6.59% senior notes due September 2015 [Member]
Debt (Textuals)
Interest rate on senior note										6.59%
Maturity date of senior note					Sep. 30, 2015
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes										$ 90,000
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt		90,000			$ 90,000
6.69% senior notes due December 2015 [Member]
Debt (Textuals)
Interest rate on senior note									6.69%
Maturity date of senior note					Dec. 31, 2015
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes									$ 35,000
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt		35,000			$ 35,000
6.20% senior notes due December 2017 [Member]
Debt (Textuals)
Interest rate on senior note												6.20%
Maturity date of senior note					Dec. 31, 2017
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes												$ 270,000
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt		270,000			$ 270,000
6.35% senior notes due July 2018 [Member]
Debt (Textuals)
Interest rate on senior note											6.35%
Maturity date of senior note					Jul. 31, 2018
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes											$ 80,000
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt		80,000			$ 80,000
7.08% senior notes due September 2018 [Member]
Debt (Textuals)
Interest rate on senior note										7.08%
Maturity date of senior note					Sep. 30, 2018
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes										$ 160,000
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt		160,000			$ 160,000
7.18% senior notes due December 2018 [Member]
Debt (Textuals)
Interest rate on senior note									7.18%
Maturity date of senior note					Dec. 31, 2018
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes									$ 65,000
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt		65,000			$ 65,000
6.30% senior notes due December 2019 [Member]
Debt (Textuals)
Interest rate on senior note												6.30%
Maturity date of senior note					Dec. 31, 2019
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes												$ 100,000
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt		100,000			$ 100,000
British pound 5.96% senior note due September 2010 [Member]
Debt (Textuals)
Payment of debt			£ 50.0	$ 78,200
Interest rate on senior note								5.96%
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt		80,815			$ 0
British pound 4.68% senior note due September 2020 [Member]
Debt (Textuals)
Interest rate on senior note								4.68%
Maturity date of senior note					Sep. 30, 2020
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes					$ 124,800			£ 80.0
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt		0			$ 124,792
Euro 3.94% senior note due August 2015 [Member]
Debt (Textuals)
Interest rate on senior note													3.94%
Maturity date of senior note					Aug. 31, 2015
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes					$ 66,900								€ 50
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt		71,582			$ 66,850
British pound 5.99% senior note due November 2016 [Member]
Debt (Textuals)
Interest rate on senior note														5.99%
Maturity date of senior note					Nov. 30, 2016
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes					$ 62,400									£ 40.0
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt		64,652			62,396
Floating-rate term loan [Member]
Debt (Textuals)
Payment of debt	£ 10.5	16,900
Revolving credit loan [Member]
Debt (Textuals)
Payment of debt						£ 40.0	$ 62,000
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt		0			92,000
Letter of credit [Member]
Debt (Textuals)
Borrowings outstanding		$ 19,800			$ 22,600
Percentage of weighted average interest rate on revolving credit facility		6.40%			6.30%

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Stockholders' Equity (Textuals)
Increase of common stock repurchase authorization	$ 75.0
Existing share repurchase authorization			$ 68.5
Common stock repurchase authorization, Total		64.9	143.5
Repurchase of common stock, shares		3,071,000
Repurchase of common stock under share repurchase authorization		$ 78.6
Treasury stock, shares		7,300,000	4,700,000
Treasury stock, cost		$ 153.6	$ 83.3
Number of shares outstanding		160,700,000	161,800,000

Share-Based Compensation (Details)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation (Details)	May 31, 2008 shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2008 USD ($)
Weighted average assumptions used for estimating fair value of options granted
Expected stock volatility		25.60%	25.80%	18.40%
Expected life of the options (years)		5.0	4.9	4.7
Risk-free interest rate		2.48%	1.89%	2.60%
Expected dividend yield		0.54%	0.73%	0.49%
Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per option granted		$ 7.56	$ 5.20	$ 6.39
Total share-based compensation expense
Stock option expense		7,580,000	6,297,000	6,300,000
Restricted stock expense		9,016,000	7,205,000	13,886,000
Total pre-tax expense		16,596,000	13,502,000	20,186,000
Related tax benefit		(5,459,000)	(4,223,000)	(3,990,000)
Reduction of net income		$ 11,137,000	$ 9,279,000	16,196,000
Company's stock option activity and related information
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Shares \| shares		6,608,000
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 21.04
Granted, Shares \| shares		1,214,000
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 29.38
Exercised, Shares \| shares		(1,550,000)
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 14.42
Forfeited, Shares \| shares		(135,000)
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 25.05
Expired, Shares \| shares		(18,000)
Expired, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 31.17
Ending balance, Outstanding, Shares \| shares		6,119,000	6,608,000
Ending balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 24.25	$ 21.04
Ending balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		4.2
Ending balance, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value		$ 91,800,000
Ending balance, Exercisable, Shares \| shares		2,883,000
Ending balance, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 21.99
Ending balance, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		2.8
Ending balance, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value		$ 49,800,000
Nonvested stock options outstanding
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Shares \| shares		6,608,000
Granted, Shares \| shares		1,214,000
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 7.56	$ 5.20	$ 6.39
Forfeited, Shares \| shares		(135,000)
Ending balance, Outstanding, Shares \| shares		6,119,000	6,608,000
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 29.01	$ 21.83
Vested, Shares \| shares	1,059,908
Nonvested Stock Options [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used for estimating fair value of options granted
Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per option granted		$ 7.56
Company's stock option activity and related information
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Shares \| shares		3,339,000
Granted, Shares \| shares		1,214,000
Forfeited, Shares \| shares		(135,000)
Ending balance, Outstanding, Shares \| shares		3,236,000	3,339,000
Nonvested stock options outstanding
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 5.69
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Shares \| shares		3,339,000
Granted, Shares \| shares		1,214,000
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 7.56
Vested, Shares \| shares		(1,182,000)
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 5.90
Forfeited, Shares \| shares		(135,000)
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 5.69
Ending balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 6.32	$ 5.69
Ending balance, Outstanding, Shares \| shares		3,236,000	3,339,000
Nonvested Restricted Shares [Member]
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Shares \| shares		1,376,000
Beginning balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 24.63
Granted, Shares \| shares		480,000
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 28.97
Vested, Shares \| shares		(256,000)
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 22.33
Forfeited, Shares \| shares		(68,000)
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 25.69
Ending balance, Outstanding, Shares \| shares		1,532,000	1,376,000
Ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 26.23	$ 24.63

Share-Based Compensation (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008	Nov. 02, 2010
Share-Based Compensation (Textuals)
Stock options outstanding		6,119,000	6,608,000
Share based compensation award terms		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 awards generally have a four-year cliff vesting
Contractual term of stock options		7 years
Common stock reserved for share-based plans		8,300,000
Type of stock split		Three-for-two split of the Company’s common stock			Three-for-two split of the Company’s common stock
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised		$ 29.3	$ 15.5	$ 13.3
Total fair value of stock options vested		7.0	$ 5.4	5.6
Total vested restricted shares	1,059,908
Vesting charges, pre tax				7.8
Vesting charges, net of tax				7.3
Total fair value of vested restricted stock		$ 5.7		$ 17.8
Shares used for retirements and terminations		3,599
Total number of shares reserved under the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan		423,167
Shares reserved under the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan in the current year		27,301
Nonvested Stock Options [Member]
Share-Based Compensation (Textuals)
Expected future pre-tax compensation expense		$ 14.1
Weighted average period to recognize expected future pre-tax compensation expense (in years)		less than two years
Stock options outstanding		3,236,000	3,339,000
Nonvested Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-Based Compensation (Textuals)
Expected future pre-tax compensation expense		$ 20.9
Weighted average period to recognize expected future pre-tax compensation expense (in years)		approximately two years
Nonvested restricted shares outstanding		1,532,000	1,376,000
Total vested restricted shares		(256,000)

Leases and Other Commitments (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Leases and Other Commitments (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2008 USD ($)
Leases and Other Commitments (Textuals)
Minimum aggregate rental commitments under noncancellable leases	$ 97.1
Future minimum rental payments in 2011	19.6
Future minimum rental payments in 2012	15.6
Future minimum rental payments in 2013	11.5
Future minimum rental payments in 2014	7.9
Future minimum rental payments in 2015	6.8
Future minimum rental payments thereafter	35.7
Rental expenses under noncancellable leases	$ 23.1	$ 22.8	$ 22.7
Capital lease period (in years)	12
Property, plant and equipment	$ 11.9
Accumulated depreciation	2.2
Land	2.0
Amortization of leased assets	0.6
Future minimum capital lease payments in 2011	0.9
Future minimum capital lease payments in 2012	0.9
Future minimum capital lease payments in 2013	0.9
Future minimum capital lease payments in 2014	0.9
Future minimum capital lease payments in 2015	0.9
Future minimum capital lease payments thereafter	7.6
Total future minimum capital lease payments	12.1
Purchase obligation outstanding	$ 222.0	$ 161.9

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Deferred tax (asset) liability:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 11,400
Net current deferred tax asset	(27,106)	$ (30,669)
Noncurrent deferred tax (asset) liability	306,323	201,886
Less: Valuation allowance	5,143	4,468
Net noncurrent deferred tax liability	311,466	206,354
Net deferred tax liability	284,360	175,685
Income before income taxes:
Domestic	266,783	207,831	$ 260,464
Foreign	139,467	86,802	105,752
Total	406,250	294,633	366,216
Current:
Federal	70,008	58,247	52,581
Foreign	37,514	22,123	29,889
State	11,022	2,725	7,052
Total current	118,544	83,095	89,522
Deferred:
Federal	7,071	7,024	28,920
Foreign	(3,105)	(1,464)	(1,378)
State	(192)	208	2,200
Total deferred	3,774	5,768	29,742
Total provision	$ 122,318	$ 88,863	$ 119,264
Reconciliaton of effective tax rate to 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	1.90%	0.40%	1.50%
Foreign operations, net	(3.40%)	(4.20%)	(3.00%)
Other	(3.40%)	(1.00%)	(0.90%)
Consolidated effective tax rate	30.10%	30.20%	32.60%
Reconciliation of liability for uncertain tax positions
Balance at the beginning of the year	$ 26,500	$ 18,600	$ 22,700
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	1,200	8,800	900
Additions for tax positions of prior year	2,700	2,500	10,100
Reductions for tax positions of prior year	(3,500)	(1,400)	(4,200)
Reductions related to settlements with taxing autorities	(4,100)	(2,000)	(10,800)
Reductions due to statue expirations			(100)
Balance at the end of the year	22,800	26,500	$ 18,600
Current [Member]
Deferred tax (asset) liability:
Reserves not currently deductible	(19,795)	(19,437)
Share-based compensation	(4,989)	(3,870)
Net operating loss carryforwards	(2,344)	(2,829)
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	(2,018)	(3,360)
Other	2,040	(1,173)
Noncurrent [Member]
Deferred tax (asset) liability:
Reserves not currently deductible	(21,953)	(19,913)
Share-based compensation	(10,422)	(9,893)
Net operating loss carryforwards	(9,077)	(6,513)
Differences in basis of property and accelerated depreciation	28,697	22,285
Pensions	31,927	31,453
Differences in basis of intangible assets and accelerated amortization	287,645	188,045
Other	$ (494)	$ (3,578)

Income Taxes (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2007
Income Taxes (Textuals)
Provision for U.S. deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings	$ 5.7
Undistributed earnings of certain other subsidiaries	284.3
Tax benefits related to net operating loss carryforwards	$ 11.4
Expiration period for operating loss carryforwards	between 2011 and 2031
U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards	$ 2.0
Valuation allowance related to state tax credit	0.7
Total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact tax rate, if recognized	18.3	$ 25.6
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	22.8	26.5	$ 18.6	$ 22.7
Interest and penalties accrued related to uncertain tax positions	6.1	5.5
Expense (income) of interest and penalties	$ 1.9	0.7	$ 0.8
Period between open tax years subject to tax audit	three and six years
Additions of tax, interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	$ 5.4	15.9
Tax and interest related to statute expirations and settlement of prior uncertain positions reversed	8.4	$ 4.8
Amount of tax, interest and penalties classified as a noncurrent liability	19.9
Decrease of income tax expense	4.1
Federal [Member]
Income Taxes (Textuals)
Operating loss carryforwards	8.4
Operating loss carryforwards valuation allowance	3.3
Foreign [Member]
Income Taxes (Textuals)
Operating loss carryforwards	0.3
Operating loss carryforwards valuation allowance	0.1
State [Member]
Income Taxes (Textuals)
Operating loss carryforwards	2.7
Operating loss carryforwards valuation allowance	$ 0.3

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Change in projected benefit obligation ("PBO") and plan assets:
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	$ (487,514)
Service cost	3,921	$ 4,517	$ 5,827
Interest cost	27,874	28,239	28,549
Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	(511,097)	(487,514)
Beginning Balance	543,016
Ending Balance	592,442	543,016
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation ("PBO") and plan assets:
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	376,907	348,475
Service cost	2,917	3,278
Interest cost	21,489	22,395
Actuarial losses	9,578	26,620
Gross benefits paid	(24,380)	(23,861)
Plan amendments and other	(1,748)
Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	384,763	376,907	348,475
Beginning Balance	430,513	354,851
Actual return on plan assets	59,520	81,150
Employer contributions	250	18,373
Ending Balance	465,903	430,513	354,851
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation ("PBO") and plan assets:
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	110,607	88,166
Service cost	1,004	1,238
Interest cost	6,386	5,844
Acquisitions	9,633
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(4,370)	9,371
Actuarial losses	6,069	9,532
Gross benefits paid	(3,384)	(3,473)
Other		(475)
Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	126,334	110,607	88,166
Beginning Balance	112,503	84,817
Actual return on plan assets	15,852	19,000
Employer contributions	3,305	2,754
Employee contributions	389	404
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(4,062)	9,001
Acquisitions	1,936
Ending Balance	$ 126,539	$ 112,503	$ 84,817

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 375,367	$ 364,318
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation	114,938	100,230
Funded Plan [Member] \| U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation	370,610	359,516
Funded Plan [Member] \| Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation	107,506	98,886
Unfunded Plan [Member] \| U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation	4,757	4,802
Unfunded Plan [Member] \| Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 7,432	$ 1,344

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Details 2)	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	5.60%	5.90%
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	5.71%	5.98%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)	2.97%	2.98%

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 592,442	$ 543,016
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	465,903	430,513	$ 354,851
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	262,288	269,861
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	203,615	141,694
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Cash and temporary investments [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	23,163	2,936
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	23,163	2,936
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
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| AMETEK common stock [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	33,822	25,973
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| AMETEK common stock [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	33,822	25,973
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
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Small cap common stocks [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	35,280	35,627
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	35,280	35,627
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	71,898	57,225
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	46,461	33,340
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	25,437	23,885
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Diversified common stocks - U.S. [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	42,135	40,920
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	42,135	40,920
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Diversified common stocks - Global [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	67,575	63,554
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	42,984
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	67,575	20,570
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Corporate and government [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	45,987	62,531
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Corporate and government [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	45,987	62,531
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Corporate and 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	99,058	81,229
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Global asset allocation [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	60,226	50,153
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Global asset allocation [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	38,832	31,076
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Inflation related funds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	46,985	41,560
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Inflation related funds [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	17,349	16,317
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Inflation related funds [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	29,636	25,243
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Hedge funds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	0	18,958
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Hedge funds [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	0
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Hedge funds [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets		$ 0

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Summary of changes of the fair value of the U.S. plans' investments using significant unobservable inputs
Beginning Balance	$ 543,016
Actual return on assets:
Ending Balance	592,442	$ 543,016
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Summary of changes of the fair value of the U.S. plans' investments using significant unobservable inputs
Beginning Balance	430,513	354,851
Actual return on assets:
Ending Balance	465,903	430,513
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Hedge funds [Member]
Summary of changes of the fair value of the U.S. plans' investments using significant unobservable inputs
Beginning Balance	18,958
Actual return on assets:
Ending Balance	0	18,958
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Hedge funds [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Summary of changes of the fair value of the U.S. plans' investments using significant unobservable inputs
Beginning Balance	18,958	17,410
Actual return on assets:
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year	0	1,548
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year	755	0
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	(19,713)	0
Ending Balance	$ 0	$ 18,958

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans
Fair value of plan assets	$ 592,442	$ 543,016
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans
Fair value of plan assets	126,539	112,503	$ 84,817
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans
Fair value of plan assets	113,166	102,756
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Cash [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans
Fair value of plan assets	4,336	3,148
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Cash [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans
Fair value of plan assets	4,336	3,148
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| U.S. Mutual equity funds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans
Fair value of plan assets	10,141	7,758
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 plans
Fair value of plan assets	10,141	7,758
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Foreign mutual equity funds [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans
Fair value of plan assets	77,260	72,513
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Foreign mutual equity funds [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans
Fair value of plan assets	77,260	72,513
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Real estate [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans
Fair value of plan assets	2,647	2,379
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Real estate [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans
Fair value of plan assets	2,647	2,379
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Mutual bond funds - Global [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans
Fair value of plan assets	18,782	16,958
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Mutual bond funds - Global [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans
Fair value of plan assets	18,782	16,958
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Life insurance [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans
Fair value of plan assets	13,373	9,747
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] \| Life insurance [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Summary of changes of the fair value of the foreign plans' investments using significant unobservable inputs
Beginning Balance	$ 543,016
Actual return on assets:
Ending Balance	592,442	$ 543,016
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Summary of changes of the fair value of the foreign plans' investments using significant unobservable inputs
Beginning Balance	112,503	84,817
Actual return on assets:
Acquisitions	1,936
Ending Balance	126,539	112,503
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
Beginning Balance	9,747
Actual return on assets:
Ending Balance	13,373	9,747
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
Beginning Balance	9,747	8,639
Actual return on assets:
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year	1,690	1,108
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year	0	0
Acquisitions	1,936
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 13,373	$ 9,747

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Details 7) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
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	$ 4,757	$ 4,802
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	4,757	4,802
Accumulated benefit obligation exceeds fair value of assets, fair value of plan assets		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	59,966	49,561
Projected benefit obligation exceeds fair value of assets, fair value of plan assets	51,040	46,049
Accumulated benefit obligation exceeds fair value of assets, projected benefit obligation	9,612	1,911
Accumulated benefit obligation exceeds fair value of assets, fair value of plan assets	$ 2,057	$ 406

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Details 8) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Funded status asset (liability):
Fair value of plan assets	$ 592,442	$ 543,016
Projected benefit obligation	(511,097)	(487,514)
Funded status at the end of the year	81,345	55,502
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consisted of:
Noncurrent asset for pension benefits (other assets)	95,029	63,815
Current liabilities for pension benefits	(235)	(333)
Noncurrent liability for pension benefits	(13,449)	(7,980)
Net amount recognized at the end of the year	$ 81,345	$ 55,502

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Details 9) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Net amounts recognized:
Net actuarial loss	$ 50,677	$ 66,848
Prior service costs	139	286
Transition asset	(18)	(13)
Total recognized	50,798	67,121
Other changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
Net actuarial (gain) loss	(10,871)	(18,086)	$ 90,580
Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain	(4,306)	(8,079)	74
Loss recognized due to curtailment	(993)		(227)
Amortization of prior service costs	(149)	(85)	78
Amortization of transition asset	(4)	11	(185)
Total recognized	$ (16,323)	$ (26,239)	$ 90,320

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Details 10) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	$ 3,921	$ 4,517	$ 5,827
Interest cost	27,874	28,239	28,549
Expected return on plan assets	(41,991)	(35,711)	(41,578)
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	6,949	13,165	(74)
Prior service costs	83	138	200
Transition asset	(21)	(18)	(15)
Special termination benefits			35
Pension (income) expense	(3,185)	10,330	(7,056)
Pension curtailment charge	41		277
Total net periodic benefit (income) expense	(3,144)	10,330	(6,779)
Other plans:
Defined contribution plans	12,505	12,521	12,950
Foreign plans and other	4,442	3,977	4,406
Total other plans	16,947	16,498	17,356
Total net pension expense	$ 13,803	$ 26,828	$ 10,577

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Details 11)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic pension benefit expense
Discount rate	5.90%	6.50%	6.25%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	8.25%	8.25%	8.25%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)	3.75%	3.75%	3.75%
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic pension benefit expense
Discount rate	5.98%	6.09%	5.89%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	6.97%	6.97%	7.00%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)	2.98%	2.98%	3.86%

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Details Textuals) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Textuals)
Employer contributions next year	$3 million to $5 million
Percentage of employee contribution for eligible compensation	6.00%
Maximum amount of contribution by employee that the employer will match	$ 1,200
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	8.25%	8.25%
Number of equity securities in AMETEK common stock	861,300	1,018,800
Total market value of equity securities in AMETEK common stock	$ 33,800,000	$ 26,000,000
Percentage of equity securities in AMETEK common stock included in plan assets	7.30%	6.00%
Expected amount of amortization related to net actuarial losses and prior service costs	$ 4,600,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2011	28,587,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2012	29,620,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2013	30,602,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2014	31,189,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2015	32,022,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2016 to 2020	173,500,000
Amount deferred under the compensation plan, including income earned	$ 16,900,000	$ 16,100,000
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Textuals)
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign defined benefits plans, equity securities	50.00%
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign defined benefits plans, fixed income securities	30.00%
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign defined benefits plans, other securities	20.00%
Assumed rate of return reduction next year	reduced 25 basis points to 8.0%
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Plans (Textuals)
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign defined benefits plans, equity securities	75.00%
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign defined benefits plans, fixed income securities	10.00%
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign defined benefits plans, other securities	15.00%
Assumed rate of return next year	6.96%

Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Estimated fair values and recorded amounts of the Company's financial instruments
Total debt	$ 1,168,512	$ 1,041,681
Recorded Amount [Member]
Estimated fair values and recorded amounts of the Company's financial instruments
Fixed-income investments	0	8,883
Short-term borrowings	(95,904)	(4,076)
Total debt	(1,072,608)	(1,037,605)
Fair Value [Member]
Estimated fair values and recorded amounts of the Company's financial instruments
Fixed-income investments	0	8,883
Short-term borrowings	(95,904)	(4,076)
Total debt	$ (1,176,399)	$ (1,084,877)

Additional Consolidated Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Additional Consolidated Income Statement and Cash Flow Information (Textuals)
Interest and other investment income	$ 1.1	$ 0.9	$ 3.9
Income taxes paid	95.9	84.3	113.4
Cash paid for interest	$ 66.8	$ 68.0	$ 59.2

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 30, 2009	Sep. 30, 2009	Jun. 30, 2009	Mar. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Reportable Segment Financial Information
Net sales	$ 677,975	$ 644,374	$ 591,941	$ 556,662	$ 523,500	$ 497,060	$ 524,929	$ 552,866	$ 2,470,952	$ 2,098,355	$ 2,531,135
Segment operating income:
Operating income	135,524	$ 128,593	$ 115,595	$ 102,446	$ 89,193	$ 77,475	$ 93,180	$ 106,202	482,158	366,050	432,654
Corporate administrative and other expenses									(44,423)	(33,407)	(49,291)
Interest and other expenses, net									(75,908)	(71,417)	(66,438)
Consolidated income before income taxes									406,250	294,633	366,216
Assets:
Assets	3,818,915								3,818,915	3,246,032
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total segment additions to property, plant and equipment									58,186	38,888	78,091
Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment									61,426	41,049	82,741
Depreciation and amortization:
Total segment depreciation and amortization									71,417	65,079	63,029
Depreciation and amortization									72,896	65,500	63,261
Electronic Instruments [Member]
Reportable Segment Financial Information
Net sales									1,324,113	1,146,578	1,402,653
Segment operating income:
Operating income									316,184	232,875	306,764
Assets:
Assets	1,959,586								1,959,586	1,535,646
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total segment additions to property, plant and equipment									31,496	22,220	25,860
Depreciation and amortization:
Total segment depreciation and amortization									32,893	32,635	30,569
Electromechanical [Member]
Reportable Segment Financial Information
Net sales									1,146,839	951,777	1,128,482
Segment operating income:
Operating income									210,397	166,582	175,181
Assets:
Assets	1,753,041								1,753,041	1,357,219
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total segment additions to property, plant and equipment									26,690	16,668	52,231
Depreciation and amortization:
Total segment depreciation and amortization									38,524	32,444	32,460
Corporate [Member]
Assets:
Assets	106,288								106,288	353,167
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Corporate									3,240	2,161	4,650
Depreciation and amortization:
Corporate									1,479	421	232
Total segment operating income [Member]
Segment operating income:
Operating income									526,581	399,457	$ 481,945
Total segment assets [Member]
Assets:
Assets	$ 3,712,627								$ 3,712,627	$ 2,892,865

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 30, 2009	Sep. 30, 2009	Jun. 30, 2009	Mar. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 677,975	$ 644,374	$ 591,941	$ 556,662	$ 523,500	$ 497,060	$ 524,929	$ 552,866	$ 2,470,952	$ 2,098,355	$ 2,531,135
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	318,126								318,126	310,053
United States [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									1,259,608	1,066,644	1,305,594
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	206,869								206,869	190,737
United Kingdom [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									174,980	170,229	167,891
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	34,031								34,031	38,375
European Union countries [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									362,463	339,328	394,937
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	54,815								54,815	60,973
Asia [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									405,200	308,805	373,477
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	8,862								8,862	8,905
Other foreign countries [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									268,701	213,349	289,236
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	13,549								13,549	11,063
Total international [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									1,211,344	1,031,711	$ 1,225,541
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	$ 111,257								$ 111,257	$ 119,316

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information (Textuals)
Percentage of floorcare and speciality motors sales	10.30%	10.80%	12.10%
Additions to property, plant and equipment from acquired businesses	$ 22.2	$ 8.0	$ 38.5
Revenue from U.S export sales	$ 564.5	$ 414.1	$ 478.5

Guarantees (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Guarantees (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Changes in accrued product warranty obligation
Balance at the beginning of the year	$ 16,035,000	$ 16,068,000
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	10,616,000	8,236,000	$ 12,200,000
Settlements made during the year	(9,691,000)	(11,095,000)
Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties, including expirations during the year	(262,000)	277,000
Warranty accruals related to new businesses	1,649,000	2,549,000
Balance at the end of the year	$ 18,347,000	$ 16,035,000	$ 16,068,000

Guarantees (Details Textuals) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Guarantees (Textuals)
Future payment obligations of various guarantees, Maximum amount	$ 59.3
Outstanding liability of guarantees	$ 5.9

Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Contingencies (Textuals)
Number of non-owned sites the Company is named a Potentially Responsible Party	16
Number of non-owned sites the Company is identified as a de minimis party	14
Number of non-owned sites the Company has reached a tentative settlement agreement	10
Number of non-owned sites the Company is still working to establish a settlement amount	4
Number of non-owned sites where reserves have been established and are sufficient to satisfy the Company's expected obligation	2
Total environmental reserves	$ 31.3	$ 27.0
Reserves related to a business acquisition	6.4
Total expenses related to environmental matters	2.1
Reserves related to an owned site acquired	18.9	$ 19.2
Receivables related to HCC for probable recoveries from third-party funds	14.2
Amount for which the Company is indemnified by HCC's former owners	$ 19.0

Quarterly Financial Data (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010 shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2010 shares	Sep. 30, 2010 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2010 shares	Jun. 30, 2010 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2010 shares	Mar. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2009 shares	Dec. 30, 2009 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2009 shares	Sep. 30, 2009 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2009 shares	Jun. 30, 2009 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2009 shares	Mar. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2009 shares	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2008 USD ($) $ / shares
Quarterly Financial Data
Net sales		$ 677,975		$ 644,374		$ 591,941		$ 556,662		$ 523,500		$ 497,060		$ 524,929		$ 552,866		$ 2,470,952		$ 2,098,355	$ 2,531,135
Operating income		135,524		128,593		115,595		102,446		89,193		77,475		93,180		106,202		482,158		366,050	432,654
Net income		$ 81,239		$ 77,357		$ 67,391		$ 57,945		$ 51,884		$ 43,018		$ 51,813		$ 59,055		$ 283,932		$ 205,770	$ 246,952
Basic earnings per share \| (per share)	shares 0.51		shares 0.49		shares 0.43		shares 0.36		shares 0.32		shares 0.27		shares 0.32		shares 0.37		shares 1.79	$ 1.79	shares 1.28	$ 1.28	$ 1.55
Diluted earnings per share \| (per share)	0.50		0.48		0.42		0.36		0.32		0.27		0.32		0.37		1.76	$ 1.76	1.27	$ 1.27	$ 1.53
Dividends paid per share \| shares	shares 0.06		shares 0.04		shares 0.04		shares 0.04		shares 0.04		shares 0.04		shares 0.04		shares 0.04		shares 0.18		shares 0.16
Quarterly Financial Data (Textuals)
Stock split paid to stockholders																		three-for-two stock split