AMETEK (AME) 10-Q 6 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 29, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
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	'	245,932,769

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$1,031,811	$890,006	$2,997,821	$2,651,668
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation	677,739	572,125	1,933,554	1,713,797
Selling, general and administrative	119,205	98,969	345,146	291,489
Depreciation	16,724	14,226	47,619	41,848
Total operating expenses	813,668	685,320	2,326,319	2,047,134
Operating income	218,143	204,686	671,502	604,534
Other expenses:	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-19,543	-18,243	-57,362	-54,720
Other, net	-8,639	-6,291	-16,842	-11,482
Income before income taxes	189,961	180,152	597,298	538,332
Provision for income taxes	48,150	52,288	164,838	157,001
Net income	$141,811	$127,864	$432,460	$381,331
Basic earnings per share	$0.58	$0.52	$1.76	$1.56
Diluted earnings per share	$0.57	$0.52	$1.75	$1.55
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic shares	245,439	244,049	245,184	243,667
Diluted shares	247,643	245,930	247,425	245,815
Dividends declared and paid per share	$0.09	$0.06	$0.24	$0.18

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Total comprehensive income	$58,400	$171,760	$356,228	$401,737

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$369,613	$295,203
Receivables, less allowance for possible losses	593,452	536,701
Inventories	526,674	452,848
Deferred income taxes	47,404	38,815
Other current assets	52,987	45,562
Total current assets	1,590,130	1,369,129
Property, plant and equipment, net	451,551	402,790
Goodwill	2,633,188	2,408,363
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	1,665,033	1,473,926
Investments and other assets	231,159	223,694
Total assets	6,571,061	5,877,902
Current liabilities:	'	'
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	163,202	273,315
Accounts payable	381,820	347,638
Income taxes payable	35,441	40,007
Accrued liabilities	251,246	213,585
Total current liabilities	831,709	874,545
Long-term debt	1,473,482	1,141,750
Deferred income taxes	634,611	558,555
Other long-term liabilities	163,452	166,931
Total liabilities	3,103,254	2,741,781
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock	2,587	2,581
Capital in excess of par value	481,142	448,700
Retained earnings	3,339,749	2,966,015
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-141,471	-65,239
Treasury stock	-214,200	-215,936
Total stockholders' equity	3,467,807	3,136,121
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$6,571,061	$5,877,902

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$432,460	$381,331
Adjustments to reconcile net income to total operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	102,800	86,941
Deferred income taxes	-346	-1,656
Share-based compensation expense	15,055	16,526
Gain on sale of facility	-869	-11,590
Net change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions	-32,720	-13,732
Pension contribution and other	-3,726	-6,713
Total operating activities	512,654	451,107
Investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-47,279	-37,147
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired	-573,647	-163,978
Proceeds from sale of facility	950	12,799
Other	2,392	4,837
Total investing activities	-617,584	-183,489
Financing activities:	'	'
Net change in short-term borrowings	-262,943	-155,208
Additional long-term borrowings	500,000	872
Reduction in long-term borrowings	-533	-486
Repurchases of common stock	-1,885	-8,452
Cash dividends paid	-58,726	-43,759
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	6,279	12,861
Proceeds from employee stock plans	11,743	19,489
Total financing activities	193,935	-174,683
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-14,595	3,959
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	74,410	96,894
Cash and cash equivalents:	'	'
As of January 1	295,203	157,984
As of September 30	$369,613	$254,878

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and its cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 have been included. Quarterly results of operations are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	2	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In March 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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. The Company adopted ASU 2013-05 effective January 1, 2014 and the adoption did not have a significant impact 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. The Company adopted ASU 2013-11 effective January 1, 2014 and the adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statement presentation.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (“ASU 2014-08”). ASU 2014-08 revised guidance to only allow disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift (e.g., disposal of a major geographical area, a major line of business, a major equity method investment, or other major parts of an entity) and that have a major effect on a reporting entity’s operations and financial results to be reported as discontinued operations. The revised guidance also requires expanded disclosure in the financial statements for discontinued operations as well as for disposals of significant components of an entity that do not qualify for discontinued operations presentation. ASU 2014-08 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-08 to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The objective of ASU 2014-09 is to establish a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most of the existing revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity recognizes revenue at the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In applying the new guidance, the Company must (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the contract’s performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when the Company satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 applies to all contracts with customers except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and can be adopted by the Company using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach, with early adoption prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating ASU 2014-09 and has not determined the impact it may have on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows nor decided upon the method of adoption.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
			(In thousands)
	Weighted average shares:
	Basic shares			245,439		244,049		245,184		243,667
	Equity-based compensation plans			2,204		1,881		2,241		2,148
	Diluted shares			247,643		245,930		247,425		245,815

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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:
			Three Months Ended									Three Months Ended
			September 30, 2014									September 30, 2013
			Foreign			Defined			Total			Foreign			Defined			Total
			Currency			Benefit						Currency			Benefit
			Items			Pension						Items and			Pension
			and Other			Plans						Other			Plans
			(In thousands)
	Balance at the beginning of the period		$	4,668		$	(62,728	)	$	(58,060	)	$	(59,418	)	$	(115,402	)	$	(174,820	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Translation adjustments			(39,899	)		—			(39,899	)		24,755			—			24,755
	Change in long-term intercompany notes			(37,018	)		—			(37,018	)		8,752			—			8,752
	Net investment hedges			(11,021	)		—			(11,021	)		11,234			—			11,234
	Gross amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			—			1,030			1,030			—			3,411			3,411
	Income tax benefit (expense)			3,857			(360	)		3,497			(3,063	)		(1,193	)		(4,256	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax			(84,081	)		670			(83,411	)		41,678			2,218			43,896
	Balance at the end of the period		$	(79,413	)	$	(62,058	)	$	(141,471	)	$	(17,740	)	$	(113,184	)	$	(130,924	)
			Nine Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep-14									30-Sep-13
			Foreign			Defined			Total			Foreign			Defined			Total
			Currency			Benefit						Currency			Benefit
			Items			Pension						Items and			Pension
			and Other			Plans						Other			Plans
			(In thousands)
	Balance at the beginning of the period		$	(1,171	)	$	(64,068	)	$	(65,239	)	$	(31,492	)	$	(119,838	)	$	(151,330	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Translation adjustments			(35,540	)		—			(35,540	)		3,388			—			3,388
	Change in long-term intercompany notes			(38,154	)		—			(38,154	)		927			—			927
	Net investment hedges			(6,997	)		—			(6,997	)		9,761			—			9,761
	Gross amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			—			3,092			3,092			—			10,233			10,233
	Income tax benefit (expense)			2,449			(1,082	)		1,367			(324	)		(3,579	)		(3,903	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax			(78,242	)		2,010			(76,232	)		13,752			6,654			20,406
	Balance at the end of the period		$	(79,413	)	$	(62,058	)	$	(141,471	)	$	(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 13 for further details.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, consistent with the fair value hierarchy:
			September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
			Fair Value			Fair Value
			(In thousands)
	Fixed-income investments		$	9,520		$	8,234
	The fair value of fixed-income investments, which are valued as level 1 investments, was based on quoted market prices. 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, 2014, 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, 2014.
	Financial Instruments
	Cash, cash equivalents and fixed-income investments are recorded at fair value at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
	The following table provides the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instrument liabilities, for which fair value is measured for disclosure purposes only, compared to the recorded amounts at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
			September 30, 2014						December 31, 2013
			Recorded			Fair Value			Recorded			Fair Value
			Amount						Amount
			(In thousands)
	Short-term borrowings		$	(5,360	)	$	(5,360	)	$	(268,764	)	$	(268,764	)
	Long-term debt (including current portion)			(1,631,324	)		(1,760,278	)		(1,146,301	)		(1,290,466	)
	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 is considered to be a level 3 liability.
	Foreign Currency
	At September 30, 2014, the Company had no forward contracts outstanding. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, realized gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts were not significant. At December 31, 2013, the Company had two Euro forward contracts for a total of 21.7 million Euro ($28 thousand fair value unrealized loss at December 31, 2013) and one 61.0 million Swiss franc forward contract ($511 thousand fair value unrealized loss at December 31, 2013) outstanding. The Company has not designated its foreign currency forward contracts as hedges.

Hedging_Activities

Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014, these net investment hedges included British-pound-denominated long-term debt and Euro-denominated short-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, 2014, the Company had $194.6 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, 2014, the Company had a $63.1 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, $10.0 million of currency remeasurement gains have been included in the foreign currency translation component of other comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	7	Inventories
			September 30,		December 31,
			2014		2013
			(In thousands)
	Finished goods and parts		$	87,474	$	76,086
	Work in process			107,830		85,518
	Raw materials and purchased parts			331,370		291,244
	Total inventories		$	526,674	$	452,848

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	8	Acquisitions
	The Company spent $573.6 million in cash, net of cash acquired, to acquire Teseq Group in January 2014, VTI Instruments (“VTI”) in February 2014, Luphos GmbH in May 2014, Zygo Corporation in June 2014 and Amptek, Inc. in August 2014. Teseq is a manufacturer of test and measurement instrumentation for electromagnetic compatibility (“EMC”) testing. VTI is a manufacturer of high precision test and measurement instrumentation. Luphos’ core technology is used in the measurement of complex aspheric optical surfaces and other surfaces through non-contact methods. Zygo is a provider of optical metrology solutions, high precision optics and optical assemblies for use in a wide range of scientific, industrial and medical applications. Amptek is a manufacturer of instrumentation and detectors used to identify composition of materials using x-ray fluorescence. Teseq, VTI, Luphos, Zygo and Amptek are 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 acquisitions based on their estimated fair values at acquisition (in millions):
	Property, plant and equipment		$	61.8
	Goodwill			267.4
	Other intangible assets			275.9
	Deferred income taxes			(70.9	)
	Net working capital and other*			39.4
	Total purchase price		$	573.6
	*	Includes $33.9 million in accounts receivable, whose fair value, contractual cash flows and expected cash flows are approximately equal.
	The amount allocated to goodwill is reflective of the benefits the Company expects to realize from the acquisitions as follows: Teseq manufactures a broad line of conducted and radiated EMC compliance testing systems and radio-frequency amplifiers for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, medical equipment, telecommunications and transportation. Teseq provides the Company with opportunities for accelerating product innovation and market expansion worldwide. VTI broadens the Company’s capabilities in the high end test and measurement market and provides additional technology differentiation. Luphos’ technology expands the Company’s metrology capabilities across a broader range of surface finishes and profiles. Zygo’s position in non-contact optical metrology complements the Company’s position in contact metrology and enables the Company to offer its customers a full range of metrology solutions. Amptek broadens the Company’s position in the process and analytical instrumentations markets. The Company expects approximately $6.3 million of the goodwill recorded in connection with the 2014 acquisitions will be tax deductible in future years.
	The Company is in the process of finalizing the measurement of certain tangible and intangible assets and liabilities for its 2014 acquisitions, as well as accounting for income taxes associated with its 2014 acquisitions and the 2013 acquisition of Creaform, Inc.
	At September 30, 2014, purchase price allocated to other intangible assets of $275.9 million consists of $52.7 million of indefinite-lived intangible trademarks and trade names, which are not subject to amortization. The remaining $223.2 million of other intangible assets consist of $175.8 million of customer relationships, which are being amortized over a period of five to 20 years, $0.8 million of trade names, which are being amortized over a period of ten years and $46.6 million of purchased technology, which is being amortized over a period of 15 to 18 years. Amortization expense for each of the next five years for the 2014 acquisitions listed above is expected to approximate $12.0 million per year.
	The 2014 acquisitions noted above had an immaterial impact on reported net sales, net income and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. Had the 2014 acquisitions been made at the beginning of 2014 or 2013, unaudited pro forma net sales, net income and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, would not have been materially different than the amounts reported. Pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred if the acquisitions had been completed at the beginning of 2014 or 2013.

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2013		$	1,410.80		$	997.6		$	2,408.40
	Goodwill acquired			267.4			—			267.4
	Purchase price allocation adjustments and other			(1.2	)		—			(1.2	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments			(22.2	)		(19.2	)		(41.4	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	1,654.80		$	978.4		$	2,633.20

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	10	Income Taxes
	At September 30, 2014, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $67.8 million, of which $61.2 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, 2013		$	55.2
	Additions for tax positions			23.5
	Reductions for tax positions			(10.9	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	67.8
	Additions for tax positions were primarily driven by acquisitions. Reductions for tax positions were primarily driven by the final closure of a tax year related to an acquired entity.
	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, 2014 and 2013 were not significant.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	11	Debt
	In the third quarter of 2014, the Company completed a private placement agreement to sell $700 million in senior notes to a group of institutional investors. There are three funding dates for the senior notes. The first funding occurred in September 2014 for $500 million, consisting of $300 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.73% senior notes due September 2024, $100 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.83% senior notes due September 2026 and $100 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.98% senior notes due September 2029. The second funding date will be in June 2015 for $50 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.91% senior notes due June 2025. The third funding date will be in August 2015 for $150 million, consisting of $100 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.96% senior notes due August 2025 and $50 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.45% senior notes due August 2035. The senior notes will carry a weighted average interest rate of 3.88%. The senior notes are subject to certain customary covenants, including financial covenants that, among other things, require the Company to maintain certain debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) and interest coverage ratios. The proceeds from the first funding of the senior notes were used to pay down all domestic borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [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 periods indicated:
			Nine Months Ended			Year Ended
			September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Expected volatility			23.9	%		28.1	%
	Expected term (years)			5			5
	Risk-free interest rate			1.63	%		0.75	%
	Expected dividend yield			0.45	%		0.57	%
	Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted		$	12.21		$	10.17
	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,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Stock option expense		$	1,887		$	2,946		$	7,227		$	8,005
	Restricted stock expense			2,860			2,072			7,828			8,521
	Total pre-tax expense			4,747			5,018			15,055			16,526
	Related tax benefit			(1,423	)		(1,657	)		(4,710	)		(5,390	)
	Reduction of net income		$	3,324		$	3,361		$	10,345		$	11,136
	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, 2013			6,394		$	27.13
	Granted			976			53.13
	Exercised			(664	)		22.08
	Forfeited			(130	)		39.19
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014			6,576		$	31.26			3.8		$	127.4
	Exercisable at September 30, 2014			4,008		$	23.45			2.7		$	107.3
	The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $20.3 million. The total fair value of stock options vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $8.9 million. As of September 30, 2014, there was approximately $18.2 million of expected future pre-tax compensation expense related to the 2.6 million nonvested stock options outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of less than two years.
	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, 2013			987		$	36.12
	Granted			316			52.8
	Vested			(102	)		34.04
	Forfeited			(71	)		36.71
	Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2014			1,130		$	41.11
	The total fair value of restricted stock vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $3.5 million. As of September 30, 2014, there was approximately $29.3 million of expected future pre-tax compensation expense related to the 1.1 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, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement and Pension Plans	'
	13	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,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Defined benefit plans:
	Service cost		$	1,630		$	1,462		$	4,910		$	4,724
	Interest cost			7,237			6,393			21,732			19,441
	Expected return on plan assets			(12,582	)		(11,219	)		(37,749	)		(33,677	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss and other			1,030			3,176			3,092			9,998
	Pension (income) expense			(2,685	)		(188	)		(8,015	)		486
	Other plans:
	Defined contribution plans			5,163			4,280			15,888			13,842
	Foreign plans and other			1,397			1,282			4,169			3,837
	Total other plans			6,560			5,562			20,057			17,679
	Total net pension expense		$	3,875		$	5,374		$	12,042		$	18,165
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, contributions to the Company’s defined benefit pension plans were not significant.

Product_Warranties

Product Warranties	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Product Warranties	'
	14	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,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Balance at the beginning of the period		$	28,036		$	27,792
	Accruals for warranties issued during the period			7,252			5,064
	Settlements made during the period			(9,291	)		(7,238	)
	Warranty accruals related to acquired businesses and other during the period			3,268			255
	Balance at the end of the period		$	29,265		$	25,873
	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, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	15	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, 2014, 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. At 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 or investigating the PRP claim 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were $25.2 million and $21.9 million, respectively, for both non-owned and owned sites. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded $5.0 million in reserves, primarily related to a 2014 business acquisition. These reserves relate to the estimated costs to remediate known environmental issues at sites associated with the acquired business. Additionally, the Company spent $1.7 million on environmental matters for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company’s reserves for environmental liabilities at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include reserves of $12.7 million and $13.3 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, 2014, the Company had $11.5 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, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reportable Segments	'
	16	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, 2014, there were no significant changes in identifiable assets of reportable segments from the amounts disclosed at December 31, 2013, 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, 2014 and 2013 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.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Event	'
	17	Subsequent Event
	On November 5, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase of $200 million in the authorization for repurchase of Company’s common stock.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen1

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Accounting for Cumulative Translation Adjustment	'
	In March 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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. The Company adopted ASU 2013-05 effective January 1, 2014 and the adoption did not have a significant impact 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. The Company adopted ASU 2013-11 effective January 1, 2014 and the adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statement presentation.
Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity	'
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (“ASU 2014-08”). ASU 2014-08 revised guidance to only allow disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift (e.g., disposal of a major geographical area, a major line of business, a major equity method investment, or other major parts of an entity) and that have a major effect on a reporting entity’s operations and financial results to be reported as discontinued operations. The revised guidance also requires expanded disclosure in the financial statements for discontinued operations as well as for disposals of significant components of an entity that do not qualify for discontinued operations presentation. ASU 2014-08 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-08 to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers	'
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The objective of ASU 2014-09 is to establish a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most of the existing revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity recognizes revenue at the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In applying the new guidance, the Company must (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the contract’s performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when the Company satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 applies to all contracts with customers except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and can be adopted by the Company using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach, with early adoption prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating ASU 2014-09 and has not determined the impact it may have on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows nor decided upon the method of adoption.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Weighted average shares:
	Basic shares		245,439		244,049		245,184		243,667
	Equity-based compensation plans		2,204		1,881		2,241		2,148
	Diluted shares		247,643		245,930		247,425		245,815

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following:
		Three Months Ended									Three Months Ended
		September 30, 2014									September 30, 2013
		Foreign			Defined			Total			Foreign			Defined			Total
		Currency			Benefit						Currency			Benefit
		Items			Pension						Items and			Pension
		and Other			Plans						Other			Plans
		(In thousands)
	Balance at the beginning of the period	$	4,668		$	(62,728	)	$	(58,060	)	$	(59,418	)	$	(115,402	)	$	(174,820	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Translation adjustments		(39,899	)		—			(39,899	)		24,755			—			24,755
	Change in long-term intercompany notes		(37,018	)		—			(37,018	)		8,752			—			8,752
	Net investment hedges		(11,021	)		—			(11,021	)		11,234			—			11,234
	Gross amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		—			1,030			1,030			—			3,411			3,411
	Income tax benefit (expense)		3,857			(360	)		3,497			(3,063	)		(1,193	)		(4,256	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax		(84,081	)		670			(83,411	)		41,678			2,218			43,896
	Balance at the end of the period	$	(79,413	)	$	(62,058	)	$	(141,471	)	$	(17,740	)	$	(113,184	)	$	(130,924	)
		Nine Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14									30-Sep-13
		Foreign			Defined			Total			Foreign			Defined			Total
		Currency			Benefit						Currency			Benefit
		Items			Pension						Items and			Pension
		and Other			Plans						Other			Plans
		(In thousands)
	Balance at the beginning of the period	$	(1,171	)	$	(64,068	)	$	(65,239	)	$	(31,492	)	$	(119,838	)	$	(151,330	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Translation adjustments		(35,540	)		—			(35,540	)		3,388			—			3,388
	Change in long-term intercompany notes		(38,154	)		—			(38,154	)		927			—			927
	Net investment hedges		(6,997	)		—			(6,997	)		9,761			—			9,761
	Gross amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		—			3,092			3,092			—			10,233			10,233
	Income tax benefit (expense)		2,449			(1,082	)		1,367			(324	)		(3,579	)		(3,903	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax		(78,242	)		2,010			(76,232	)		13,752			6,654			20,406
	Balance at the end of the period	$	(79,413	)	$	(62,058	)	$	(141,471	)	$	(17,740	)	$	(113,184	)	$	(130,924	)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table provides the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, consistent with the fair value hierarchy:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		Fair Value			Fair Value
		(In thousands)
	Fixed-income investments	$	9,520		$	8,234
Fair Value Disclosures of Financial Instrument Liabilities	'
	The following table provides the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instrument liabilities, for which fair value is measured for disclosure purposes only, compared to the recorded amounts at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		September 30, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Recorded			Fair Value			Recorded			Fair Value
		Amount						Amount
		(In thousands)
	Short-term borrowings	$	(5,360	)	$	(5,360	)	$	(268,764	)	$	(268,764	)
	Long-term debt (including current portion)		(1,631,324	)		(1,760,278	)		(1,146,301	)		(1,290,466	)

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Finished goods and parts	$	87,474	$	76,086
	Work in process		107,830		85,518
	Raw materials and purchased parts		331,370		291,244
	Total inventories	$	526,674	$	452,848

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 acquisitions based on their estimated fair values at acquisition (in millions):
	Property, plant and equipment		$	61.8
	Goodwill			267.4
	Other intangible assets			275.9
	Deferred income taxes			(70.9	)
	Net working capital and other*			39.4
	Total purchase price		$	573.6
	*	Includes $33.9 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, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes in 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, 2013	$	1,410.80		$	997.6		$	2,408.40
	Goodwill acquired		267.4			—			267.4
	Purchase price allocation adjustments and other		(1.2	)		—			(1.2	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		(22.2	)		(19.2	)		(41.4	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	1,654.80		$	978.4		$	2,633.20

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2013	$	55.2
	Additions for tax positions		23.5
	Reductions for tax positions		(10.9	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	67.8

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Weighted Average Assumptions Used for Estimating Fair Values 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, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Expected volatility		23.9	%		28.1	%
	Expected term (years)		5			5
	Risk-free interest rate		1.63	%		0.75	%
	Expected dividend yield		0.45	%		0.57	%
	Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted	$	12.21		$	10.17
Total Share-Based Compensation Expense	'
	Total share-based compensation expense was as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Stock option expense	$	1,887		$	2,946		$	7,227		$	8,005
	Restricted stock expense		2,860			2,072			7,828			8,521
	Total pre-tax expense		4,747			5,018			15,055			16,526
	Related tax benefit		(1,423	)		(1,657	)		(4,710	)		(5,390	)
	Reduction of net income	$	3,324		$	3,361		$	10,345		$	11,136
Summary of Stock Option Activity	'
	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, 2013		6,394		$	27.13
	Granted		976			53.13
	Exercised		(664	)		22.08
	Forfeited		(130	)		39.19
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014		6,576		$	31.26			3.8		$	127.4
	Exercisable at September 30, 2014		4,008		$	23.45			2.7		$	107.3
Summary of Nonvested Restricted Stock Activity	'
	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, 2013		987		$	36.12
	Granted		316			52.8
	Vested		(102	)		34.04
	Forfeited		(71	)		36.71
	Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2014		1,130		$	41.11

Retirement_and_Pension_Plans_T

Retirement and Pension Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Defined benefit plans:
	Service cost	$	1,630		$	1,462		$	4,910		$	4,724
	Interest cost		7,237			6,393			21,732			19,441
	Expected return on plan assets		(12,582	)		(11,219	)		(37,749	)		(33,677	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss and other		1,030			3,176			3,092			9,998
	Pension (income) expense		(2,685	)		(188	)		(8,015	)		486
	Other plans:
	Defined contribution plans		5,163			4,280			15,888			13,842
	Foreign plans and other		1,397			1,282			4,169			3,837
	Total other plans		6,560			5,562			20,057			17,679
	Total net pension expense	$	3,875		$	5,374		$	12,042		$	18,165

Product_Warranties_Tables

Product Warranties (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Changes in Accrued Product Warranty Obligation	'
	Changes in the accrued product warranty obligation were as follows:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Balance at the beginning of the period	$	28,036		$	27,792
	Accruals for warranties issued during the period		7,252			5,064
	Settlements made during the period		(9,291	)		(7,238	)
	Warranty accruals related to acquired businesses and other during the period		3,268			255
	Balance at the end of the period	$	29,265		$	25,873

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Weighted average shares:	'	'	'	'
Basic shares	245,439	244,049	245,184	243,667
Equity-based compensation plans	2,204	1,881	2,241	2,148
Diluted shares	247,643	245,930	247,425	245,815

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	($58,060)	($174,820)	($65,239)	($151,330)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustments	-39,899	24,755	-35,540	3,388
Change in long-term intercompany notes	-37,018	8,752	-38,154	927
Net investment hedges	-11,021	11,234	-6,997	9,761
Gross amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,030	3,411	3,092	10,233
Income tax benefit (expense)	3,497	-4,256	1,367	-3,903
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-83,411	43,896	-76,232	20,406
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balance	-141,471	-130,924	-141,471	-130,924
Foreign Currency Items and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	4,668	-59,418	-1,171	-31,492
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustments	-39,899	24,755	-35,540	3,388
Change in long-term intercompany notes	-37,018	8,752	-38,154	927
Net investment hedges	-11,021	11,234	-6,997	9,761
Income tax benefit (expense)	3,857	-3,063	2,449	-324
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-84,081	41,678	-78,242	13,752
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balance	-79,413	-17,740	-79,413	-17,740
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	-62,728	-115,402	-64,068	-119,838
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:	'	'	'	'
Gross amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,030	3,411	3,092	10,233
Income tax benefit (expense)	-360	-1,193	-1,082	-3,579
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	670	2,218	2,010	6,654
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balance	($62,058)	($113,184)	($62,058)	($113,184)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Assets Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed-income investments	$9,520	$8,234

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Foreign Currency Forward Contract [Member]	Foreign Currency Forward Contract [Member]	Foreign Currency Forward Contract [Member]	Foreign Currency Forward Contract [Member]	Foreign Currency Forward Contract [Member]
		Euro Forward Contracts [Member]	Swiss Franc Forward Contract [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
		ForwardContracts	ForwardContracts	Euro Forward Contracts [Member]	Euro Forward Contracts [Member]	Euro Forward Contracts [Member]	Swiss Franc Forward Contract [Member]	Swiss Franc Forward Contract [Member]
				EUR (€)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	CHF
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Transfers between level 1 and level 2 investments	$0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of forward contracts	'	2	1	'	'	'	'	'
Forward contracts outstanding	'	'	'	0	'	21,700,000	'	61,000,000
Forward contracts fair value unrealized gain (loss)	'	'	'	'	($28,000)	'	($511,000)	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V1

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Disclosures of Financial Instrument Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Recorded Amount [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term borrowings	($5,360)	($268,764)
Long-term debt (including current portion)	-1,631,324	-1,146,301
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term borrowings	-5,360	-268,764
Long-term debt (including current portion)	($1,760,278)	($1,290,466)

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, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Percentage of effectiveness on net investment hedges	100.00%
Currency remeasurement gains	$10
British-Pound-Denominated Loans [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Hedge against net investment in foreign subsidiaries	194.6
Euro-Denominated Loans [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Hedge against net investment in foreign subsidiaries	$63.10

Inventories_Inventories_Detail

Inventories - Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods and parts	$87,474	$76,086
Work in process	107,830	85,518
Raw materials and purchased parts	331,370	291,244
Total inventories	$526,674	$452,848

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Other intangible assets	$275.90
Indefinite-lived intangible trademarks and trade names acquired	52.7
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	223.2
Future amortization expense, 2014	12
Future amortization expense, 2015	12
Future amortization expense, 2016	12
Future amortization expense, 2017	12
Future amortization expense, 2018	12
Trade Names [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	0.8
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset	'10 years
Customer Relationships [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	175.8
Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset	'5 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset	'20 years
Purchased Technology [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	46.6
Purchased Technology [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset	'15 years
Purchased Technology [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset	'18 years
Teseq Group, VTI Instruments and Zygo Corporation [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Amount of cash paid for acquisitions	573.6
Goodwill recorded in connection with acquisitions	6.3
Other intangible assets	$275.90

Acquisitions_Allocation_of_Agg

Acquisitions - Allocation of Aggregate Purchase Price of Acquired Net Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$2,633,188,000	$2,408,363,000
Other intangible assets	275,900,000	'
Teseq Group, VTI Instruments and Zygo Corporation [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	61,800,000	'
Goodwill	267,400,000	'
Other intangible assets	275,900,000	'
Deferred income taxes	-70,900,000	'
Net working capital and other	39,400,000	'
Total purchase price	$573,600,000	'

Acquisitions_Allocation_of_Agg1

Acquisitions - Allocation of Aggregate Purchase Price of Acquired Net Assets (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Accounts receivable included in purchase price	$33.90

Goodwill_Changes_in_Carrying_A

Goodwill - Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	$2,408,363,000
Goodwill acquired	267,400,000
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other	-1,200,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-41,400,000
Balance at September 30, 2014	2,633,188,000
Electronic Instruments Group [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	1,410,800,000
Goodwill acquired	267,400,000
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other	-1,200,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-22,200,000
Balance at September 30, 2014	1,654,800,000
Electro-Mechanical Group [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	997,600,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-19,200,000
Balance at September 30, 2014	$978,400,000

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	$67.80	$55.20
Total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact tax rate, if recognized	$61.20	'

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, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	$55.20
Additions for tax positions	23.5
Reductions for tax positions	-10.9
Balance at September 30, 2014	$67.80

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2015

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2015

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Senior Notes First Funding [Member]

Senior Notes First Funding [Member]

Senior Notes First Funding [Member]

Senior Notes First Funding [Member]

Senior Notes Second Funding [Member]

Senior Notes Second Funding [Member]

Senior Notes Third Funding [Member]

Senior Notes Third Funding [Member]

Senior Notes Third Funding [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Senior Notes Due September 2024 [Member]

Senior Notes Due September 2026 [Member]

Senior Notes Due September 2029 [Member]

Senior Notes Due June 2025 [Member]

Senior Notes Due August 2025 [Member]

Senior Notes Due August 2035 [Member]

Senior Notes Second Funding [Member]

Senior Notes Third Funding [Member]

Senior Notes Third Funding [Member]

Senior Notes Third Funding [Member]

Senior Notes Due June 2025 [Member]

Senior Notes Due August 2025 [Member]

Senior Notes Due August 2035 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal amount of senior notes

$700

$500

$300

$100

$100

'

'

'

'

'

$50

$150

$100

$50

Funding date

'

30-Sep-14

'

'

'

30-Jun-15

'

31-Aug-15

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate on senior notes

'

'

3.73%

3.83%

3.98%

'

'

'

'

'

3.91%

'

3.96%

4.45%

Maturity date of senior notes

'

'

30-Sep-24

30-Sep-26

30-Sep-29

'

30-Jun-25

'

31-Aug-25

31-Aug-35

'

'

'

'

Weighted average interest rate on senior note

3.88%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ShareBased_Compensation_Weight

Share-Based Compensation - Weighted Average Assumptions Used for Estimating Fair Values of Stock Options Granted (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Expected volatility	23.90%	28.10%
Expected term (years)	'5 years	'5 years
Risk-free interest rate	1.63%	0.75%
Expected dividend yield	0.45%	0.57%
Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted	$12.21	$10.17

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock option expense	$1,887	$2,946	$7,227	$8,005
Restricted stock expense	2,860	2,072	7,828	8,521
Total pre-tax expense	4,747	5,018	15,055	16,526
Related tax benefit	-1,423	-1,657	-4,710	-5,390
Reduction of net income	$3,324	$3,361	$10,345	$11,136

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Shares	6,394
Granted, Shares	976
Exercised, Shares	-664
Forfeited, Shares	-130
Ending balance, Outstanding, Shares	6,576
Ending balance, Exercisable, Shares	4,008
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$27.13
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$53.13
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.08
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$39.19
Ending balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$31.26
Ending balance, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$23.45
Ending balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	'3 years 9 months 18 days
Ending balance, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	'2 years 8 months 12 days
Ending balance, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$127.40
Ending balance, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$107.30

ShareBased_Compensation_Additi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$20.30	'
Total fair value of stock options vested	8.9	'
Expected future pre-tax compensation expense related to the nonvested stock options outstanding	18.2	'
Nonvested stock options outstanding	2,600,000	'
Expected future pre-tax compensation expense	29.3	'
Nonvested Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of vested restricted stock	$3.50	'
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding	1,130,000	987,000
Weighted average period to recognize expected future pre-tax compensation expense related to the nonvested restricted shares outstanding (in years)	'Approximately two years	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted average period to recognize expected future pre-tax compensation expense related to the nonvested stock options outstanding (in years)	'2 years	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar1

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Nonvested Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) (Nonvested Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Nonvested Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Beginning balance, Nonvested restricted stock outstanding, Shares	987
Granted, Shares	316
Vested, Shares	-102
Forfeited, Shares	-71
Ending balance, Nonvested restricted stock outstanding, Shares	1,130
Beginning balance, Nonvested restricted stock outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$36.12
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$52.80
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$34.04
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$36.71
Ending balance, Nonvested restricted stock outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$41.11

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined benefit plans:	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$1,630	$1,462	$4,910	$4,724
Interest cost	7,237	6,393	21,732	19,441
Expected return on plan assets	-12,582	-11,219	-37,749	-33,677
Amortization of net actuarial loss and other	1,030	3,176	3,092	9,998
Pension (income) expense	-2,685	-188	-8,015	486
Other plans:	'	'	'	'
Defined contribution plans	5,163	4,280	15,888	13,842
Foreign plans and other	1,397	1,282	4,169	3,837
Total other plans	6,560	5,562	20,057	17,679
Total net pension expense	$3,875	$5,374	$12,042	$18,165

Product_Warranties_Additional_

Product Warranties - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Product warranty period	'The Company provides limited warranties in connection with the sale of its products. The warranty periods for products sold vary widely among the Companybs operations, but for the most part do not exceed one 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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	$28,036	$27,792
Accruals for warranties issued during the period	7,252	5,064
Settlements made during the period	-9,291	-7,238
Warranty accruals related to acquired businesses and other during the period	3,268	255
Balance at the end of the period	$29,265	$25,873

Contingencies_Additional_Infor

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	site
Site Contingency [Line Items]	'	'
Number of non-owned sites Company is named Potentially Responsible Party	16	'
Number of non-owned sites the Company is identified as a de minimis party	14	'
Number of non-owned sites Company has reached tentative settlement agreement	10	'
Number of non-owned sites Company is still working to establish settlement amount	4	'
Number of remaining site where the Company non-de minimis PRP	2	'
Total environmental reserves	$25.20	$21.90
Increase (decrease) in environmental reserves	5	'
Total expenses related to environmental matters	1.7	'
HCC Industries [Member]	'	'
Site Contingency [Line Items]	'	'
Reserves related to an owned site acquired	12.7	13.3
Receivables related to HCC for probable recoveries from third-party funds	11.5	'
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, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segments	2

Subsequent_Event_Additional_In

Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Detail) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	Nov. 05, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Subsequent Event [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Repurchase of common stock	$200