AMETEK (AME) 10-Q 4 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'AME	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AMETEK INC/	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001037868	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	244,753,755

Consolidated_Statement_of_Inco

Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$890,006	$839,373	$2,651,668	$2,492,423
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation	572,125	541,454	1,713,797	1,609,490
Selling, general and administrative	98,969	96,021	291,489	286,703
Depreciation	14,226	13,734	41,848	40,312
Total operating expenses	685,320	651,209	2,047,134	1,936,505
Operating income	204,686	188,164	604,534	555,918
Other expenses:	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-18,243	-18,958	-54,720	-56,638
Other, net	-6,291	-3,518	-11,482	-7,606
Income before income taxes	180,152	165,688	538,332	491,674
Provision for income taxes	52,288	50,291	157,001	152,440
Net income	$127,864	$115,397	$381,331	$339,234
Basic earnings per share	$0.52	$0.48	$1.56	$1.41
Diluted earnings per share	$0.52	$0.47	$1.55	$1.39
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic shares	244,049	242,138	243,667	241,164
Diluted shares	245,930	244,229	245,815	243,552
Dividends declared and paid per share	$0.06	$0.06	$0.18	$0.16

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Total comprehensive income	$171,760	$135,062	$401,737	$355,212

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$254,878	$157,984
Receivables, less allowance for possible losses	532,092	507,850
Inventories	449,133	428,935
Deferred income taxes	39,757	33,301
Other current assets	32,697	36,673
Total current assets	1,308,557	1,164,743
Property, plant and equipment, net	383,594	383,483
Goodwill	2,300,466	2,208,239
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	1,342,935	1,309,727
Investments and other assets	125,670	123,864
Total assets	5,461,222	5,190,056
Current liabilities:	'	'
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	164,926	320,654
Accounts payable	330,801	321,183
Income taxes payable	28,278	40,598
Accrued liabilities	208,216	197,534
Total current liabilities	732,221	879,969
Long-term debt	1,135,164	1,133,121
Deferred income taxes	498,494	482,852
Other long-term liabilities	161,115	158,963
Total liabilities	2,526,994	2,654,905
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock	2,577	2,565
Capital in excess of par value	433,612	387,871
Retained earnings	2,844,992	2,507,419
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-130,924	-151,330
Treasury stock	-216,029	-211,374
Total stockholders' equity	2,934,228	2,535,151
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$5,461,222	$5,190,056

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$381,331	$339,234
Adjustments to reconcile net income to total operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	86,941	77,845
Deferred income taxes	-1,656	-1,414
Share-based compensation expense	16,526	14,575
Gain on sale of facility	-11,590	'
Net change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions	-13,732	-8,242
Pension contribution and other	-6,713	-2,824
Total operating activities	451,107	419,174
Investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-37,147	-33,256
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired	-163,978	-497,785
Proceeds from sale of facility	12,799	'
Other	4,837	649
Total investing activities	-183,489	-530,392
Financing activities:	'	'
Net change in short-term borrowings	-155,208	101,818
Additional long-term borrowings	872	'
Reduction in long-term borrowings	-486	-978
Repurchases of common stock	-8,452	-3,899
Cash dividends paid	-43,759	-38,556
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	12,861	12,319
Proceeds from employee stock plans	19,489	30,739
Total financing activities	-174,683	101,443
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	3,959	2,234
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	96,894	-7,541
Cash and cash equivalents:	'	'
As of January 1	157,984	170,392
As of September 30	$254,878	$162,851

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [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, 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and its cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 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, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	2	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (“ASU 2012-02”). The amendments in ASU 2012-02, similar to the amendments of ASU No. 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment, permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test described in FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. ASU 2012-02 was effective on January 1, 2013 for the Company and the adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”). ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 was effective on January 1, 2013 for the Company. See Note 4 for the Company’s disclosure reflecting these requirements.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity (“ASU 2013-05”). ASU 2013-05 provides guidance for the treatment of the cumulative translation adjustment when an entity ceases to hold a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. ASU 2013-05 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2013-05 on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 provides guidance for the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2013-11 on the Company’s financial statement presentation.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	3	Earnings Per Share
	The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares considered outstanding during the periods. The calculation of diluted earnings per share reflects the effect of all potentially dilutive securities (principally outstanding stock options and restricted stock grants). The number of weighted average shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share was as follows:
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
			(In thousands)
	Weighted average shares:
	Basic shares			244,049		242,138		243,667		241,164
	Equity-based compensation plans			1,881		2,091		2,148		2,388
	Diluted shares			245,930		244,229		245,815		243,552

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	4	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following for the three months ended September 30, 2013:
			Foreign			Defined			Total
			Currency			Benefit
			Items			Pension
			and Other			Plans
			(In thousands)
	Balance at June 30, 2013		$	(59,418	)	$	(115,402	)	$	(174,820	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Translation adjustments			24,755			—			24,755
	Net investment hedges			8,752			—			8,752
	Change in long-term intercompany notes			11,234			—			11,234
	Gross amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			—			3,411			3,411
	Income tax (expense) benefit			(3,063	)		(1,193	)		(4,256	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			41,678			2,218			43,896
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	(17,740	)	$	(113,184	)	$	(130,924	)
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Foreign			Defined			Total
			Currency			Benefit
			Items			Pension
			and Other			Plans
			(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	(31,492	)	$	(119,838	)	$	(151,330	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Translation adjustments			3,388			—			3,388
	Net investment hedges			927			—			927
	Change in long-term intercompany notes			9,761			—			9,761
	Gross amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			—			10,233			10,233
	Income tax benefit (expense)			(324	)		(3,579	)		(3,903	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax			13,752			6,654			20,406
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	(17,740	)	$	(113,184	)	$	(130,924	)
	Reclassifications for the amortization of defined benefit pension plans are included in Cost of sales, excluding depreciation in the consolidated statement of income. See Note 12 for further details.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

'

Fair Value Measurements

'

5

Fair Value Measurements

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.

The following table provides the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, consistent with the fair value hierarchy:

Asset (Liability)

September 30, 2013

December 31, 2012

Fair Value

Fair Value

(In thousands)

Fixed-income investments

$

8,129

$

8,316

The fair value of fixed-income investments was based on quoted market prices, which are valued as level 1 investments. The fixed-income investments are shown as a component of long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheet.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, gains and losses on the investments noted above were not significant. No transfers between level 1 and level 2 investments occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Financial Instruments

Cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and fixed-income investments are recorded at fair value at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

The following table provides the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, for which fair value is measured for disclosure purposes only, compared to the recorded amounts at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

Asset (Liability)

September 30, 2013

December 31, 2012

Recorded

Fair Value

Recorded

Fair Value

Amount

Amount

(In thousands)

Short-term borrowings

$

(160,000

)

$

(160,000

)

$

(313,473

)

$

(313,473

)

Long-term debt (including current portion)

(1,140,090

)

(1,287,679

)

(1,140,302

)

(1,341,886

)

The fair value of short-term borrowings approximates the carrying value. Short-term borrowings are valued as level 2 investments as they are corroborated by observable market data. 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 and are considered level 3 investments.

Forward Contracts

At September 30, 2013, the Company had a 8.8 million Euro forward contract outstanding. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, realized losses on foreign currency forward contracts were not significant. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, unrealized losses on forward contracts were not significant. At December 31, 2012, the Company had a 9.9 million Euro forward contract outstanding. The Company has not designated its foreign currency forward contracts as hedges.

Hedging_Activities

Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Hedging Activities	'
	6	Hedging Activities
	The Company has designated certain foreign-currency-denominated long-term borrowings as hedges of the net investment in certain foreign operations. As of September 30, 2013, these net investment hedges included British-pound- and Euro-denominated long-term debt. These borrowings were designed to create net investment hedges in each of the designated foreign subsidiaries. The Company designated the British-pound- and Euro-denominated loans referred to above as hedging instruments to offset translation gains or losses on the net investment due to changes in the British pound and Euro exchange rates. These net investment hedges are evidenced by management’s contemporaneous documentation supporting the hedge designation. 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 September 30, 2013, the Company had $194.1 million of British-pound-denominated loans, which were designated as a hedge against the net investment in British pound functional currency foreign subsidiaries. At September 30, 2013, the Company had a $67.7 million Euro-denominated loan, which was designated as a hedge against the net investment in Euro functional currency foreign subsidiaries. As a result of these British-pound- and Euro-denominated loans being designated and 100% effective as net investment hedges, $0.9 million of currency remeasurement losses have been included in the foreign currency translation component of other comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	7	Inventories
			September 30,		December 31,
			2013		2012
			(In thousands)
	Finished goods and parts		$	72,876	$	62,723
	Work in process			88,052		83,522
	Raw materials and purchased parts			288,205		282,690
	Total inventories		$	449,133	$	428,935

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	8	Acquisitions
	The Company spent $164.0 million in cash, net of cash acquired, to acquire Controls Southeast (“CSI”) in August 2013. CSI is a leader in custom-engineered, thermal management solutions used to maintain temperature control of liquid and gas in a broad range of demanding industrial process applications. CSI is part of AMETEK’s Electronic Instruments Group.
	The following table represents the preliminary allocation of the aggregate purchase price for the net assets of the above acquisition based on the estimated fair value at acquisition (in millions):
	Property, plant and equipment		$	4.7
	Goodwill			90.4
	Other intangible assets			69.5
	Deferred income taxes			(17.6	)
	Net working capital and other*			17
	Total purchase price		$	164
	*	Includes $9.5 million in accounts receivable, whose fair value, contractual cash flows and expected cash flows are approximately equal.
	The amount allocated to goodwill is reflective of the benefits the Company expects to realize from the acquisition as CSI broadens AMETEK’s position in the process and analytical instrumentations markets. The Company expects approximately $18.5 million of the goodwill recorded in connection with the CSI acquisition will be tax deductible in future years.
	The Company is in the process of finalizing the measurement of certain intangible assets for its CSI acquisition, as well as deferred taxes associated with its CSI acquisition and the fourth quarter 2012 acquisitions of Micro-Poise Measurement Systems, Aero Components International, Avtech Avionics and Instruments and Sunpower, Inc.
	At September 30, 2013, purchase price allocated to other intangible assets of $69.5 million consists of $13.0 million of indefinite-lived intangible trademarks and trade names, which are not subject to amortization. The remaining $56.5 million of other intangible assets consist of $47.2 million of customer relationships, which are being amortized over a period of 20 years and $9.3 million of purchased technology, which is being amortized over a period of 15 years. Amortization expense for each of the next five years for the CSI acquisition listed above is expected to approximate $3.2 million per year.
	The CSI acquisition had an immaterial impact on reported net sales, net income and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. Had the CSI acquisition been made at the beginning of 2013 or 2012, unaudited pro forma net sales, net income and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, would not have been materially different than the amounts reported. Pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred if the acquisition had been completed at the beginning of 2013 or 2012.
	Acquisitions Subsequent to September 30, 2013
	In October 2013, the Company acquired Creaform, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative portable 3D measurement technologies and a provider of 3D engineering services. Creaform was acquired for approximately 125 million Canadian dollars (approximately $120 million) and has estimated annual sales of approximately $52 million. Creaform broadens AMETEK’s position in the process and analytical instrumentations markets and will join AMETEK’s Electronic Instruments Group.

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	9	Goodwill
	The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment were as follows:
			Electronic			Electro-			Total
			Instruments			mechanical
			Group			Group
			(In millions)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	1,215.00		$	993.2		$	2,208.20
	Goodwill acquired			90.4			—			90.4
	Purchase price allocation adjustments and other			(4.6	)		(1.3	)		(5.9	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments			3.3			4.5			7.8
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	1,304.10		$	996.4		$	2,300.50

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	10	Income Taxes
	At September 30, 2013, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $43.5 million, of which $41.0 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, 2012		$	36.2
	Additions for tax positions			13.4
	Reductions for tax positions			(6.1	)
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	43.5
	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, 2013 and 2012 were not significant.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	11	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 periods indicated:
			Nine Months Ended			Year Ended
			September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Expected volatility			28.1	%		28.4	%
	Expected term (years)			5			5.1
	Risk-free interest rate			0.75	%		0.84	%
	Expected dividend yield			0.57	%		0.47	%
	Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted		$	10.17		$	8.54
	Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The Company used historical exercise data to estimate the stock options’ expected term, which represents the period of time that the stock options granted are expected to be outstanding. Management anticipates that the future stock option holding periods will be similar to the historical stock option holding periods. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the stock option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the time of grant. Compensation expense recognized for all share-based awards is net of estimated forfeitures. The Company’s estimated forfeiture rates are based on its historical experience.
	Total share-based compensation expense was as follows:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Stock option expense		$	2,946		$	2,256		$	8,005		$	7,248
	Restricted stock expense			2,072			2,106			8,521			7,327
	Total pre-tax expense			5,018			4,362			16,526			14,575
	Related tax benefit			(1,657	)		(1,399	)		(5,390	)		(4,957	)
	Reduction of net income		$	3,361		$	2,963		$	11,136		$	9,618
	Pre-tax share-based compensation expense is included in the consolidated statement of income in either Cost of sales, excluding depreciation 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:
			Shares			Weighted			Weighted			Aggregate
						Average			Average			Intrinsic
						Exercise			Remaining			Value
						Price			Contractual
									Life
			(In thousands)						(Years)			(In millions)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			6,840		$	22.39
	Granted			1,270			41.75
	Exercised			(1,203	)		17.53
	Forfeited			(170	)		32.28
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013			6,737		$	26.66			4.2		$	130.4
	Exercisable at September 30, 2013			3,844		$	20.47			3.1		$	98.2
	The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $31.5 million. The total fair value of stock options vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $8.2 million. As of September 30, 2013, there was approximately $17.8 million of expected future pre-tax compensation expense related to the 2.9 million nonvested stock options outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of less than two years.
	Restricted stock grants are subject to accelerated vesting due to certain events, including doubling of the grant price of the Company’s common stock as of the close of business during any five consecutive trading days. On January 25, 2013, 488,235 shares of restricted stock, which were granted on April 29, 2010, and 26,298 shares of restricted stock, which were granted on July 29, 2010, vested under this accelerated vesting provision. The pre-tax charge to income due to the accelerated vesting of these shares was $2.7 million ($1.9 million net after-tax charge) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	The following is a summary of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock activity and related information:
			Shares			Weighted
						Average
						Grant Date
						Fair Value
			(In thousands)
	Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2012			1,252		$	26.71
	Granted			347			41.75
	Vested			(577	)		20.88
	Forfeited			(85	)		30.71
	Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2013			937		$	35.5
	The total fair value of restricted stock that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $12.1 million. As of September 30, 2013, there was approximately $23.3 million of expected future pre-tax compensation expense related to the 0.9 million nonvested restricted shares outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately two years.

Retirement_and_Pension_Plans

Retirement and Pension Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement and Pension Plans	'
	12	Retirement and Pension Plans
	The components of net periodic pension benefit expense (income) were as follows:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Defined benefit plans:
	Service cost		$	1,462		$	1,568		$	4,724		$	4,110
	Interest cost			6,393			7,096			19,441			20,645
	Expected return on plan assets			(11,219	)		(10,867	)		(33,677	)		(32,242	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss and other			3,176			2,852			9,998			8,556
	Pension (income) expense			(188	)		649			486			1,069
	Other plans:
	Defined contribution plans			4,280			4,153			13,842			13,850
	Foreign plans and other			1,282			1,112			3,837			3,437
	Total other plans			5,562			5,265			17,679			17,287
			$	5,374		$	5,914		$	18,165		$	18,356
	Total net pension expense
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, contributions to the Company’s defined benefit pension plans were not significant.

Product_Warranties

Product Warranties	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Product Warranties	'
	13	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:
			Nine Months Ended
			September 30,
			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Balance at the beginning of the period		$	27,792		$	22,466
	Accruals for warranties issued during the period			5,064			8,381
	Settlements made during the period			(7,238	)		(7,201	)
	Warranty accruals related to acquired businesses and other during the period			255			3,381
	Balance at the end of the period		$	25,873		$	27,027
	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

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	14	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 September 30, 2013, the Company is named a Potentially Responsible Party (“PRP”) at 14 non-AMETEK-owned former waste disposal or treatment sites (the “non-owned” sites). The Company is identified as a “de minimis” party in 13 of these sites based on the low volume of waste attributed to the Company relative to the amounts attributed to other named PRPs. In nine of these sites, the Company has reached a tentative agreement on the cost of the de minimis settlement to satisfy its obligation and is awaiting executed agreements. The tentatively agreed-to settlement amounts are fully reserved. In the other four sites, the Company is continuing to investigate the accuracy of the alleged volume attributed to the Company as estimated by the parties primarily responsible for remedial activity at the sites to establish an appropriate settlement amount. At the remaining site where the Company is a non-de minimis PRP, the Company is participating in the investigation and/or related required remediation as part of a PRP Group and reserves have been established sufficient to satisfy the Company’s expected obligations. The Company historically has resolved these issues within established reserve levels and reasonably expects this result will continue. In addition to these non-owned sites, the Company has an ongoing practice of providing reserves for probable remediation activities at certain of its current or previously owned manufacturing locations (the “owned” sites). For claims and proceedings against the Company with respect to other environmental matters, reserves are established once the Company has determined that a loss is probable and estimable. This estimate is refined as the Company moves through the various stages of investigation, risk assessment, feasibility study and corrective action processes. In certain instances, the Company has developed a range of estimates for such costs and has recorded a liability based on the low end of the range. It is reasonably possible that the actual cost of remediation of the individual sites could vary from the current estimates and the amounts accrued in the consolidated financial statements; however, the amounts of such variances are not expected to result in a material change to the consolidated financial statements. In estimating the Company’s liability for remediation, the Company also considers the likely proportionate share of the anticipated remediation expense and the ability of the other PRPs to fulfill their obligations.
	Total environmental reserves at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were $21.5 million and $23.6 million, respectively, for both non-owned and owned sites. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded $0.8 million in reserves. Additionally, the Company spent $2.9 million on environmental matters for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The Company’s reserves for environmental liabilities at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 include reserves of $13.4 million and $14.7 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 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, 2013, the Company had $11.2 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.
	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.

Reportable_Segments

Reportable Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reportable Segments	'
	15	Reportable Segments
	The Company has two reportable segments, Electronic Instruments Group (“EIG”) and Electromechanical Group (“EMG”). The Company identifies its operating segments for segment reporting purposes primarily on the basis of product type, production processes, distribution methods and management organizations.
	At September 30, 2013, there were no significant changes in identifiable assets of reportable segments from the amounts disclosed at December 31, 2012, other than those described in the acquisitions footnote (Note 8), 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, 2013 and 2012 can be found in the table included in Part I, Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen1

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment	'
	In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (“ASU 2012-02”). The amendments in ASU 2012-02, similar to the amendments of ASU No. 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment, permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test described in FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. ASU 2012-02 was effective on January 1, 2013 for the Company and the adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”). ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 was effective on January 1, 2013 for the Company. See Note 4 for the Company’s disclosure reflecting these requirements.
Accounting for Cumulative Translation Adjustment	'
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity (“ASU 2013-05”). ASU 2013-05 provides guidance for the treatment of the cumulative translation adjustment when an entity ceases to hold a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. ASU 2013-05 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2013-05 on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefit	'
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 provides guidance for the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2013-11 on the Company’s financial statement presentation.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Number of Weighted Average Shares	'
	The number of weighted average shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share was as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Weighted average shares:
	Basic shares		244,049		242,138		243,667		241,164
	Equity-based compensation plans		1,881		2,091		2,148		2,388
	Diluted shares		245,930		244,229		245,815		243,552

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following for the three months ended September 30, 2013:
		Foreign			Defined			Total
		Currency			Benefit
		Items			Pension
		and Other			Plans
		(In thousands)
	Balance at June 30, 2013	$	(59,418	)	$	(115,402	)	$	(174,820	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Translation adjustments		24,755			—			24,755
	Net investment hedges		8,752			—			8,752
	Change in long-term intercompany notes		11,234			—			11,234
	Gross amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		—			3,411			3,411
	Income tax (expense) benefit		(3,063	)		(1,193	)		(4,256	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		41,678			2,218			43,896
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(17,740	)	$	(113,184	)	$	(130,924	)
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Foreign			Defined			Total
		Currency			Benefit
		Items			Pension
		and Other			Plans
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(31,492	)	$	(119,838	)	$	(151,330	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Translation adjustments		3,388			—			3,388
	Net investment hedges		927			—			927
	Change in long-term intercompany notes		9,761			—			9,761
	Gross amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		—			10,233			10,233
	Income tax benefit (expense)		(324	)		(3,579	)		(3,903	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax		13,752			6,654			20,406
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(17,740	)	$	(113,184	)	$	(130,924	)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table provides the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, consistent with the fair value hierarchy:
		Asset (Liability)
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
		Fair Value			Fair Value
		(In thousands)
	Fixed-income investments	$	8,129		$	8,316
Fair Value Disclosures of Financial Instruments	'
	The following table provides the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, for which fair value is measured for disclosure purposes only, compared to the recorded amounts at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		Asset (Liability)
		September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Recorded			Fair Value			Recorded			Fair Value
		Amount						Amount
		(In thousands)
	Short-term borrowings	$	(160,000	)	$	(160,000	)	$	(313,473	)	$	(313,473	)
	Long-term debt (including current portion)		(1,140,090	)		(1,287,679	)		(1,140,302	)		(1,341,886	)

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Finished goods and parts	$	72,876	$	62,723
	Work in process		88,052		83,522
	Raw materials and purchased parts		288,205		282,690
	Total inventories	$	449,133	$	428,935

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Allocation of Aggregate Purchase Price of Acquired Net Assets	'
	The following table represents the preliminary allocation of the aggregate purchase price for the net assets of the above acquisition based on the estimated fair value at acquisition (in millions):
	Property, plant and equipment		$	4.7
	Goodwill			90.4
	Other intangible assets			69.5
	Deferred income taxes			(17.6	)
	Net working capital and other*			17
	Total purchase price		$	164
	*	Includes $9.5 million in accounts receivable, whose fair value, contractual cash flows and expected cash flows are approximately equal.

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes in the Carrying Amounts of Goodwill by Segment	'
	The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment were as follows:
		Electronic			Electro-			Total
		Instruments			mechanical
		Group			Group
		(In millions)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	1,215.00		$	993.2		$	2,208.20
	Goodwill acquired		90.4			—			90.4
	Purchase price allocation adjustments and other		(4.6	)		(1.3	)		(5.9	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		3.3			4.5			7.8
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	1,304.10		$	996.4		$	2,300.50

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the liability for uncertain tax positions (in millions):
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	36.2
	Additions for tax positions		13.4
	Reductions for tax positions		(6.1	)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	43.5

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Weighted Average Assumptions Used for Estimating Fair Value of Stock Options Granted	'
	The following weighted average assumptions were used in the Black-Scholes-Merton model to estimate the fair values of stock options granted during the periods indicated:
		Nine Months Ended			Year Ended
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Expected volatility		28.1	%		28.4	%
	Expected term (years)		5			5.1
	Risk-free interest rate		0.75	%		0.84	%
	Expected dividend yield		0.57	%		0.47	%
	Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted	$	10.17		$	8.54
Total Share-Based Compensation Expense	'
	Total share-based compensation expense was as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Stock option expense	$	2,946		$	2,256		$	8,005		$	7,248
	Restricted stock expense		2,072			2,106			8,521			7,327
	Total pre-tax expense		5,018			4,362			16,526			14,575
	Related tax benefit		(1,657	)		(1,399	)		(5,390	)		(4,957	)
	Reduction of net income	$	3,361		$	2,963		$	11,136		$	9,618
Company's Stock Option Activity and Related Information	'
	The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information:
		Shares			Weighted			Weighted			Aggregate
					Average			Average			Intrinsic
					Exercise			Remaining			Value
					Price			Contractual
								Life
		(In thousands)						(Years)			(In millions)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		6,840		$	22.39
	Granted		1,270			41.75
	Exercised		(1,203	)		17.53
	Forfeited		(170	)		32.28
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013		6,737		$	26.66			4.2		$	130.4
	Exercisable at September 30, 2013		3,844		$	20.47			3.1		$	98.2
Non-vested Restricted Stock Outstanding	'
	The following is a summary of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock activity and related information:
		Shares			Weighted
					Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
		(In thousands)
	Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2012		1,252		$	26.71
	Granted		347			41.75
	Vested		(577	)		20.88
	Forfeited		(85	)		30.71
	Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2013		937		$	35.5

Retirement_and_Pension_Plans_T

Retirement and Pension Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Net Periodic Pension Benefit Expense (Income)	'
	The components of net periodic pension benefit expense (income) were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Defined benefit plans:
	Service cost	$	1,462		$	1,568		$	4,724		$	4,110
	Interest cost		6,393			7,096			19,441			20,645
	Expected return on plan assets		(11,219	)		(10,867	)		(33,677	)		(32,242	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss and other		3,176			2,852			9,998			8,556
	Pension (income) expense		(188	)		649			486			1,069
	Other plans:
	Defined contribution plans		4,280			4,153			13,842			13,850
	Foreign plans and other		1,282			1,112			3,837			3,437
	Total other plans		5,562			5,265			17,679			17,287
		$	5,374		$	5,914		$	18,165		$	18,356
	Total net pension expense

Product_Warranties_Tables

Product Warranties (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Changes in Accrued Product Warranty Obligation	'
	Changes in the accrued product warranty obligation were as follows:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Balance at the beginning of the period	$	27,792		$	22,466
	Accruals for warranties issued during the period		5,064			8,381
	Settlements made during the period		(7,238	)		(7,201	)
	Warranty accruals related to acquired businesses and other during the period		255			3,381
	Balance at the end of the period	$	25,873		$	27,027

Earnings_Per_Share_Number_of_W

Earnings Per Share - Number of Weighted Average Shares (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Weighted average shares:	'	'	'	'
Basic shares	244,049	242,138	243,667	241,164
Equity-based compensation plans	1,881	2,091	2,148	2,388
Diluted shares	245,930	244,229	245,815	243,552

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	($174,820)	($151,330)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:	'	'
Translation adjustments	24,755	3,388
Net investment hedges	8,752	927
Change in long-term intercompany notes	11,234	9,761
Gross amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	3,411	10,233
Income tax (expense) benefit	-4,256	-3,903
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	43,896	20,406
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	-130,924	-130,924
Foreign Currency Items and Other [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	-59,418	-31,492
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:	'	'
Translation adjustments	24,755	3,388
Net investment hedges	8,752	927
Change in long-term intercompany notes	11,234	9,761
Gross amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'
Income tax (expense) benefit	-3,063	-324
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	41,678	13,752
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	-17,740	-17,740
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	-115,402	-119,838
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:	'	'
Translation adjustments	'	'
Net investment hedges	'	'
Change in long-term intercompany notes	'	'
Gross amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	3,411	10,233
Income tax (expense) benefit	-1,193	-3,579
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,218	6,654
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	($113,184)	($113,184)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed-income investments	$8,129	$8,316

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V1

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Disclosures of Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Recorded Amount [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term borrowings	($160,000)	($313,473)
Long-term debt (including current portion)	-1,140,090	-1,140,302
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term borrowings	-160,000	-313,473
Long-term debt (including current portion)	($1,287,679)	($1,341,886)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (Foreign currency forward contract [Member], Not designated as hedging instrument [Member], EUR €)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Foreign currency forward contract [Member] | Not designated as hedging instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Forward contract outstanding	€ 8.80	€ 9.90

Hedging_Activities_Additional_

Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (Foreign Exchange Contract [Member], Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Percentage of effectiveness on net investment hedges	100.00%
Currency remeasurement losses	$0.90
British-pound-denominated loans [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Hedge against net investment in foreign subsidiaries	194.1
Euro-denominated loans [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Hedge against net investment in foreign subsidiaries	$67.70

Inventories_Inventories_Detail

Inventories - Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods and parts	$72,876	$62,723
Work in process	88,052	83,522
Raw materials and purchased parts	288,205	282,690
Total inventories	$449,133	$428,935

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	Customer relationships [Member]	Purchased technology [Member]	Controls Southeast [Member]	Controls Southeast [Member]	Creaform Inc [Member]	Creaform Inc [Member]
		USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
						USD ($)	CAD
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount of cash paid for acquisition	'	'	'	$164	'	'	'
Goodwill recorded in connection with acquisition	'	'	'	'	18.5	'	'
Total other intangible assets acquired	69.5	'	'	'	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived intangible trademarks and trade names acquired	13	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	56.5	47.2	9.3	'	'	'	'
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset	'	'20 years	'15 years	'	'	'	'
Future Amortization expense, 2013	3.2	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future Amortization expense, 2014	3.2	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future Amortization expense, 2015	3.2	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future Amortization expense, 2016	3.2	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future Amortization expense, 2017	3.2	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cost of acquisition	164	'	'	'	'	120	125
Estimated annual sales	'	'	'	'	'	$52	'

Acquisitions_Allocation_of_Agg

Acquisitions - Allocation of Aggregate Purchase Price of Acquired Net Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Property, plant and equipment	$4.70
Goodwill	90.4
Other intangible assets	69.5
Deferred income taxes	-17.6
Net working capital and other	17
Total purchase price	$164

Acquisitions_Allocation_of_Agg1

Acquisitions - Allocation of Aggregate Purchase Price of Acquired Net Assets (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Accounts receivable included in purchase price	$9.50

Goodwill_Changes_in_Carrying_A

Goodwill - Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	$2,208,239,000
Goodwill acquired	90,400,000
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other	-5,900,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	7,800,000
Goodwill, ending balance	2,300,466,000
Electronic Instruments Group [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,215,000,000
Goodwill acquired	90,400,000
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other	-4,600,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,300,000
Goodwill, ending balance	1,304,100,000
Electro-mechanical Group [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	993,200,000
Goodwill acquired	'
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other	-1,300,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	4,500,000
Goodwill, ending balance	$996,400,000

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	$43.50	$36.20
Total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact tax rate, if recognized	$41	'

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	$36.20
Additions for tax positions	13.4
Reductions for tax positions	-6.1
Balance at September 30, 2013	$43.50

ShareBased_Compensation_Weight

Share-Based Compensation - Weighted Average Assumptions Used for Estimating Fair Value of Stock Options Granted (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Expected volatility	28.10%	28.40%
Expected term (years)	'5 years	'5 years 1 month 6 days
Risk-free interest rate	0.75%	0.84%
Expected dividend yield	0.57%	0.47%
Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted	$10.17	$8.54

ShareBased_Compensation_Total_

Share-Based Compensation - Total Share-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock option expense	$2,946	$2,256	$8,005	$7,248
Restricted stock expense	2,072	2,106	8,521	7,327
Total pre-tax expense	5,018	4,362	16,526	14,575
Related tax benefit	-1,657	-1,399	-5,390	-4,957
Reduction of net income	$3,361	$2,963	$11,136	$9,618

ShareBased_Compensation_Compan

Share-Based Compensation - Company's Stock Option Activity and Related Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Shares	6,840
Granted, Shares	1,270
Exercised, Shares	-1,203
Forfeited, Shares	-170
Ending balance, Outstanding, Shares	6,737
Ending balance, Exercisable, Shares	3,844
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.39
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$41.75
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$17.53
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$32.28
Ending balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$26.66
Ending balance, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.47
Ending balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	'4 years 2 months 12 days
Ending balance, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	'3 years 1 month 6 days
Ending balance, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$130.40
Ending balance, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$98.20

ShareBased_Compensation_Additi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jan. 25, 2013	Jan. 25, 2013
						Nonvested restricted stock [Member]	Nonvested restricted stock [Member]	Nonvested restricted stock [Member]	Restricted stock [Member]	Restricted stock [Member]	Restricted stock [Member]
								Maximum [Member]		Granted on April 29, 2010 [Member]	Granted on July 29, 2010 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	'	'	$31,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total fair value of stock options vested	'	'	8,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected future pre-tax compensation expense	'	'	'	'	'	17,800,000	'	'	23,300,000	'	'
Stock options outstanding	6,737,000	'	6,737,000	'	6,840,000	2,900,000	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average period to recognize expected future pre-tax compensation expense (in years)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'2 years	'2 years	'	'
Total vested restricted shares	'	'	'	'	'	577,000	'	'	'	488,235	26,298
Vesting period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'Restricted stock grants are subject to accelerated vesting due to certain events, including doubling of the grant price of the Company's common stock as of the close of business during any five consecutive trading days.	'	'
Vesting charges, pre-tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,700,000	'	'
Vesting charges, net after-tax	3,361,000	2,963,000	11,136,000	9,618,000	'	'	'	'	1,900,000	'	'
Total fair value of vested restricted stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$12,100,000	'	'
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	937,000	1,252,000	'	900,000	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Nonves

Share-Based Compensation - Non-vested Restricted Stock Outstanding (Detail) (Nonvested restricted stock [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Nonvested restricted stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Shares	1,252,000
Granted, Shares	347,000
Vested, Shares	-577,000
Forfeited, Shares	-85,000
Ending balance, Outstanding, Shares	937,000
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$26.71
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$41.75
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$20.88
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$30.71
Ending balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$35.50

Retirement_and_Pension_Plans_C

Retirement and Pension Plans - Components of Net Periodic Pension Benefit Expense (Income) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Defined benefit plans:	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$1,462	$1,568	$4,724	$4,110
Interest cost	6,393	7,096	19,441	20,645
Expected return on plan assets	-11,219	-10,867	-33,677	-32,242
Amortization of net actuarial loss and other	3,176	2,852	9,998	8,556
Pension (income) expense	-188	649	486	1,069
Other plans:	'	'	'	'
Defined contribution plans	4,280	4,153	13,842	13,850
Foreign plans and other	1,282	1,112	3,837	3,437
Total other plans	5,562	5,265	17,679	17,287
Total net pension expense	$5,374	$5,914	$18,165	$18,356

Product_Warranties_Additional_

Product Warranties - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Product warranty period	'1 year

Product_Warranties_Changes_in_

Product Warranties - Changes in Accrued Product Warranty Obligation (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	$27,792	$22,466
Accruals for warranties issued during the period	5,064	8,381
Settlements made during the period	-7,238	-7,201
Warranty accruals related to acquired businesses and other during the period	255	3,381
Balance at the end of the period	$25,873	$27,027

Contingencies_Additional_Infor

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	site
Site Contingency [Line Items]	'	'
Number of non-owned sites Company is named Potentially Responsible Party	14	'
Number of non-owned sites the Company is identified as a de minimis party	13	'
Number of non-owned sites Company has reached tentative settlement agreement	9	'
Number of non-owned sites Company is still working to establish settlement amount	4	'
Total environmental reserves	$21.50	$23.60
Increase (decrease) in environmental reserves	0.8	'
Total expenses related to environmental matters	2.9	'
HCC Industries [Member]	'	'
Site Contingency [Line Items]	'	'
Reserves related to an owned site acquired	13.4	14.7
Receivables related to HCC for probable recoveries from third-party funds	11.2	'
Amount for which the Company is indemnified by HCC's former owners	$19	'

Reportable_Segments_Additional

Reportable Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segments	2