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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2010	Oct. 28, 2010	Jun. 30, 2009
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	AMETEK INC/
Entity Central Index Key	0001037868
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2010
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2010
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
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			$ 3,716,907,826
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		106,699,856

Consolidated Statement of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009
Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 644,374	$ 497,060	$ 1,792,977	$ 1,574,855
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation	429,075	344,658	1,200,298	1,076,879
Selling, general and administrative	75,869	63,858	213,261	189,405
Depreciation	10,837	11,069	32,784	31,714
Total operating expenses	515,781	419,585	1,446,343	1,297,998
Operating income	128,593	77,475	346,634	276,857
Other expenses:
Interest expense	(17,057)	(17,380)	(50,541)	(52,076)
Other, net	(2,721)	(702)	(4,857)	(1,726)
Income before income taxes	108,815	59,393	291,236	223,055
Provision for income taxes	31,458	16,375	88,543	69,169
Net income	$ 77,357	$ 43,018	$ 202,693	$ 153,886
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.73	$ 0.4	$ 1.91	$ 1.44
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.72	$ 0.4	$ 1.89	$ 1.43
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic shares	105,763	106,862	106,016	106,663
Diluted shares	107,148	107,748	107,129	107,675
Dividends declared and paid per share	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.18	$ 0.18

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Sep. 30, 2010

^[1]

Dec. 31, 2009

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 135,017

$ 246,356

Marketable securities

5,176

4,994

Receivables, less allowance for possible losses

390,113

331,383

Inventories

332,431

311,542

Deferred income taxes

20,735

30,669

Other current assets

47,465

44,486

Total current assets

930,937

969,430

Property, plant and equipment, net

304,181

310,053

Goodwill

1,489,574

1,277,291

Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization

690,360

521,888

Investments and other assets

164,253

167,370

Total assets

3,579,305

3,246,032

Current liabilities:

Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt

32,351

85,801

Accounts payable

227,567

191,779

Income taxes payable

32,552

13,345

Accrued liabilities

170,869

133,357

Total current liabilities

463,339

424,282

Long-term debt

1,074,671

955,880

Deferred income taxes

278,755

206,354

Other long-term liabilities

94,436

92,492

Total liabilities

1,911,201

1,679,008

Stockholders' equity:

Common stock

1,115

1,110

Capital in excess of par value

240,469

224,057

Retained earnings

1,684,140

1,500,471

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(104,058)

(75,281)

Treasury stock

(153,562)

(83,333)

Total stockholders' equity

1,668,104

1,567,024

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$ 3,579,305

$ 3,246,032

[1]

Unaudited

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Sep. 30, 2009

Operating activities:

Net income

$ 202,693

$ 153,886

Adjustments to reconcile net income to total operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

52,113

48,316

Deferred income tax expense

4,436

Share-based compensation expense

12,347

9,807

Net change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions

25,140

63,360

Pension contribution

(2,195)

(19,890)

Other

140

432

Total operating activities

294,674

255,947

Investing activities:

Additions to property, plant and equipment

(22,446)

(21,469)

Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired

(373,653)

(41,194)

Other

3,766

(1,550)

Total investing activities

(392,333)

(64,213)

Financing activities:

Net change in short-term borrowings

27,059

(13,356)

Additional long-term borrowings

125,120

1,466

Reduction in long-term borrowings

(78,200)

(63,964)

Repurchases of common stock

(78,609)

Cash dividends paid

(19,003)

(19,162)

Excess tax benefits from share-based payments

3,549

3,750

Proceeds from employee stock plans and other

8,287

9,494

Total financing activities

(11,797)

(81,772)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

(1,883)

4,021

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

(111,339)

113,983

Cash and cash equivalents:

As of January 1

246,356

86,980

As of September 30

$ 135,017

^[1]

$ 200,963

[1]

Unaudited

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Sep. 30, 2010
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited. AMETEK, Inc. (the “Company”) believes that all adjustments (which primarily consist of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position of the Company at September 30, 2010, the consolidated results of its operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 and its cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 have been included. Quarterly results of operations are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Sep. 30, 2010
Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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 3. 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 and cash flows.

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurement	Sep. 30, 2010
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	3. Fair Value Measurement 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 September 30, 2010, $1.0 million of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities are valued as level 1 investments. In addition, the Company held $4.2 million of marketable securities in an institutional diversified equity securities mutual fund, which are valued as level 2 investments. The Company also held $7.7 million of investments in fixed-income securities valued as level 2 investments. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2010, gains and losses on the investments noted above were not significant. No transfers between level 1 and level 2 investments occurred in the nine months ended September 30, 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	9 Months Ended
Hedging Activities	Sep. 30, 2010
Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Hedging Activities	4. Hedging Activities The Company has designated certain foreign-currency-denominated long-term debt 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 following hedge designation (the debt), 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 September 30, 2010, the Company had $188.5 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 September 30, 2010, the Company had $68.2 million 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, $7.2 million of currency remeasurement gains have been included in the foreign currency translation component of other comprehensive income at September 30, 2010.

Earnings Per Share

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

5. 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 were as follows:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2010

2009

2010

2009

(In thousands)

Weighted average shares:

Basic shares

105,763

106,862

106,016

106,663

Stock option and awards plans

1,385

886

1,113

1,012

Diluted shares

107,148

107,748

107,129

107,675

Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 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 ($0.25 per diluted share). These charges include 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, 2009	$	12.2		$	1.0		$	13.2
Utilization		(3.9	)		(0.5	)		(4.4	)
Foreign currency translation and other		(0.5	)		—			(0.5	)

Restructuring accruals at September 30, 2010	$	7.8		$	0.5		$	8.3

Acquisitions

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Acquisitions

7. Acquisitions

The Company spent $373.7 million in cash, net of cash acquired, to acquire Technical Services for Electronics (“TSE”) in June 2010, Haydon Enterprises in July 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. 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. TSE is a manufacturer of engineered interconnect solutions for the medical device industry. Haydon Enterprises and TSE are part of EMG.

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

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	$	11.2
Goodwill		224.4
Other intangible assets		195.7
Net working capital and other		(57.6	)

Total purchase price	$	373.7

The amount allocated to goodwill is reflective of the benefits the Company expects to realize from the acquisitions as follows: 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 premiere industry provider of high-end linear and rotary motion control solutions. 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 microelectronic packages for sophisticated electronic applications. The Company expects approximately $15.8 million of the goodwill recorded on 2010 acquisitions will be tax deductible in future years.

Other intangible assets of $195.7 million consists of $58.1 million of indefinite-lived intangible trademarks and trade names, which are not subject to amortization. The remaining $137.6 million of other intangible assets consists of $113.2 million of customer relationships, which are being amortized over a period of 20 years and $24.4 million of purchased technology, which are being amortized over a period of 12 to 16 years. Amortization expense for each of the next five years for the 2010 acquisitions listed above is expected to approximate $7.7 million per year.

Had the above acquisitions been made at the beginning of 2010, unaudited pro forma net sales, net income and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 would not have been materially different than the amounts reported.

Had the above acquisitions and the 2009 acquisitions of 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 been made at the beginning of 2009, unaudited pro forma net sales, net income and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 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.

Goodwill

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Goodwill [Abstract]

Goodwill

8. Goodwill

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

EIG

EMG

Total

(In millions)

Balance at December 31, 2009

746.9

530.4

1,277.3

Goodwill acquired during the year

16.2

208.2

224.4

Purchase price allocation adjustments and other

25.8

(24.1

)

1.7

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(9.9

)

(3.9

)

(13.8

)

Balance at September 30, 2010

779.0

710.6

1,489.6

Inventories

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Inventories [Abstract]

Inventories

9. Inventories


	September 30,		December 31,
	2010		2009
	(In thousands)
Finished goods and parts	$	49,646	$	46,777
Work in process		77,449		65,752
Raw materials and purchased parts		205,336		199,013

Total inventories	$	332,431	$	311,542

Debt	9 Months Ended
Debt	Sep. 30, 2010
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	10. Debt In the third quarter of 2010, the Company paid in full a 50 million British pound ($78.2 million) 5.96% senior note. In September 2010, the Company issued an 80 million British pound ($125.7 million at September 30, 2010) 4.68% senior note due in September 2020. The 80 million British pound senior note is subject to certain customary covenants, including financial covenants that, among other things, require the Company to maintain certain debt-to-EBITDA (income before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) and interest coverage ratios. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2010.

Comprehensive Income

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income

11. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes all changes in stockholders’ equity during a period except those resulting from investments by and distributions to stockholders. The components of comprehensive income were as follows:


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2010		2009		2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Net income	$	77,357	$	43,018	$	202,693		$	153,886
Foreign currency translation adjustment		29,432		13,062		(26,508	)		33,118
Foreign currency net investment hedge*		5,100		15		(2,446	)		4,165
Other		308		416		177			652

Total comprehensive income	$	112,197	$	56,511	$	173,916		$	191,821


*		Represents the net gains and losses on the Company’s investment in certain foreign operations in excess of the net gains and losses from the non-derivative foreign-currency-denominated long-term debt. These debt instruments were designated as hedging instruments to offset foreign exchange gains or losses on the net investment in certain foreign operations.

Share-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Share-Based Compensation

12. Share-Based Compensation

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 stock options granted during the period indicated:


	Nine Months Ended			Year Ended
	September 30, 2010			December 31, 2009
Expected stock volatility		25.6	%		25.8	%
Expected life (years)		5.0			4.9
Risk-free interest rate		2.48	%		1.89	%
Expected dividend yield		0.54	%		0.73	%
Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted	$	11.36		$	7.80

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:


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Stock option expense	$	1,869		$	1,528		$	5,722		$	4,661
Restricted stock expense		2,482			2,006			6,625			5,146

Total pre-tax expense		4,351			3,534			12,347			9,807
Related tax benefit		(1,315	)		(1,141	)		(3,636	)		(3,069	)

Reduction of net income	$	3,036		$	2,393		$	8,711		$	6,738

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:


						Weighted
				Weighted		Average
				Average		Remaining		Aggregate
	Shares			Exercise Price		Contractual Life		Intrinsic Value
	(In thousands)					(Years)		(In millions)
Outstanding at December 31, 2009		4,406		$	31.56
Granted		809			44.07
Exercised		(505	)		19.16
Forfeited		(69	)		37.17
Expired		(10	)		48.02

Outstanding at September 30, 2010		4,631		$	34.98		4.1	$	59.8

Exercisable at September 30, 2010		2,427		$	30.95		2.8	$	41.1

The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $11.8 million. The total fair value of stock options vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $6.7 million.

As of September 30, 2010, there was approximately $16.0 million of expected future pre-tax compensation expense related to the 2.2 million nonvested stock options outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately two years.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company granted 0.3 million shares of restricted stock with a weighted average fair value of $43.52 per share. The total fair value of the 0.2 million shares of restricted stock that vested was $5.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. At September 30, 2010, 1.0 million nonvested restricted shares were outstanding. As of September 30, 2010, there was approximately $23.5 million of expected future pre-tax compensation expense related to the nonvested restricted shares, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately two years.

Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

13. Income Taxes

At September 30, 2010, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $23.6 million, of which $18.5 million, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate.

The following is a reconciliation of the liability for uncertain tax positions (in millions):


Balance at December 31, 2009	$	26.5
Additions for tax positions		4.0
Reductions for tax positions		(6.9	)

Balance at September 30, 2010	$	23.6

The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The amounts recognized in income tax expense for interest and penalties during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were not significant.

Retirement and Pension Plans

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Retirement and Pension Plans [Abstract]

Retirement and Pension Plans

14. Retirement and Pension Plans

The components of net periodic pension benefit expense were as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	$	568		$	1,108		$	2,911		$	3,374
Interest cost		7,157			7,161			20,817			21,115
Expected return on plan assets		(11,147	)		(9,013	)		(31,444	)		(26,715	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss and other		1,302			3,323			5,289			9,967

Pension (income) expense		(2,120	)		2,579			(2,427	)		7,741


Other plans:
Defined contribution plans		3,122			2,908			9,273			9,682
Foreign plans and other		1,035			1,066			3,140			3,091

Total other plans		4,157			3,974			12,413			12,773


Total net pension expense	$	2,037		$	6,553		$	9,986		$	20,514

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, contributions to our defined benefit pension plans were $2.2 million and $19.9 million, respectively.

Financial Instruments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

15. Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are compared below to the recorded amounts at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities are recorded at fair value at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.


	Asset (Liability)
	September 30, 2010						December 31, 2009
	Recorded						Recorded
	Amount			Fair Value			Amount			Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Fixed-income investments	$	7,650		$	7,650		$	8,883		$	8,883
Short-term borrowings		(31,121	)		(31,121	)		(4,076	)		(4,076	)
Long-term debt (including current portion)		(1,075,901	)		(1,215,970	)		(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.

Product Warranties

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Product Warranties [Abstract]

Product Warranties

16. 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 accrued product warranty obligation were as follows:


	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Balance at the beginning of the period	$	16,035		$	16,068
Accruals for warranties issued during the period		8,227			6,586
Settlements made during the period		(6,984	)		(8,443	)
Warranty accruals related to new businesses and other		400			1,861

Balance at the end of the period	$	17,678		$	16,072

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.

Reportable Segments	9 Months Ended
Reportable Segments	Sep. 30, 2010
Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Reportable Segments	17. Reportable Segments The Company has two reportable segments, the Electronic Instruments Group and the Electromechanical Group. 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. At September 30, 2010, there were no significant changes in identifiable assets of reportable segments from the amounts disclosed at December 31, 2009, other than those described in the acquisitions footnote (Note 7), nor were there any significant changes in the basis of segmentation or in the measurement of segment operating results. Operating information relating to the Company’s reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 can be found in the table within Part I, Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Report.

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
Contingencies	Sep. 30, 2010
Contingencies [Abstract]
Contingencies	18. 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. While these waste products were handled in compliance with regulations existing at that time, at September 30, 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 obligation. 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 September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were $31.0 million and $27.0 million, respectively, for non-owned and owned sites. In 2010, the Company recorded $5.3 million in reserves, related primarily to reserves associated with 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 $1.3 million on environmental matters in 2010. The Company’s reserves for environmental liabilities at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 include reserves of $18.5 million and $19.2 million, respectively, for an owned site acquired in connection with the fiscal 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 September 30, 2010, the Company had $13.6 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, as discussed further in the following paragraph. In August 2009, the Company agreed to a Stipulation and Settlement Agreement with the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board regarding the 2008 Notice of Administrative Civil Liability related to a former subsidiary which became a separate company in 1988 and filed for bankruptcy liquidation in 2007, whereby the Company paid and deferred minor penalties, which were covered by previously established reserves. 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.

Subsequent Event	9 Months Ended
Subsequent Event	Sep. 30, 2010
Subsequent Event [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	19. Subsequent Event 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 will result in the issuance of one additional share for every two shares owned as of the record date. The stock split is payable 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 $0.09 per common share from $0.06 per common share on a pre-split basis. All share and per share information included in this report is presented on a pre-split basis. All financial reports issued following the December 10, 2010 record date will be prepared on a post-split basis.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2010
Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies) [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Policy	In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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 3. 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.
Subsequent Events Policy	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.
Revenue Recognition Policy	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 and cash flows.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Earnings Per Share (Tables) [Abstract]

Number of weighted average shares

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2010

2009

2010

2009

(In thousands)

Weighted average shares:

Basic shares

105,763

106,862

106,016

106,663

Stock option and awards plans

1,385

886

1,113

1,012

Diluted shares

107,148

107,748

107,129

107,675

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

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 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, 2009	$	12.2		$	1.0		$	13.2
Utilization		(3.9	)		(0.5	)		(4.4	)
Foreign currency translation and other		(0.5	)		—			(0.5	)

Restructuring accruals at September 30, 2010	$	7.8		$	0.5		$	8.3

Acquisitions (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Acquisitions (Tables) [Abstract]

Allocation of aggregate purchase price of acquired net assets


Property, plant and equipment	$	11.2
Goodwill		224.4
Other intangible assets		195.7
Net working capital and other		(57.6	)

Total purchase price	$	373.7

Goodwill (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Goodwill (Tables) [Abstract]

Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment

EIG

EMG

Total

(In millions)

Balance at December 31, 2009

746.9

530.4

1,277.3

Goodwill acquired during the year

16.2

208.2

224.4

Purchase price allocation adjustments and other

25.8

(24.1

)

1.7

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(9.9

)

(3.9

)

(13.8

)

Balance at September 30, 2010

779.0

710.6

1,489.6

Inventories (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Inventories (Tables) [Abstract]

Inventories


	September 30,		December 31,
	2010		2009
	(In thousands)
Finished goods and parts	$	49,646	$	46,777
Work in process		77,449		65,752
Raw materials and purchased parts		205,336		199,013

Total inventories	$	332,431	$	311,542

Comprehensive Income (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Comprehensive Income (Tables) [Abstract]

Components of comprehensive income


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2010		2009		2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Net income	$	77,357	$	43,018	$	202,693		$	153,886
Foreign currency translation adjustment		29,432		13,062		(26,508	)		33,118
Foreign currency net investment hedge*		5,100		15		(2,446	)		4,165
Other		308		416		177			652

Total comprehensive income	$	112,197	$	56,511	$	173,916		$	191,821


*		Represents the net gains and losses on the Company’s investment in certain foreign operations in excess of the net gains and losses from the non-derivative foreign-currency-denominated long-term debt. These debt instruments were designated as hedging instruments to offset foreign exchange gains or losses on the net investment in certain foreign operations.

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Share-Based Compensation (Tables) [Abstract]

Weighted average assumptions used for estimating fair value of options granted


	Nine Months Ended			Year Ended
	September 30, 2010			December 31, 2009
Expected stock volatility		25.6	%		25.8	%
Expected life (years)		5.0			4.9
Risk-free interest rate		2.48	%		1.89	%
Expected dividend yield		0.54	%		0.73	%
Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted	$	11.36		$	7.80

Total share-based compensation expense


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Stock option expense	$	1,869		$	1,528		$	5,722		$	4,661
Restricted stock expense		2,482			2,006			6,625			5,146

Total pre-tax expense		4,351			3,534			12,347			9,807
Related tax benefit		(1,315	)		(1,141	)		(3,636	)		(3,069	)

Reduction of net income	$	3,036		$	2,393		$	8,711		$	6,738

Company's stock option activity and related information


						Weighted
				Weighted		Average
				Average		Remaining		Aggregate
	Shares			Exercise Price		Contractual Life		Intrinsic Value
	(In thousands)					(Years)		(In millions)
Outstanding at December 31, 2009		4,406		$	31.56
Granted		809			44.07
Exercised		(505	)		19.16
Forfeited		(69	)		37.17
Expired		(10	)		48.02

Outstanding at September 30, 2010		4,631		$	34.98		4.1	$	59.8

Exercisable at September 30, 2010		2,427		$	30.95		2.8	$	41.1

Income Taxes (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Income Taxes (Tables) [Abstract]

Reconciliation of liability for uncertain tax positions


Balance at December 31, 2009	$	26.5
Additions for tax positions		4.0
Reductions for tax positions		(6.9	)

Balance at September 30, 2010	$	23.6

Retirement and Pension Plans (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Retirement and Pension Plans (Tables) [Abstract]

Components of net periodic pension benefit expense


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	$	568		$	1,108		$	2,911		$	3,374
Interest cost		7,157			7,161			20,817			21,115
Expected return on plan assets		(11,147	)		(9,013	)		(31,444	)		(26,715	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss and other		1,302			3,323			5,289			9,967

Pension (income) expense		(2,120	)		2,579			(2,427	)		7,741


Other plans:
Defined contribution plans		3,122			2,908			9,273			9,682
Foreign plans and other		1,035			1,066			3,140			3,091

Total other plans		4,157			3,974			12,413			12,773


Total net pension expense	$	2,037		$	6,553		$	9,986		$	20,514

Financial Instruments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Financial Instruments (Tables) [Abstract]

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


	Asset (Liability)
	September 30, 2010						December 31, 2009
	Recorded						Recorded
	Amount			Fair Value			Amount			Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Fixed-income investments	$	7,650		$	7,650		$	8,883		$	8,883
Short-term borrowings		(31,121	)		(31,121	)		(4,076	)		(4,076	)
Long-term debt (including current portion)		(1,075,901	)		(1,215,970	)		(1,037,605	)		(1,084,877	)

Product Warranties (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Product Warranties (Tables) [Abstract]

Changes in accrued product warranty obligation


	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Balance at the beginning of the period	$	16,035		$	16,068
Accruals for warranties issued during the period		8,227			6,586
Settlements made during the period		(6,984	)		(8,443	)
Warranty accruals related to new businesses and other		400			1,861

Balance at the end of the period	$	17,678		$	16,072

Fair Value Measurement (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2010 USD ($)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement (Textuals)
Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities	$ 1.0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Measurement (Textuals)
Marketable securities	4.2
Investments in fixed-income securities	$ 7.7

Hedging Activities (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2010 USD ($)
Hedging Activities (Textuals)
Currency remeasurement gains	$ 7.2
British pound-denominated loans [Member]
Hedging Activities (Textuals)
Hedge against the net investment in foreign subsidiaries acquired	188.5
Euro-denominated loans [Member]
Hedging Activities (Textuals)
Hedge against the net investment in foreign subsidiaries acquired	$ 68.2

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009
Weighted average shares:
Basic shares	105,763	106,862	106,016	106,663
Stock option and awards plans	1,385	886	1,113	1,012
Diluted shares	107,148	107,748	107,129	107,675

Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2008 USD ($) $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2010 USD ($)
Fourth Quarter of 2008 Restructuring Charges and Asset Write-Downs (Textuals)
Total pre-tax charges including restructuring costs and asset write-downs	$ 40.0
Reduction in net income	$ 27.3
Reduction in net income in terms of diluted earnings per share \| $ / shares	$ 0.25
Asset write-downs	$ 7.4
Charges related to severance costs	$ 30.1
Percentage of Company's workforce for which severance costs applied	0.1
Charges related to lease termination costs	$ 1.5
Restructuring accruals
Restructuring accruals at December 31, 2009		$ 13.2
Utilization		(4.4)
Foreign currency translation and other		(0.5)
Restructuring accruals at September 30, 2010		8.3
Severance [Member]
Restructuring accruals
Restructuring accruals at December 31, 2009		12.2
Utilization		(3.9)
Foreign currency translation and other		(0.5)
Restructuring accruals at September 30, 2010		7.8
Facility Closures [Member]
Restructuring accruals
Restructuring accruals at December 31, 2009		1.0
Utilization		(0.5)
Restructuring accruals at September 30, 2010		$ 0.5
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	19.4
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	20.4
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	32.9
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	7.1
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	0.2
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	$ 32.6

Acquisitions (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2010 USD ($)
Allocation of aggregate purchase price of acquired net assets
Property, plant and equipment	$ 11.2
Goodwill	224.4
Other intangible assets	195.7
Net working capital and other	(57.6)
Total purchase price	373.7
Acquisitions (Textuals)
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	137.6
Amount of cash paid for acquisitions	373.7
Goodwill recorded for 2010 acquisitions	15.8
Total other intangible assets acquired	195.7
Indefinite-lived intangible trademarks and trade names acquired	58.1
Future amortization expense, 2011	7.7
Future amortization expense, 2012	7.7
Future amortization expense, 2013	7.7
Future amortization expense, 2014	7.7
Future amortization expense, 2015	7.7
Purchased Technology [Member]
Acquisitions (Textuals)
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 24.4
Amortization period for purchased technology, minimum	12
Amortization period for purchased technology, maximum	16
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquisitions (Textuals)
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 113.2
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset	20

Goodwill (Details)
$ in Thousands

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

USD ($)

Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment

Balance at December 31, 2009

$ 1,277,291

Goodwill acquired during the year

224,400

Purchase price allocation adjustments and other

1,700

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(13,800)

Balance at September 30, 2010

1,489,574

^[1]

EMG [Member]

Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment

Balance at December 31, 2009

530,400

Goodwill acquired during the year

208,200

Purchase price allocation adjustments and other

(24,100)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(3,900)

Balance at September 30, 2010

710,600

EIG [Member]

Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment

Balance at December 31, 2009

746,900

Goodwill acquired during the year

16,200

Purchase price allocation adjustments and other

25,800

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(9,900)

Balance at September 30, 2010

$ 779,000

[1]

Unaudited

Inventories (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Sep. 30, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Inventories

Finished goods and parts

$ 49,646

$ 46,777

Work in process

77,449

65,752

Raw materials and purchased parts

205,336

199,013

Total inventories

$ 332,431

^[1]

$ 311,542

[1]

Unaudited

Debt (Details) £ in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
Debt (Details) £ in Millions, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2010 GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2010 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2010 GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2010 USD ($)
4.68% senior note [Member]
Debt (Textuals)
Interest rate on senior note	4.68%	4.68%	4.68%	4.68%
Issuance of debt	£ 80	$ 125.7
Maturity date of senior note			Sep. 17, 2020	Sep. 17, 2020
5.96% senior note [Member]
Debt (Textuals)
Payment of debt			£ 50	$ 78.2
Interest rate on senior note	5.96%	5.96%	5.96%	5.96%

Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Sep. 30, 2009

Sep. 30, 2010

Sep. 30, 2009

Components of comprehensive income

Net income

$ 77,357

$ 43,018

$ 202,693

$ 153,886

Foreign currency translation adjustment

29,432

13,062

(26,508)

33,118

Foreign currency net investment hedge

^[1]

5,100

(2,446)

4,165

Other

308

416

177

652

Total comprehensive income

$ 112,197

$ 56,511

$ 173,916

$ 191,821

[1]

Represents the net gains and losses on the Company's investment in certain foreign operations in excess of the net gains and losses from the non-derivative foreign-currency-denominated long-term debt. These debt instruments were designated as hedging instruments to offset foreign exchange gains or losses on the net investment in certain foreign operations.

Share-Based Compensation (Details) shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation (Details) shares in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2009 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2009 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($) shares
Weighted average assumptions used for estimating fair value of options granted
Expected stock volatility			25.60%		25.80%	25.80%
Expected life (years)			5		4.9	4.9
Risk-free interest rate			2.48%		1.89%	1.89%
Expected dividend yield			0.54%		0.73%	0.73%
Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted			$ 11.36			$ 7.8
Total Share-Based compensation expense
Stock option expense	$ 1,869,000	$ 1,528,000	5,722,000	$ 4,661,000
Restricted stock expense	2,482,000	2,006,000	6,625,000	5,146,000
Total pre-tax expense	4,351,000	3,534,000	12,347,000	9,807,000
Related tax benefit	(1,315,000)	(1,141,000)	(3,636,000)	(3,069,000)
Reduction of net income	$ 3,036,000	$ 2,393,000	$ 8,711,000	$ 6,738,000
Company's stock option activity and related information
Outstanding at December 31, 2009, Shares \| shares			4,406
Outstanding at December 31, 2009, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares			$ 31.56
Granted, Shares \| shares			809
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares			44.07
Exercised, Shares \| shares			(505)
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares			19.16
Forfeited, Shares \| shares			(69)
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares			37.17
Expired, Shares \| shares			(10)
Expired, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares			48.02
Outstanding at September 30, 2010, Shares \| shares	4,631		4,631		4,406	4,406
Outstanding at September 30, 2010, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 34.98		$ 34.98		$ 31.56
Outstanding at September 30, 2010, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	4.1		4.1
Outstanding at September 30, 2010, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 59,800,000		$ 59,800,000
Exercisable at September 30, 2010, Shares \| shares	2,427		2,427
Exercisable at September 30, 2010, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 30.95		$ 30.95
Exercisable at September 30, 2010, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	2.8		2.8
Exercisable at September 30, 2010, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 41,100,000		$ 41,100,000
Share-Based Compensation (Textuals) [Abstract]
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised			11,800,000
Total fair value of stock options vested			$ 6,700,000
Nonvested stock options outstanding \| shares	2,200		2,200
Restricted stock granted, shares \| shares			300
Fair value of restricted stock, per share \| $ / shares			$ 43.52
Total fair value vested restricted share \| shares			200
Restricted stock, vested			$ 5,300,000
Nonvested restricted shares outstanding \| shares	1,000		1,000
Nonvested Stock Options [Member]
Share-Based Compensation (Textuals) [Abstract]
Expected future pre-tax compensation expense	$ 16,000,000		$ 16,000,000
Weighted average period to recognize expected future pre-tax compensation expense (in years)	2		2
Nonvested Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-Based Compensation (Textuals) [Abstract]
Expected future pre-tax compensation expense	$ 23,500,000		$ 23,500,000
Weighted average period to recognize expected future pre-tax compensation expense (in years)	2		2

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010
Reconciliation of liability for uncertain tax positions
Balance at December 31, 2009	$ 26.5
Additions for tax positions	4.0
Reductions for tax positions	(6.9)
Balance at September 30, 2010	23.6
Income Taxes (Textuals)
Total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact tax rate, if recognized		$ 18.5
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	$ 26.5	$ 23.6

Retirement and Pension Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	$ 568	$ 1,108	$ 2,911	$ 3,374
Interest cost	7,157	7,161	20,817	21,115
Expected return on plan assets	(11,147)	(9,013)	(31,444)	(26,715)
Amortization of net actuarial loss and other	1,302	3,323	5,289	9,967
Pension (income) expense	(2,120)	2,579	(2,427)	7,741
Other plans:
Defined contribution plans	3,122	2,908	9,273	9,682
Foreign plans and other	1,035	1,066	3,140	3,091
Total other plans	4,157	3,974	12,413	12,773
Total net pension expense	$ 2,037	$ 6,553	9,986	20,514
Retirement And Pension Plans [Textuals]
Contributions to defined benefit pension plan			$ 2,200	$ 19,900

Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Recorded Amount [Member]
Estimated fair values and recorded amounts of the Company's financial instruments
Fixed-income investments	$ 7,650	$ 8,883
Short-term borrowings	(31,121)	(4,076)
Long-term debt (including current portion)	(1,075,901)	(1,037,605)
Fair Value [Member]
Estimated fair values and recorded amounts of the Company's financial instruments
Fixed-income investments	7,650	8,883
Short-term borrowings	(31,121)	(4,076)
Long-term debt (including current portion)	$ (1,215,970)	$ (1,084,877)

Product Warranties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
Product Warranties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009
Changes in accrued product warranty obligation
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 16,035	$ 16,068
Accruals for warranties issued during the period	8,227	6,586
Settlements made during the period	(6,984)	(8,443)
Warranty accruals related to new businesses and other	400	1,861
Balance at the end of the period	$ 17,678	$ 16,072

Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 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	$ 31.0	$ 27.0
Reserves related to a business acquisition	5.3
Total expenses related to environmental matters	1.3
Reserves related to an owned site acquired	18.5	$ 19.2
Receivables related to HCC for probable recoveries from third-party funds	13.6
Amount for which the Company is indemnified by HCC's former owners	$ 19.0

Subsequent Event (Details)	1 Months Ended
Subsequent Event (Details)	Nov. 02, 2010 $ / shares
Subsequent Event (Textuals) [Abstract]
Date stock split declared	Nov. 02, 2010
Type of stock split	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	$ 0.09
Quarterly cash dividend rate per common share before stock split	$ 0.06