AMETEK (AME) 10-K 23 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	AME
Entity Registrant Name	AMETEK INC/
Entity Central Index Key	1,037,868
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		229,472,920
Entity Public Float			$ 10.8

Consolidated Statement of Incom

Consolidated Statement of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 3,840,087	$ 3,974,295	$ 4,021,964
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales	2,575,220	2,617,987	2,660,741
Selling, general and administrative	462,970	448,592	462,637
Total operating expenses	3,038,190	3,066,579	3,123,378
Operating income	801,897	907,716	898,586
Other expenses:
Interest expense	(94,304)	(91,795)	(79,928)
Other, net	(14,490)	(9,541)	(13,826)
Income before income taxes	693,103	806,380	804,832
Provision for income taxes	180,945	215,521	220,372
Net income	$ 512,158	$ 590,859	$ 584,460
Basic earnings per share	$ 2.20	$ 2.46	$ 2.39
Diluted earnings per share	$ 2.19	$ 2.45	$ 2.37
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic shares	232,593	239,906	244,885
Diluted shares	233,730	241,586	247,102

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 512,158	$ 590,859	$ 584,460
Foreign currency translation:
Translation adjustments	(68,774)	(67,245)	(59,712)
Change in long-term intercompany notes	(7,597)	(51,235)	(54,906)
Net investment hedges, net of tax of $6,558, $3,432 and $4,961 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(12,179)	(6,374)	(9,213)
Defined benefit pension plans:
Net actuarial loss, net of tax of $17,450, $12,870 and $42,755 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(55,259)	(21,002)	(83,040)
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax of ($2,090), ($3,247) and ($1,650) in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	6,618	6,137	2,834
Amortization of prior service costs, net of tax of $25, ($564) and ($753) in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(79)	1,809	2,292
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-salesecurities:
Unrealized gain (loss), net of tax of ($275), $445 and ($48) in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	512	(827)	90
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(136,758)	(138,737)	(201,655)
Total comprehensive income	$ 375,400	$ 452,122	$ 382,805

Consolidated Statement of Comp4

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Tax benefit (expense) from investment hedges	$ 6,558	$ 3,432	$ 4,961
Tax benefit (expense) from change in pension plans	17,450	12,870	42,755
Tax related to amortization of net actuarial loss	(2,090)	(3,247)	(1,650)
Tax related to amortization of prior service costs	25	(564)	(753)
Tax benefit (expense) from increase (decrease) on available-for-sale securities	$ (275)	$ 445	$ (48)

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 717,259	$ 381,005
Receivables, net	592,326	603,295
Inventories, net	492,104	514,451
Deferred income taxes	50,004	46,724
Other current assets	76,497	73,352
Total current assets	1,928,190	1,618,827
Property, plant and equipment, net	473,230	484,548
Goodwill	2,818,950	2,706,633
Other intangibles, net	1,734,021	1,672,961
Investments and other assets	146,283	177,481
Total assets	7,100,674	6,660,450
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt, net	278,921	384,924
Accounts payable	369,537	365,355
Income taxes payable	29,913	32,738
Accrued liabilities	246,070	241,004
Total current liabilities	924,441	1,024,021
Long-term debt, net	2,062,644	1,553,116
Deferred income taxes	621,776	624,046
Other long-term liabilities	235,300	204,641
Total liabilities	3,844,161	3,405,824
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 800,000,000 shares; issued: 2016 - 261,432,134 shares; 2015 - 260,718,769 shares	2,615	2,608
Capital in excess of par value	604,143	568,286
Retained earnings	4,403,683	3,974,793
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(542,389)	(405,631)
Treasury stock: 2016 - 32,053,227 shares; 2015 - 25,203,699 shares	(1,211,539)	(885,430)
Total stockholders' equity	3,256,513	3,254,626
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 7,100,674	$ 6,660,450

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	261,432,134	260,718,769
Treasury stock, shares	32,053,227	25,203,699

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Capital Stock [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Foreign Currency Items and Other [Member]	Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]	Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale securities [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
Balance at the beginning of the year at Dec. 31, 2013		$ 2,581	$ 448,700	$ 2,966,015	$ (1,089)	$ (64,068)	$ (82)		$ (215,936)
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans			15,290						3,412
Net income	$ 584,460			584,460
Translation adjustments	(59,712)				(59,712)
Net actuarial loss, net of tax of $17,450, $12,870 and $42,755 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(83,040)					(83,040)
Shares issued		8
Increase (decrease) during the year, net of tax	90						90
Share-based compensation costs			19,871
Cash dividends paid				(80,551)
Change in long-term intercompany notes	(54,906)				(54,906)
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax of ($2,090), ($3,247) and ($1,650) in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	2,834					2,834
Purchase of treasury stock									(245,283)
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options			7,889
Other				(1)
Net investment hedges, net of tax of $6,658, $3,432 and $4,961 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(9,213)				(9,213)
Amortization of prior service costs, net of tax of $25, ($564) and ($753) in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	2,292					2,292
Balance at the end of the year at Dec. 31, 2014	3,239,561	2,589	491,750	3,469,923	(124,920)	(141,982)	8	$ (266,894)	(457,807)
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans			32,296						7,777
Net income	590,859			590,859
Translation adjustments	(67,245)				(67,245)
Net actuarial loss, net of tax of $17,450, $12,870 and $42,755 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(21,002)					(21,002)
Shares issued		19
Increase (decrease) during the year, net of tax	(827)						(827)
Share-based compensation costs			23,762
Cash dividends paid				(85,988)
Change in long-term intercompany notes	(51,235)				(51,235)
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax of ($2,090), ($3,247) and ($1,650) in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	6,137					6,137
Purchase of treasury stock	(435,400)								(435,400)
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options			20,478
Other				(1)
Net investment hedges, net of tax of $6,658, $3,432 and $4,961 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(6,374)				(6,374)
Amortization of prior service costs, net of tax of $25, ($564) and ($753) in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	1,809					1,809
Balance at the end of the year at Dec. 31, 2015	3,254,626	2,608	568,286	3,974,793	(249,774)	(155,038)	(819)	(405,631)	(885,430)
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans			8,484						10,031
Net income	512,158			512,158
Translation adjustments	(68,774)				(68,774)
Net actuarial loss, net of tax of $17,450, $12,870 and $42,755 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(55,259)					(55,259)
Shares issued		7
Increase (decrease) during the year, net of tax	512						512
Share-based compensation costs			22,030
Cash dividends paid				(83,267)
Change in long-term intercompany notes	(7,597)				(7,597)
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax of ($2,090), ($3,247) and ($1,650) in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	6,618					6,618
Purchase of treasury stock	(336,100)								(336,140)
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options			5,343
Other				(1)
Net investment hedges, net of tax of $6,658, $3,432 and $4,961 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(12,179)				(12,179)
Amortization of prior service costs, net of tax of $25, ($564) and ($753) in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(79)					(79)
Balance at the end of the year at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 3,256,513	$ 2,615	$ 604,143	$ 4,403,683	$ (338,324)	$ (203,758)	$ (307)	$ (542,389)	$ (1,211,539)

Consolidated Statement of Stoc8

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Tax benefit (expense) from investment hedges	$ 6,558	$ 3,432	$ 4,961
Tax benefit (expense) from change in pension plans	17,450	12,870	42,755
Tax related to amortization of net actuarial loss	(2,090)	(3,247)	(1,650)
Tax related to amortization of prior service costs	$ 25	$ (564)	$ (753)

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 512,158	$ 590,859	$ 584,460
Adjustments to reconcile net income to total operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	179,716	149,460	138,584
Deferred income taxes	(5,632)	6,458	20,579
Share-based compensation expense	22,030	23,762	19,871
Gain on sale of facilities	(743)		(869)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Decrease (increase) in receivables	14,773	(6,995)	(35,258)
Decrease (increase) in inventories and other current assets	38,666	(12,007)	11,626
Increase (decrease) in payables, accruals and income taxes	2,657	(20,049)	(18,653)
(Decrease) increase in other long-term liabilities	(4,298)	255	8,867
Pension contribution	(6,775)	(55,215)	(5,729)
Other, net	4,283	(3,988)	2,484
Total operating activities	756,835	672,540	725,962
Investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(63,280)	(69,083)	(71,327)
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired	(391,419)	(356,466)	(573,647)
Proceeds from sale of facilities	1,832	421	950
Other, net	500	(429)	2,391
Total investing activities	(452,367)	(425,557)	(641,633)
Financing activities:
Net change in short-term borrowings	(315,674)	226,761	(172,495)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	820,900	200,000	500,000
Repayments of long-term borrowings	(48,724)	(182,007)	(914)
Repurchases of common stock	(336,140)	(435,400)	(245,283)
Cash dividends paid	(83,267)	(85,988)	(80,551)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	5,343	20,478	7,889
Proceeds from employee stock plans and other, net	14,616	39,192	15,493
Total financing activities	57,054	(216,964)	24,139
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(25,268)	(26,629)	(26,056)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	336,254	3,390	82,412
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	381,005	377,615	295,203
End of year	$ 717,259	$ 381,005	$ 377,615

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	1. Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of AMETEK, Inc. (the “Company”), and include the accounts of the Company and subsidiaries, after elimination of all intercompany transactions in the consolidation. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. Cash Equivalents, Securities and Other Investments All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s investment in a fixed-income mutual fund (held by its captive insurance subsidiary) is classified as “available-for-sale.” The aggregate fair value of the fixed-income mutual fund at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $7.3 million ($8.0 million cost basis) and $8.5 million ($9.9 million cost basis), respectively. The temporary unrealized gain or loss on the fixed-income mutual fund is recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (in stockholders’ equity), and is not significant. Certain of the Company’s other investments, which are not significant, are also accounted for by the equity method of accounting. Accounts Receivable The Company maintains allowances for estimated losses resulting from the inability of specific customers to meet their financial obligations to the Company. A specific allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded against the amount due from these customers. For all other customers, the Company recognizes allowance for doubtful accounts based on the length of time specific receivables are past due based on its historical experience. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $10.3 million and $8.6 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See Note 7. Inventories The Company uses the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method of accounting, which approximates current replacement cost, for approximately 82% of its inventories at December 31, 2016. The last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method of accounting is used to determine cost for the remaining 18% of the Company’s inventory at December 31, 2016. For inventories where cost is determined by the LIFO method, the FIFO would have been $18.4 million and $19.4 million higher than the LIFO value reported in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company provides estimated inventory reserves for slow-moving and obsolete inventory based on current assessments about future demand, market conditions, customers who may be experiencing financial difficulties and related management initiatives. See Note 7. Business Combinations The Company allocates the purchase price of an acquired company, including when applicable, the fair value of contingent consideration between tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the acquired business based on their estimated fair values, with the residual of the purchase price recorded as goodwill. The results of operations of the acquired business are included in the Company’s operating results from the date of acquisition. See Note 5. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for additions to plant facilities, or that extend their useful lives, are capitalized. The cost of minor tools, jigs and dies, and maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation of plant and equipment is calculated principally on a straight-line Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, primarily trademarks and trade names, are not amortized; rather, they are tested for impairment at least annually. The Company identifies its reporting units at the component level, which is one level below its operating segments. Generally, goodwill arises from acquisitions of specific operating companies and is assigned to the reporting unit in which a particular operating company resides. The Company’s reporting units are composed of divisions that are one level below its operating segments and for which discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management. The Company principally relies on a discounted cash flow analysis to determine the fair value of each reporting unit, which considers forecasted cash flows discounted at an appropriate discount rate. The Company believes that market participants would use a discounted cash flow analysis to determine the fair value of its reporting units in a sale transaction. The annual goodwill impairment test requires the Company to make a number of assumptions and estimates concerning future levels of revenue growth, operating margins, depreciation, amortization and working capital requirements, which are based on the Company’s long-range plan and are considered level 3 inputs. The Company’s long-range plan is updated as part of its annual planning process and is reviewed and approved by management. The discount rate is an estimate of the overall after-tax rate of return required by a market participant whose weighted average cost of capital includes both equity and debt, including a risk premium. While the Company uses the best available information to prepare its cash flow and discount rate assumptions, actual future cash flows or market conditions could differ significantly resulting in future impairment charges related to recorded goodwill balances. The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangibles other than goodwill (primarily trademarks and trade names) consists of a comparison of the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset to the carrying value of the asset as of the impairment testing date. The Company estimates the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangibles using the relief from royalty method using level 3 inputs. The fair value derived from the relief from royalty method is measured as the discounted cash flow savings realized from owning such trademarks and trade names and not having to pay a royalty for their use. The Company completed its required annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of 2016, 2015 and 2014 and determined that the carrying values of the Company’s goodwill were not impaired. The Company completed its required annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of 2016 and determined that the carrying values of certain of the Company’s trademarks and trade names with indefinite lives were impaired. During 2016, the Company recorded a $13.9 million non-cash impairment charge related to certain of the Company’s trade names. The Company completed its required annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of 2015 and 2014 and determined that the carrying values of the Company’s other intangible assets with indefinite lives were not impaired. Other intangible assets with finite lives are evaluated for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of other intangible assets with finite lives is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from those assets are separately identifiable and are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of those assets. Fair value is determined primarily using present value techniques based on projected cash flows from the asset group. Intangible assets, other than goodwill, with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Patents and technology are being amortized over useful lives of five to 20 years, with a weighted average life of 16 years. Customer relationships are being amortized over a period of five to 20 years, with a weighted average life of 19 years. Miscellaneous other intangible assets are being amortized over a period of two to 20 years. The Company periodically evaluates the reasonableness of the estimated useful lives of these intangible assets. See Note 6. Financial Instruments and Foreign Currency Translation Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and their results of operations are translated using average exchange rates for the year. Certain transactions of the Company and its subsidiaries are denominated in currencies other than their functional currency. Exchange gains and losses from those transactions are included in operating results for the year. The Company makes infrequent use of derivative financial instruments. Forward contracts are entered into from time to time to hedge specific firm commitments for certain inventory purchases, export sales, debt or foreign currency transactions, thereby minimizing the Company’s exposure to raw material commodity price or foreign currency fluctuation. In instances where transactions are designated as hedges of an underlying item, the gains and losses on those transactions are included in accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity to the extent they are effective as hedges. An evaluation of hedge effectiveness is performed by the Company on an ongoing basis and any changes in the hedge are made as appropriate. See Note 4. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue on product sales in the period when the sales process is complete. This generally occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with terms of an agreement of sale, under which title and risk of loss have been transferred, collectability is reasonably assured and pricing is fixed or determinable. For a small percentage of sales where title and risk of loss passes at point of delivery, the Company recognizes revenue upon delivery to the customer, assuming all other criteria for revenue recognition are met. The Company’s policy, with respect to sales returns and allowances, generally provides that the customer may not return products or be given allowances, except at the Company’s option. The Company has agreements with distributors that do not provide expanded rights of return for unsold products. The distributor purchases the product from the Company, at which time title and risk of loss transfers to the distributor. The Company does not offer substantial sales incentives and credits to its distributors other than volume discounts. The Company accounts for these sales incentives as a reduction of revenues when the sale is recognized in the consolidated statement of income. Accruals for sales returns, other allowances and estimated warranty costs are provided at the time revenue is recognized based on the Company’s historical experience. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the accrual for future warranty obligations was $22.0 million and $22.8 million, respectively. The Company’s expense for warranty obligations was $16.0 million in 2016, $14.8 million in 2015 and $16.5 million in 2014. The warranty periods for products sold vary among the Company’s operations, but generally do not exceed one year. The Company calculates its warranty expense provision based on its historical warranty experience and adjustments are made periodically to reflect actual warranty expenses. See Note 12. Research and Development Research and development costs are included in Cost of sales as incurred and were $112.0 million in 2016, $116.3 million in 2015 and $119.3 million in 2014. Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs are included in Cost of sales and were $47.9 million in 2016, $50.5 million in 2015 and $49.0 million in 2014. Share-Based Compensation The Company expenses the fair value of share-based awards made under its share-based plans in the consolidated financial statements over their requisite service period of the grants. See Note 10. Income Taxes The Company’s process of providing for income taxes and determining the related balance sheet accounts requires management to assess uncertainties, make judgments regarding outcomes and utilize estimates. The Company conducts a broad range of operations around the world and is therefore subject to complex tax regulations in numerous international taxing jurisdictions, resulting at times in tax audits, disputes and potential litigation, the outcome of which is uncertain. Management must make judgments currently about such uncertainties and determine estimates of the Company’s tax assets and liabilities. To the extent the final outcome differs, future adjustments to the Company’s tax assets and liabilities may be necessary. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The Company assesses the realizability of its deferred tax assets, taking into consideration the Company’s forecast of future taxable income, available net operating loss carryforwards and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the deferred tax assets. Based on this assessment, management must evaluate the need for, and amount of, valuation allowances against the Company’s deferred tax assets. To the extent facts and circumstances change in the future, adjustments to the valuation allowances may be required. See Note 8. Pensions The Company has U.S. and foreign defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. The most significant elements in determining the Company’s pension income or expense are the assumed pension liability discount rate and the expected return on plan assets. All unrecognized prior service costs, remaining transition obligations or assets and actuarial gains and losses have been recognized, net of tax effects, as a charge to accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity and will be amortized as a component of net periodic pension cost. The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 (its fiscal year end) for its U.S. and foreign defined benefit plans. See Note 11. Earnings Per Share The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares considered outstanding during the periods. The calculation of diluted earnings per share reflects the effect of all potentially dilutive securities (principally outstanding stock options and restricted stock grants). The number of weighted average shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share was as follows for the years ended December 31: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Weighted average shares: Basic shares 232,593 239,906 244,885 Equity-based compensation plans 1,137 1,680 2,217 Diluted shares 233,730 241,586 247,102

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”) ASU 2014-09 ASU 2014-09 ASU 2014-09 ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and may be early adopted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company will adopt ASU 2014-09 The Company has completed its initial assessment phase and is proceeding with its implementation plan. The initial assessment consisted of reviewing a representative sample of contracts, discussions with key stakeholders and cataloging potential impacts on the Company’s operations, accounting policies, financial control and financial statements. The Company’s initial assessment indicates the key changes in the standard that impact the Company’s revenue recognition relate to the allocation of contract revenues between various products and services, the timing of when those revenues are recognized and the deferral of incremental costs to obtain a contract. Given the diversity of its commercial arrangements, the Company is continuing to determine the impact ASU 2014-09 In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 ASU 2015-02 ASU 2015-02 In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). ASU 2015-03 ASU 2015-03 In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05 , Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (“ASU 2015-05”). ASU 2015-05 ASU 2015-05 In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”), ASU 2015-11 ASU 2015-11 In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”). ASU 2015-17 ASU 2015-17 ASU 2015-17 ASU 2015-17 ASU 2015-17. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 ASU 2016-02 ASU 2016-02 In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 ASU 2016-09 ASU 2016-09 In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”). ASU 2017-01 ASU 2017-01 ASU 2017-01 ASU 2017-01 ASU 2017-01 ASU 2017-01 In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 ASU 2017-04 ASU 2017-04

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	3. 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015, consistent with the fair value hierarchy: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Fair Value Fair Value (In thousands) Fixed-income investments $ 7,317 $ 8,482 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 year ended December 31, 2016, gains and losses on the investments noted above were not significant. No transfers between level 1 and level 2 investments occurred during the year ended December 31, 2016. Financial Instruments Cash, cash equivalents and fixed-income investments are recorded at fair value at December 31, 2016 and 2015 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Recorded Fair Value Recorded Fair Value (In thousands) Short-term borrowings, net $ — $ — $ (312,999 ) $ (312,999 ) Long-term debt, net (including current portion) (2,341,565 ) (2,386,901 ) (1,625,041 ) (1,683,523 ) The fair value of short-term Foreign Currency At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had no forward contracts outstanding. For the year ended December 31, 2016, realized gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts were not significant.

Hedging Activities

Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Hedging Activities	4. Hedging Activities The Company has designated certain foreign-currency-denominated long-term borrowings as hedges of the net investment in certain foreign operations. As of December 31, 2016, these net investment hedges included British-pound- and Euro-denominated long-term debt. As of December 31, 2015, these net investment hedges included British-pound-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 instruments (the debt) following hedge designation is reported in accumulated other comprehensive income in the same manner as the translation adjustment on the investment based on changes in the spot rate, which is used to measure hedge effectiveness. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $376.3 million and $177.1 million, respectively, of British-pound-denominated loans, which were designated as a hedge against the net investment in British pound functional currency foreign subsidiaries. At December 31, 2016, the Company had $527.7 million in Euro-denominated loans, which were designated as a hedge against the net investment in Euro functional currency foreign subsidiaries. As a result of the British-pound- and Euro-denominated loans being designated and 100% effective as net investment hedges, $50.0 million and $14.4 million of currency remeasurement gains have been included in the foreign currency translation component of other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	5. Acquisitions The Company spent $391.4 million in cash, net of cash acquired, to acquire Brookfield Engineering Laboratories (“Brookfield”) and ESP/SurgeX in January 2016, HS Foils and Nu Instruments in July 2016 and Laserage Technology Corporation (“Laserage”) in October 2016. Brookfield is a manufacturer of viscometers and rheometers, as well as instrumentation to analyze texture and powder flow. ESP/SurgeX is a manufacturer of energy intelligence and power protection, monitoring and diagnostic solutions. HS Foils develops and manufactures key components used in radiation detectors including ultra-thin radiation windows, silicon drift detectors and x-ray 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 $ 23.1 Goodwill 171.3 Other intangible assets 192.2 Deferred income taxes, net (18.8 ) Long-term liabilities (2.4 ) Net working capital and other (1 ) 26.0 Total purchase price $ 391.4 (1) Includes $16.1 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: Brookfield’s viscosity measurement instrumentation products and technologies complement the Company’s existing laboratory instrumentation businesses and provides the Company with opportunities to expand that business platform into a broader range of markets and applications. ESP/SurgeX’s patented technology is widely used by the business equipment, imaging, audio visual, information technology, gaming and vending industries and is a strategic fit with the Company’s existing power protection platform to accelerate product innovation and market expansion worldwide. HS Foils broadens the Company’s product offering and technical capabilities with its approach of bringing advanced materials and fabrication methods from micro- and nanofabrication to new application areas. Nu Instruments broadens the Company’s product offering and technical capabilities in differentiated, high-end analytical instrumentation. Laserage offers precision tube fabrication of minimally invasive surgical devices, stents and catheter-based delivery systems. The Company expects approximately $99 million of the goodwill recorded in connection with the 2016 acquisitions will be tax deductible in future years. At December 31, 2016, the purchase price allocated to other intangible assets of $192.2 million consists of $34.5 million of indefinite-lived intangible trade names, which are not subject to amortization. The remaining $157.7 million of other intangible assets consists of $124.8 million of customer relationships, which are being amortized over a period of 18 to 20 years and $32.9 million of purchased technology, which is being amortized over a period of 10 to 18 years. Amortization expense for each of the next five years for the 2016 acquisitions listed above is expected to approximate $9 million per year. The Company is in the process of finalizing the measurement of certain liabilities for its October 2016 acquisition of Laserage and July 2016 acquisition of Nu Instruments, including the accounting for income taxes. The 2016 acquisitions noted above had an immaterial impact on reported net sales, net income and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2016. Had the 2016 acquisitions been made at the beginning of 2016 or 2015, unaudited pro forma net sales, net income and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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 2016 or 2015. In 2015, the Company spent $356.5 million in cash, net of cash acquired, to acquire Global Tubes in May 2015 and Surface Vision in July 2015. Global Tubes is a manufacturer of high-precision, small-diameter metal tubing. Surface Vision develops and manufactures software-enabled vision systems used to inspect surfaces of continuously processed materials for flaws and defects. Global Tubes is part of EMG and Surface Vision is part of EIG. In 2014, 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 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 instruments and detectors used to identify composition of materials using x-ray fluorescence technology. Teseq, VTI, Luphos, Zygo and Amptek are part of EIG. Acquisition Subsequent to December 31, 2016 In February 2017, the Company acquired Rauland-Borg Rauland-Borg Rauland-Borg Rauland-Borg

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment were as follows: EIG EMG Total (In millions) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 1,646.7 $ 967.3 $ 2,614.0 Goodwill acquired 64.0 89.5 153.5 Purchase price allocation adjustments and other (2.3 ) — (2.3 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (30.2 ) (28.4 ) (58.6 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 1,678.2 1,028.4 2,706.6 Goodwill acquired 165.0 6.3 171.3 Purchase price allocation adjustments and other 0.3 (0.1 ) 0.2 Foreign currency translation adjustments (26.5 ) (32.6 ) (59.1 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 1,817.0 $ 1,002.0 $ 2,819.0 Other intangible assets were as follows at December 31: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization): Patents $ 49,755 $ 51,059 Purchased technology 283,612 266,644 Customer lists 1,363,700 1,257,730 1,697,067 1,575,433 Accumulated amortization: Patents (34,927 ) (34,745 ) Purchased technology (87,869 ) (73,809 ) Customer lists (362,924 ) (306,558 ) (485,720 ) (415,112 ) Net intangible assets subject to amortization 1,211,347 1,160,321 Indefinite-lived intangible assets (not subject to amortization): Trademarks and trade names 536,574 512,640 Impairment (13,900 ) — 522,674 512,640 $ 1,734,021 $ 1,672,961 The Company completed its required annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of 2016 and determined that the carrying values of certain of the Company’s trademarks and trade names with indefinite lives were impaired. During 2016, the Company recorded, in Cost of sales, a $13.9 million non-cash impairment charge related to certain of the Company’s trade names, of which $9.2 million impacted EIG and $4.7 million impacted EMG. See Note 1 for further descriptions of the Company’s impairment testing. Amortization expense was $104.9 million (including impairment of $13.9 million), $80.8 million and $74.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Amortization expense for each of the next five years is expected to approximate $91 million per year, not considering the impact of potential future acquisitions.

Other Consolidated Balance Shee

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Text Block [Abstract]
Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information	7. Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) INVENTORIES, NET Finished goods and parts $ 75,827 $ 83,229 Work in process 101,484 105,259 Raw materials and purchased parts 314,793 325,963 $ 492,104 $ 514,451 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET Land $ 41,875 $ 41,951 Buildings 281,847 293,002 Machinery and equipment 840,725 849,658 1,164,447 1,184,611 Less: Accumulated depreciation (691,217 ) (700,063 ) $ 473,230 $ 484,548 ACCRUED LIABILITIES Employee compensation and benefits $ 93,226 $ 93,232 Product warranty obligation 22,007 22,761 Restructuring 29,951 29,203 Other 100,886 95,808 $ 246,070 $ 241,004 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) ALLOWANCES FOR POSSIBLE LOSSES ON ACCOUNTS Balance at the beginning of the year $ 8,555 $ 10,446 $ 9,547 Additions charged to expense 4,124 630 2,974 Write-offs (2,304 ) (1,872 ) (2,243 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other (118 ) (649 ) 168 Balance at the end of the year $ 10,257 $ 8,555 $ 10,446

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	8. Income Taxes The components of income before income taxes and the details of the provision for income taxes were as follows for the years ended December 31: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Income before income taxes: Domestic $ 397,215 $ 502,292 $ 495,516 Foreign 295,888 304,088 309,316 Total $ 693,103 $ 806,380 $ 804,832 Provision for income taxes: Current: Federal $ 116,898 $ 130,996 $ 128,635 Foreign 63,170 66,691 60,606 State 6,509 11,376 12,461 Total current 186,577 209,063 201,702 Deferred: Federal 5,273 1,711 19,870 Foreign (8,434 ) (3,611 ) 1,552 State (2,471 ) 8,358 (2,752 ) Total deferred (5,632 ) 6,458 18,670 Total provision $ 180,945 $ 215,521 $ 220,372 Significant components of the deferred tax (asset) liability were as follows at December 31: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Current deferred tax (asset) liability: Reserves not currently deductible $ (39,509 ) $ (37,771 ) Share-based compensation (7,022 ) (7,218 ) Net operating loss carryforwards (2,072 ) (368 ) Other (1,041 ) 353 (49,644 ) (45,004 ) Portion included in other current liabilities (360 ) (1,720 ) Gross current deferred tax asset (50,004 ) (46,724 ) Noncurrent deferred tax (asset) liability: Differences in basis of property and accelerated depreciation 54,243 57,581 Reserves not currently deductible (28,808 ) (28,809 ) Pensions 8,714 6,736 Differences in basis of intangible assets and accelerated amortization 603,577 597,266 Net operating loss carryforwards (8,399 ) (5,722 ) Share-based compensation (13,707 ) (11,607 ) Foreign tax credit carryforwards (3,441 ) — Other 3,477 1,411 615,656 616,856 Less: Valuation allowance 2,046 2,840 617,702 619,696 Portion included in noncurrent assets 4,074 4,350 Gross noncurrent deferred tax liability 621,776 624,046 Net deferred tax liability $ 571,772 $ 577,322 The Company’s effective tax rate reconciles to the U.S. Federal statutory rate as follows for the years ended December 31: 2016 2015 2014 U.S. Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 0.4 1.2 0.9 Foreign operations, net (7.1 ) (6.8 ) (6.1 ) U.S. Manufacturing deduction and credits (2.6 ) (2.4 ) (2.2 ) Other 0.4 (0.3 ) (0.2 ) Consolidated effective tax rate 26.1 % 26.7 % 27.4 % At December 31, 2016 and 2015, U.S. and foreign deferred income taxes totaling $4.5 million and $6.9 million were provided on undistributed earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries that are not expected to be permanently reinvested in such subsidiaries. There has been no provision for U.S. deferred income taxes for the undistributed earnings of certain other subsidiaries, which total approximately $1,126.9 million and $1,075.0 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, because the Company intends to reinvest these earnings indefinitely in operations outside the United States. Upon distribution of those earnings to the United States, the Company would be subject to U.S. income taxes and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries. Determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred income tax liability on these undistributed earnings is not practicable. At December 31, 2016, the Company had tax effected benefits of $10.4 million related to net operating loss carryforwards, which will be available to offset future income taxes payable, subject to certain annual or other limitations based on foreign and U.S. tax laws. This amount includes net operating loss carryforwards of $4.6 million for federal income tax purposes with no valuation allowance, $4.5 million for state income tax purposes with no valuation allowance and $1.3 million for foreign income tax purposes with a valuation allowance of $1.5 million. These net operating loss carryforwards, if not used, will expire between 2017 and 2036. At December 31, 2016, the Company had tax effected benefits of $4.1 million related to tax credit carryforwards, which will be available to offset future income taxes payable, subject to certain annual or other limitations based on foreign and U.S. tax laws. This amount includes tax credit carryforwards of $1.1 million for federal income tax purposes with a valuation allowance of $0.5 million, $2.9 million for state income tax purposes with no valuation allowance and $0.1 million for foreign income tax purposes with no valuation allowance. These tax credit carryforwards, if not used, will expire between 2017 and 2036. The Company maintains a valuation allowance to reduce certain deferred tax assets to amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. This allowance primarily relates to the deferred tax assets established for foreign net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits. In 2016, the Company recorded a decrease of $0.8 million in the valuation allowance primarily related to federal tax credits that are not expected to be utilized. At December 31, 2016, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $57.9 million, of which $48.5 million, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. At December 31, 2015, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $63.8 million, of which $52.9 million, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company reported $8.9 million and $10.7 million, respectively, related to interest and penalty exposure as accrued income tax expense in the consolidated balance sheet. During 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized a net benefit of $1.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively, and during 2014, the Company recognized a net expense of $2.5 million, for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the consolidated statement of income as a component of income tax expense. The most significant tax jurisdiction for the Company is the United States. The Company files income tax returns in various other state and foreign tax jurisdictions, in some cases for multiple legal entities per jurisdiction. Generally, the Company has open tax years subject to tax audit on average of between three and six years in these jurisdictions. At December 31, 2016, there were no tax years currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). The Company has not materially extended any other statutes of limitation for any significant location and has reviewed and accrued for, where necessary, tax liabilities for open periods including state and foreign jurisdictions that remain subject to examination. There have been no penalties asserted or imposed by the IRS related to substantial understatement of income, gross valuation misstatement or failure to disclose a listed or reportable transaction. During 2016, the Company added $8.6 million of tax, interest and penalties to identified uncertain tax positions and reversed $16.3 million of tax and interest related to statute expirations and settlement of prior uncertain positions. During 2015, the Company added $12.0 million of tax, interest and penalties related to identified uncertain tax positions and reversed $20.3 million of tax and interest related to statute expirations and settlement of prior uncertain positions. The following is a reconciliation of the liability for uncertain tax positions at December 31: 2016 2015 2014 (In millions) Balance at the beginning of the year $ 63.8 $ 71.7 $ 55.2 Additions for tax positions related to the current year 5.5 8.8 10.7 Additions for tax positions of prior years 1.5 1.3 16.8 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (3.6 ) (7.1 ) (1.7 ) Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities (3.4 ) (8.3 ) (0.4 ) Reductions due to statute expirations (5.9 ) (2.6 ) (8.9 ) Balance at the end of the year $ 57.9 $ 63.8 $ 71.7 In 2016, the additions above primarily reflect the increase in tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions related to certain domestic and foreign issues, while the reductions above primarily relate to statute expirations and settlement of domestic and foreign issues. At December 31, 2016, tax, interest and penalties of $65.2 million were classified as a noncurrent liability. The net change in uncertain tax positions for the year ended December 31, 2016 resulted in a decrease to income tax expense of $6.2 million.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	9. Debt Long-term debt, net consisted of the following at December 31: 2016 2015 (In thousands) U.S. dollar 6.20% senior notes due December 2017 $ 270,000 $ 270,000 U.S. dollar 6.35% senior notes due July 2018 80,000 80,000 U.S. dollar 7.08% senior notes due September 2018 160,000 160,000 U.S. dollar 7.18% senior notes due December 2018 65,000 65,000 U.S. dollar 6.30% senior notes due December 2019 100,000 100,000 U.S. dollar 3.73% senior notes due September 2024 300,000 300,000 U.S. dollar 3.91% senior notes due June 2025 50,000 50,000 U.S. dollar 3.96% senior notes due August 2025 100,000 100,000 U.S. dollar 3.83% senior notes due September 2026 100,000 100,000 U.S. dollar 3.98% senior notes due September 2029 100,000 100,000 U.S. dollar 4.45% senior notes due August 2035 50,000 50,000 British pound 5.99% senior note due November 2016 — 59,049 British pound 4.68% senior note due September 2020 98,701 118,098 British pound 2.59% senior note due November 2028 185,067 — British pound 2.70% senior note due November 2031 92,533 — Euro 1.34% senior notes due October 2026 316,643 — Euro 1.53% senior notes due October 2028 211,096 — Swiss franc 2.44% senior note due December 2021 54,150 55,024 Revolving credit facility borrowings — 314,100 Other, principally foreign 14,604 20,849 Less: Debt issuance costs (6,229 ) (4,080 ) Total debt, net 2,341,565 1,938,040 Less: Current portion, net (278,921 ) (384,924 ) Total long-term debt, net $ 2,062,644 $ 1,553,116 Maturities of long-term debt borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2016 were as follows: $308.8 million in 2018; $100.0 million in 2019; $98.7 million in 2020; $54.2 million in 2021; none in 2022; and $1,505.3 million in 2023 and thereafter. In October 2016, the Company completed a private placement agreement to sell 500 million Euros and 225 million British pounds in senior notes to a group of institutional investors (the “2016 Private Placement”). There were two funding dates under the 2016 Private Placement. The first funding occurred in October 2016 for 500 million Euros ($546.8 million), consisting of 300 million Euros ($328.1 million) in aggregate principal amount of 1.34% senior notes due October 2026 and 200 million Euros ($218.7 million) in aggregate principal amount of 1.53% senior notes due October 2028. The second funding occurred in November 2016 for 225 million British pounds ($274.1 million), consisting of 150 million British pounds ($182.7 million) in aggregate principal amount of 2.59% senior notes due November 2028 and 75 million British pounds ($91.4 million) in aggregate principal amount of 2.70% senior notes due November 2031. The 2016 Private Placement senior notes carry a weighted average interest rate of 1.82% and are subject to certain customary covenants, including financial covenants that, among other things, require the Company to maintain certain debt-to-EBITDA In December 2007, the Company issued $270 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.20% private placement senior notes due December 2017 and $100 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.30% private placement senior notes due December 2019. In July 2008, the Company issued $80 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.35% private placement senior notes due July 2018. In September 2008, the Company issued $160 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.08% private placement senior notes due September 2018. In December 2008, the Company issued $65 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.18% private placement senior notes due December 2018. In September 2014, the Company issued $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. In June 2015, the Company issued $50 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.91% senior notes due June 2025. In August 2015, the Company issued $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. In November 2004, the Company issued a 40 million British pound 5.99% senior note due November 2016 (paid in full, at maturity, as previously noted). In September 2010, the Company issued an 80 million British pound ($98.7 million at December 31, 2016) 4.68% senior note due September 2020. In December 2011, the Company issued a 55 million Swiss franc ($54.2 million at December 31, 2016) 2.44% senior note due December 2021. In March 2016, the Company along with certain of its foreign subsidiaries amended and restated its credit agreement dated as of September 22, 2011 (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement amends and restates the Company’s existing $700 million revolving credit facility, which was due to expire in December 2018. The Credit Agreement consists of a five-year revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $850 million with a final maturity date in March 2021. The revolving credit facility total borrowing capacity excludes an accordion feature that permits the Company to request up to an additional $300 million in revolving credit commitments at any time during the life of the Credit Agreement under certain conditions. The Credit Agreement places certain restrictions on allowable additional indebtedness. At December 31, 2016, the Company had available borrowing capacity of $1,117.3 million under its revolving credit facility, including the $300 million accordion feature. Interest rates on outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility are at the applicable benchmark rate plus a negotiated spread or at the U.S. prime rate. At December 31, 2016, the Company did not have any borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility. At December 31, 2015, the Company had $314.1 million of borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility. The weighted average interest rate on the revolving credit facility for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was 1.72% and 1.37%, respectively. The Company had outstanding letters of credit primarily under the revolving credit facility totaling $33.2 million and $36.9 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The private placements, the senior notes and the revolving credit facility are subject to certain customary covenants, including financial covenants that, among other things, require the Company to maintain certain debt-to-EBITDA Foreign subsidiaries of the Company had available credit facilities with local foreign lenders of $43.7 million and $37.5 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Foreign subsidiaries had debt borrowings outstanding totaling $14.6 million and $20.9 million, including $3.8 million and $7.9 million reported in long-term debt, net at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on total debt borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was 4.4% and 5.2%, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	10. Share-Based Compensation Under the terms of the Company’s stockholder-approved share-based plans, incentive and non-qualified stock options and restricted stock have been, and may be, issued to the Company’s officers, management-level employees and members of its Board of Directors. Employee and non-employee director stock options generally vest at a rate of 25% per year, beginning one year from the date of the grant, and restricted stock generally has a four-year The Company issues previously unissued shares when stock options are exercised and shares are issued from treasury stock upon the award of restricted stock. The Company measures and records compensation expense related to all stock awards by recognizing the grant date fair value of the awards over their requisite service periods in the financial statements. For grants under any of the Company’s plans that are subject to graded vesting over a service period, the Company recognizes expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Total share-based compensation expense was as follows for the years ended December 31: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Stock option expense $ 9,984 $ 10,955 $ 9,130 Restricted stock expense 12,046 12,807 10,741 Total pre-tax expense 22,030 23,762 19,871 Related tax benefit (6,846 ) (7,623 ) (6,154 ) Reduction of net income $ 15,184 $ 16,139 $ 13,717 Pre-tax share-based compensation expense is included in the consolidated statement of income in either Cost of sales or Selling, general and administrative expenses, depending on where the recipient’s cash compensation is reported. The fair value of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton Black-Scholes-Merton 2016 2015 2014 Expected volatility 21.8 % 22.3 % 23.9 % Expected term (years) 5.0 5.0 5.0 Risk-free interest rate 1.23 % 1.58 % 1.63 % Expected dividend yield 0.77 % 0.69 % 0.45 % Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted $ 9.14 $ 10.89 $ 12.21 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 expected term 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. The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2016: Shares Weighted Price Weighted Life Aggregate Value (In thousands) (Years) (In millions) Outstanding at the beginning of the year 5,659 $ 39.49 Granted 1,471 46.97 Exercised (713 ) 25.72 Forfeited (329 ) 49.40 Expired (77 ) 52.52 Outstanding at the end of the year 6,011 $ 42.25 3.9 $ 45.9 Exercisable at the end of the year 3,209 $ 36.39 2.5 $ 42.1 The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $16.2 million, $62.3 million and $25.7 million, respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested during 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $10.8 million, $10.3 million and $8.9 million, respectively. The following is a summary of the Company’s nonvested stock option activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2016: Shares Weighted Average Fair Value (In thousands) Nonvested stock options outstanding at the beginning of the year 2,717 $ 10.85 Granted 1,471 9.14 Vested (1,057 ) 10.22 Forfeited (329 ) 10.54 Nonvested stock options outstanding at the end of the year 2,802 $ 10.15 As of December 31, 2016, there was approximately $19 million of expected future pre-tax The fair value of restricted shares under the Company’s restricted stock arrangement is determined by the product of the number of shares granted and the grant date market price of the Company’s common stock. Upon the grant of restricted stock, the fair value of the restricted shares (unearned compensation) at the date of grant is charged as a reduction of capital in excess of par value in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, which is the same as the calculated derived service period as determined on the grant date. Restricted stock grants are subject to accelerated vesting due to certain events, including doubling of the grant price of the Company’s common stock as of the close of business during any five consecutive trading days. The following is a summary of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2016: Shares Weighted Average Fair Value (In thousands) Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at the beginning of the year 1,061 $ 46.32 Granted 376 46.91 Vested (292 ) 38.13 Forfeited (126 ) 48.66 Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at the end of the year 1,019 $ 48.59 The total fair value of restricted stock vested was $11.1 million, $10.6 million and $3.6 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The weighted average fair value of restricted stock granted per share during 2016 and 2015 was $46.91 and $52.31, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, there was approximately $28 million of expected future pre-tax

Retirement Plans and Other Post

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits	11. Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits Retirement and Pension Plans The Company sponsors several retirement and pension plans covering eligible salaried and hourly employees. The plans generally provide benefits based on participants’ years of service and/or compensation. The following is a brief description of the Company’s retirement and pension plans. The Company maintains contributory and noncontributory defined benefit pension plans. Benefits for eligible salaried and hourly employees under all defined benefit plans are funded through trusts established in conjunction with the plans. The Company’s funding policy with respect to its defined benefit plans is to contribute amounts that provide for benefits based on actuarial calculations and the applicable requirements of U.S. federal and local foreign laws. The Company estimates that it will make both required and discretionary cash contributions of approximately $52 million to $56 million to its worldwide defined benefit pension plans in 2017. The estimated cash contributions range includes $50.1 million in cash contributions to its defined benefit pension plans in January 2017, with $40.0 million contributed to U.S. defined benefit pension plans and $10.1 million contributed to foreign defined benefit pension plans. The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 (its fiscal year end) for its U.S. and foreign defined benefit pension plans. The Company sponsors a 401(k) retirement and savings plan for eligible U.S. employees. Participants in the retirement and savings plan may contribute a specified portion of their compensation on a pre-tax The Company’s retirement and savings plan has a defined contribution retirement feature principally to cover U.S. salaried employees joining the Company after December 31, 1996. Under the retirement feature, the Company makes contributions for eligible employees based on a pre-established percentage of the covered employee’s salary subject to pre-established The Company has nonqualified unfunded retirement plans for its Directors and certain retired employees. It also provides supplemental retirement benefits, through contractual arrangements and/or a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) covering certain current and former executives of the Company. These supplemental benefits are designed to compensate the executive for retirement benefits that would have been provided under the Company’s primary retirement plan, except for statutory limitations on compensation that must be taken into account under those plans. The projected benefit obligations of the SERP and the contracts will primarily be funded by a grant of shares of the Company’s common stock upon retirement or termination of the executive. The Company is providing for these obligations by charges to earnings over the applicable periods. The following tables set forth the changes in net projected benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets for the funded and unfunded defined benefit plans for the years ended December 31: U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year $ 472,477 $ 491,373 Service cost 3,488 3,924 Interest cost 22,153 20,761 Actuarial losses (gains) 29,681 (27,605 ) Gross benefits paid (29,005 ) (27,930 ) Plan amendments 56 — Acquisition — 11,954 Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year $ 498,850 $ 472,477 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year $ 508,775 $ 498,923 Actual return on plan assets 36,414 (21,020 ) Employer contributions 889 50,726 Gross benefits paid (29,005 ) (27,930 ) Acquisition — 8,076 Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year $ 517,073 $ 508,775 Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year $ 243,924 $ 197,671 Service cost 3,134 3,076 Interest cost 7,896 7,910 Foreign currency translation adjustments (39,910 ) (14,337 ) Employee contributions 256 303 Actuarial losses (gains) 52,248 (6,892 ) Expenses paid from assets (770 ) (610 ) Gross benefits paid (8,475 ) (8,064 ) Plan amendments (6 ) — Acquisition — 64,867 Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year $ 258,297 $ 243,924 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year $ 213,296 $ 159,907 Actual return on plan assets 14,346 7,471 Employer contributions 5,886 4,490 Employee contributions 256 303 Foreign currency translation adjustments (35,604 ) (10,584 ) Expenses paid from assets (770 ) (610 ) Gross benefits paid (8,475 ) (8,064 ) Acquisition — 60,383 Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year $ 188,935 $ 213,296 The accumulated benefit obligation consisted of the following at December 31: U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Funded plans $ 480,249 $ 454,498 Unfunded plans 6,212 5,481 Total $ 486,461 $ 459,979 Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Funded plans $ 213,877 $ 203,229 Unfunded plans 33,924 30,327 Total $ 247,801 $ 233,556 Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31: 2016 2015 U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Discount rate 4.25 % 4.80 % Rate of compensation increase (where applicable) 3.75 % 3.75 % Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Discount rate 2.56 % 3.62 % Rate of compensation increase (where applicable) 2.50 % 2.88 % The following is a summary of the fair value of plan assets for U.S. plans at December 31, 2016 and 2015 in accordance with the retrospective adoption of ASU No. 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent (“ASU 2015-07”). December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Asset Class Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 (In thousands) Corporate debt instruments $ 2,662 $ — $ 2,662 $ 5,617 $ — $ 5,617 Corporate debt instruments - Preferred 8,880 — 8,880 9,835 — 9,835 Corporate stocks - Common 109,881 109,881 — 118,673 118,673 — Municipal bonds 777 — 777 1,003 — 1,003 Registered investment companies 251,054 251,054 — 202,522 202,522 — U.S. Government securities — — — 113 — 113 Total investments 373,254 360,935 12,319 337,763 321,195 16,568 Investments measured at net asset value 143,819 — — 171,012 — — Total investments $ 517,073 $ 360,935 $ 12,319 $ 508,775 $ 321,195 $ 16,568 U.S. equity securities and global equity securities categorized as level 1 are traded on national and international exchanges and are valued at their closing prices on the last trading day of the year. For U.S. equity securities and global equity securities not traded on an active exchange, or if the closing price is not available, the trustee obtains indicative quotes from a pricing vendor, broker or investment manager. These securities are categorized as level 2 if the custodian obtains corroborated quotes from a pricing vendor. Additionally, some U.S. equity securities and global equity securities are public investment vehicles valued using the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) provided by the fund manager. The NAV is the total value of the fund divided by the number of shares outstanding. Fixed income securities categorized as level 1 are traded on national and international exchanges and are valued at their closing prices on the last trading day of the year and categorized as level 2 if valued by the trustee using pricing models that use verifiable observable market data, bids provided by brokers or dealers or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics. Alternative investments categorized as level 3 are valued based on unobservable inputs and cannot be corroborated using verifiable observable market data. Investments in level 3 funds are redeemable, however, cash reimbursement may be delayed or a portion held back until asset finalization. The expected long-term rate of return on these plan assets was 7.75% in both 2016 and 2015. Equity securities included 512,565 shares of AMETEK, Inc. common stock with a market value of $24.9 million (4.8% of total plan investment assets) at December 31, 2016 and 512,565 shares of AMETEK, Inc. common stock with a market value of $27.5 million (5.4% of total plan investment assets) at December 31, 2015. The objectives of the AMETEK, Inc. U.S. defined benefit plans’ investment strategy are to maximize the plans’ funded status and minimize Company contributions and plan expense. Because the goal is to optimize returns over the long term, an investment policy that favors equity holdings has been established. Since there may be periods of time where both equity and fixed-income markets provide poor returns, an allocation to alternative assets may be made to improve the overall portfolio’s diversification and return potential. The Company periodically reviews its asset allocation, taking into consideration plan liabilities, plan benefit payment streams and the investment strategy of the pension plans. The actual asset allocation is monitored frequently relative to the established targets and ranges and is rebalanced when necessary. The target allocations for the U.S. defined benefits plans are approximately 50% equity securities, 20% fixed-income securities and 30% other securities and/or cash. The equity portfolio is diversified by market capitalization and style. The equity portfolio also includes international components. The objective of the fixed-income portion of the pension assets is to provide interest rate sensitivity for a portion of the assets and to provide diversification. The fixed-income Other than for investments in alternative assets, certain investments are prohibited. Prohibited investments include venture capital, private placements, unregistered or restricted stock, margin trading, commodities, short selling and rights and warrants. Foreign currency futures, options and forward contracts may be used to manage foreign currency exposure. The following is a summary of the fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2016 and 2015 in accordance with the retrospective adoption of ASU 2015-07. December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Asset Class Total Level 3 Total Level 3 (In thousands) Life insurance $ 18,147 $ 18,147 $ 20,486 $ 20,486 Total investments 18,147 18,147 20,486 20,486 Investments measured at net asset value 170,788 — 192,810 — Total investments $ 188,935 $ 18,147 $ 213,296 $ 20,486 Life insurance assets are considered level 3 investments as their values are determined by the sponsor using unobservable market data. The following is a summary of the changes in the fair value of the foreign plans’ level 3 investments (fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs): Life Insurance (In thousands) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 8,888 Actual return on assets: Unrealized (losses) relating to instruments still held at the end of the year (980 ) Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net 12,578 Balance, December 31, 2015 20,486 Actual return on assets: Unrealized (losses) relating to instruments still held at the end of the year (2,339 ) Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net — Balance, December 31, 2016 $ 18,147 The objective of AMETEK, Inc.’s foreign defined benefit plans’ investment strategy is to maximize the long-term rate of return on plan investments, subject to a reasonable level of risk. Liability studies are also performed on a regular basis to provide guidance in setting investment goals with an objective to balance risks against the current and future needs of the plans. The trustees consider the risk associated with the different asset classes, relative to the plans’ liabilities and how this can be affected by diversification, and the relative returns available on equities, fixed-income investments, real estate and cash. Also, the likely volatility of those returns and the cash flow requirements of the plans are considered. It is expected that equities will outperform fixed-income investments over the long term. However, the trustees recognize the fact that fixed-income investments may better match the liabilities for pensioners. Because of the relatively young active employee group covered by the plans and the immature nature of the plans, the trustees have chosen to adopt an asset allocation strategy more heavily weighted toward equity investments. This asset allocation strategy will be reviewed, from time to time, in view of changes in market conditions and in the plans’ liability profile. The target allocations for the foreign defined benefit plans are approximately 70% equity securities, 15% fixed-income securities and 15% other securities, insurance or cash. The assumption for the expected return on plan assets was developed based on a review of historical investment returns for the investment categories for the defined benefit pension assets. This review also considered current capital market conditions and projected future investment returns. The estimates of future capital market returns by asset class are lower than the actual long-term historical returns. The current low interest rate environment influences this outlook. Therefore, the assumed rate of return for U.S. plans is 7.50% and 6.79% for foreign plans in 2017. The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets and pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were as follows at December 31: U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Projected Benefit Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets Fair Value of Assets 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Benefit obligation $ 26,356 $ 5,481 $ 26,356 $ 5,481 Fair value of plan assets 19,059 — 19,059 — Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Projected Benefit Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeds Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets Fair Value of Assets 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Benefit obligation $ 215,893 $ 161,711 $ 209,377 $ 155,169 Fair value of plan assets 146,480 119,045 146,480 119,045 The following table provides the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Funded status asset (liability): Fair value of plan assets $ 706,008 $ 722,071 Projected benefit obligation (757,147 ) (716,401 ) Funded status at the end of the year $ (51,139 ) $ 5,670 Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consisted of: Noncurrent asset for pension benefits (other assets) $ 25,571 $ 53,817 Current liabilities for pension benefits (1,393 ) (1,001 ) Noncurrent liability for pension benefits (75,317 ) (47,146 ) Net amount recognized at the end of the year $ (51,139 ) $ 5,670 The following table provides the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes, at December 31: Net amounts recognized: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net actuarial loss $ 204,782 $ 156,351 Prior service costs (1,031 ) (1,321 ) Transition asset 7 8 Total recognized $ 203,758 $ 155,038 The following table provides the components of net periodic pension benefit expense (income) for the years ended December 31: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Defined benefit plans: Service cost $ 6,622 $ 7,000 $ 6,153 Interest cost 30,049 28,670 28,931 Expected return on plan assets (51,140 ) (54,819 ) (50,196 ) Amortization of: Net actuarial loss 10,224 9,383 4,483 Prior service costs (52 ) (55 ) (51 ) Transition asset 1 1 1 Total net periodic benefit (income) expense (4,296 ) (9,820 ) (10,679 ) Other plans: Defined contribution plans 23,881 22,750 20,714 Foreign plans and other 5,694 4,800 5,325 Total other plans 29,575 27,550 26,039 Total net pension expense $ 25,279 $ 17,730 $ 15,360 The total net periodic benefit expense (income) is included in Cost of sales in the consolidated statement of income. The estimated amount that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension benefit expense in 2017 for the net actuarial losses and prior service costs is expected to be $14.0 million. The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine the above net periodic pension benefit expense for the years ended December 31: 2016 2015 2014 U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Discount rate 4.80 % 4.20 % 5.00 % Expected return on plan assets 7.75 % 7.75 % 7.75 % Rate of compensation increase (where applicable) 3.75 % 3.75 % 3.75 % Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Discount rate 3.62 % 3.44 % 4.38 % Expected return on plan assets 6.95 % 6.92 % 6.93 % Rate of compensation increase (where applicable) 2.88 % 2.88 % 2.92 % Estimated Future Benefit Payments The estimated future benefit payments for U.S. and foreign plans are as follows: 2017 - $37.3 million; 2018 - $38.5 million; 2019 - $39.4 million; 2020 - $40.5 million; 2021 - $41.2 million; 2026 - $217.5 million. Postretirement Plans and Postemployment Benefits The Company provides limited postretirement benefits other than pensions for certain retirees and a small number of former employees. Benefits under these arrangements are not funded and are not significant. The Company also provides limited postemployment benefits for certain former or inactive employees after employment but before retirement. Those benefits are not significant in amount. The Company has a deferred compensation plan, which allows employees whose compensation exceeds the statutory IRS limit for retirement benefits to defer a portion of earned bonus compensation. The plan permits deferred amounts to be deemed invested in either, or a combination of, (a) an interest-bearing account, benefits from which are payable out of the general assets of the Company, or (b) the equivalent of a fund which invests in shares of the Company’s common stock on behalf of the employee. The amount deferred under the plan, including income earned, was $25.2 million and $23.4 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Administrative expense for the deferred compensation plan is borne by the Company and is not significant.

Guarantees

Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantees	12. Guarantees The Company does not provide significant guarantees on a routine basis. The Company primarily issues guarantees, stand-by Indemnifications In conjunction with certain acquisition and divestiture transactions, the Company may agree to make payments to compensate or indemnify other parties for possible future unfavorable financial consequences resulting from specified events (e.g., breaches of contract obligations or retention of previously existing environmental, tax or employee liabilities) whose terms range in duration and often are not explicitly defined. Where appropriate, the obligation for such indemnifications is recorded as a liability. Because the amount of these types of indemnifications generally is not specifically stated, the overall maximum amount of the obligation under such indemnifications cannot be reasonably estimated. Further, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers for claims against them in connection with their positions with the Company. Historically, any such costs incurred to settle claims related to these indemnifications have been minimal for the Company. The Company believes that future payments, if any, under all existing indemnification agreements would not have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. Product Warranties The Company provides limited warranties in connection with the sale of its products. The warranty periods for products sold vary among the Company’s operations, but generally do not exceed one year. The Company calculates its warranty expense provision based on its historical warranty experience and adjustments are made periodically to reflect actual warranty expenses. Changes in the accrued product warranty obligation were as follows at December 31: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Balance at the beginning of the year $ 22,761 $ 29,764 $ 28,036 Accruals for warranties issued during the year 16,046 14,817 16,463 Settlements made during the year (17,732 ) (19,905 ) (17,636 ) Warranty accruals related to acquired businesses and other during the year 932 (1,915 ) 2,901 Balance at the end of the year $ 22,007 $ 22,761 $ 29,764 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	13. Contingencies Asbestos Litigation The Company (including its subsidiaries) has been named as a defendant in a number of asbestos-related lawsuits. Certain of these lawsuits relate to a business which was acquired by the Company and do not involve products which were manufactured or sold by the Company. In connection with these lawsuits, the seller of such business has agreed to indemnify the Company against these claims (the “Indemnified Claims”). The Indemnified Claims have been tendered to, and are being defended by, such seller. The seller has met its obligations, in all respects, and the Company does not have any reason to believe such party would fail to fulfill its obligations in the future. To date, no judgments have been rendered against the Company as a result of any asbestos-related lawsuit. The Company believes it has strong defenses to the claims being asserted and intends to continue to vigorously defend itself in these matters. Environmental Matters Certain historic processes in the manufacture of products have resulted in environmentally hazardous waste by-products as defined by federal and state laws and regulations. At December 31, 2016, the Company is named a Potentially Responsible Party (“PRP”) at 13 non-AMETEK-owned former waste disposal or treatment sites (the “non-owned” sites). The Company is identified as a “de minimis” party in 12 of these sites based on the low volume of waste attributed to the Company relative to the amounts attributed to other named PRPs. In eight 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 best estimate. It is reasonably possible that the actual cost of remediation of the individual sites could vary from the current estimates and the amounts accrued in the consolidated financial statements; however, the amounts of such variances are not expected to result in a material change to the consolidated financial statements. In estimating the Company’s liability for remediation, the Company also considers the likely proportionate share of the anticipated remediation expense and the ability of the other PRPs to fulfill their obligations. Total environmental reserves at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $28.4 million and $30.5 million, respectively, for both non-owned and owned sites. In 2016, the Company recorded $4.1 million in reserves. Additionally, the Company spent $5.4 million on environmental matters and the reserve decreased $0.8 million due to foreign currency translation in 2016. The Company’s reserves for environmental liabilities at December 31, 2016 and 2015 include reserves of $12.4 million and $11.5 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 December 31, 2016, the Company had $11.9 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 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 on presently available information and the Company’s historical 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.

Leases and Other Commitments

Leases and Other Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Leases and Other Commitments	14. Leases and Other Commitments Minimum aggregate rental commitments under noncancellable leases in effect at December 31, 2016 (principally for production and administrative facilities and equipment) amounted to $143.5 million, consisting of payments of $33.0 million in 2017, $25.2 million in 2018, $19.4 million in 2019, $14.5 million in 2020, $12.2 million in 2021 and $39.2 million thereafter. The leases expire over a range of years from 2017 to 2082, with renewal or purchase options, subject to various terms and conditions, contained in most of the leases. Rental expense was $46.3 million in 2016, $43.6 million in 2015 and $44.6 million in 2014. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $289.1 million and $321.7 million, respectively, in purchase obligations outstanding, which primarily consisted of contractual commitments to purchase certain inventories at fixed prices.

Reportable Segments and Geograp

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information	15. Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information Descriptive Information about Reportable Segments The Company has two reportable segments, EIG and EMG. The Company’s operating segments are identified based on the existence of segment managers. Certain of the Company’s operating segments have been aggregated for segment reporting purposes primarily on the basis of product type, production processes, distribution methods and similarity of economic characteristics. EIG manufactures advanced instruments for the process, power and industrial, and aerospace markets. It provides process and analytical instruments for the oil, gas, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, semiconductor and automation markets. It provides instruments for the laboratory equipment, ultraprecision manufacturing, medical, and test and measurement markets. It makes power quality monitoring and metering devices, industrial battery chargers and uninterruptible power supplies, programmable power equipment, electrical test equipment and gas turbine sensors. It provides dashboard instruments for heavy trucks and other vehicles as well as timing controls and cooking computers for the food service industry. It supplies the aerospace industry with aircraft and engine sensors, monitoring systems, power instruments, data acquisition units, and fuel and fluid measurement systems. EMG is a differentiated supplier of precision motion control solutions, thermal management systems, specialty metals and electrical interconnects. It makes precision motion control products for data storage, medical devices, business equipment, automation and other applications. It manufacturers highly engineered electrical connectors and packaging used to protect sensitive electronic devices. It provides high-purity metals, metal strip, shaped wire and advanced composites for a wide range of industrial applications. It operates a global network of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities. It manufactures motors used in commercial appliances, fitness equipment, food and beverage machines, hydraulic pumps, industrial blowers and vacuum cleaners. Measurement of Segment Results Segment operating income represents net sales less all direct costs and expenses (including certain administrative and other expenses) applicable to each segment, but does not include interest expense. Net sales by segment are reported after elimination of intra- and intersegment sales and profits, which are insignificant in amount. Reported segment assets include allocations directly related to the segment’s operations. Corporate assets consist primarily of investments, prepaid pensions, insurance deposits and deferred taxes. Reportable Segment Financial Information 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net sales (1) : Electronic Instruments $ 2,360,285 $ 2,417,192 $ 2,421,638 Electromechanical 1,479,802 1,557,103 1,600,326 Consolidated net sales $ 3,840,087 $ 3,974,295 $ 4,021,964 Operating income and income before income taxes: Segment operating income (2) : Electronic Instruments $ 577,717 $ 639,399 $ 612,992 Electromechanical 277,873 318,098 335,046 Total segment operating income 855,590 957,497 948,038 Corporate administrative and other expenses (53,693 ) (49,781 ) (49,452 ) Consolidated operating income 801,897 907,716 898,586 Interest and other expenses, net (108,794 ) (101,336 ) (93,754 ) Consolidated income before income taxes $ 693,103 $ 806,380 $ 804,832 Assets: Electronic Instruments $ 4,104,972 $ 3,827,182 Electromechanical 2,446,180 2,541,253 Total segment assets 6,551,152 6,368,435 Corporate 549,522 292,015 Consolidated assets $ 7,100,674 $ 6,660,450 Additions to property, plant and equipment (3) : Electronic Instruments $ 45,091 $ 32,069 $ 95,787 Electromechanical 39,340 88,369 35,404 Total segment additions to property, plant and equipment 84,431 120,438 131,191 Corporate 1,914 2,121 1,966 Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment $ 86,345 $ 122,559 $ 133,157 Depreciation and amortization: Electronic Instruments $ 104,284 $ 83,832 $ 75,364 Electromechanical 73,767 64,539 61,770 Total segment depreciation and amortization 178,051 148,371 137,134 Corporate 1,665 1,089 1,450 Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 179,716 $ 149,460 $ 138,584 (1) After elimination of intra- and intersegment sales, which are not significant in amount. (2) Segment operating income represents net sales less all direct costs and expenses (including certain administrative and other expenses) applicable to each segment, but does not include interest expense. (3) Includes $23.1 million in 2016, $53.4 million in 2015 and $61.8 million in 2014 from acquired businesses. Geographic Areas Information about the Company’s operations in different geographic areas for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is shown below. Net sales were attributed to geographic areas based on the location of the customer. Accordingly, U.S. export sales are reported in international sales. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net sales: United States $ 1,829,341 $ 1,919,611 $ 1,825,799 International (1) : United Kingdom 188,700 201,192 220,877 European Union countries 619,138 615,956 674,608 Asia 785,868 789,435 806,926 Other foreign countries 417,040 448,101 493,754 Total international 2,010,746 2,054,684 2,196,165 Total consolidated $ 3,840,087 $ 3,974,295 $ 4,021,964 Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets): United States $ 322,743 $ 313,733 International (2) : United Kingdom 59,208 68,396 European Union countries 58,368 66,635 Asia 12,204 13,928 Other foreign countries 20,707 21,856 Total international 150,487 170,815 Total consolidated $ 473,230 $ 484,548 (1) Includes U.S. export sales of $1,036.0 million in 2016, $1,090.7 million in 2015 and $1,148.1 million in 2014. (2) Represents long-lived assets of foreign-based operations only.

Additional Consolidated Income

Additional Consolidated Income Statement and Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Additional Consolidated Income Statement and Cash Flow Information	16. Additional Consolidated Income Statement and Cash Flow Information Included in other income are interest and other investment income of $1.2 million, $0.7 million and $1.1 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Income taxes paid in 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $180.8 million, $157.8 million and $211.6 million, respectively. Cash paid for interest was $91.8 million, $90.8 million and $74.9 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	17. Stockholders’ Equity In 2015, the Company repurchased approximately 7,978,000 shares of its common stock for $435.4 million in cash under its share repurchase authorization. On both April 1 and November 4, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase of $350 million in the authorization for the repurchase of Company’s common stock. At December 31, 2015, $311.7 million was available under the Company’s Board of Directors authorization for future share repurchases. In 2016, the Company repurchased approximately 7,099,000 shares of its common stock for $336.1 million in cash under its share repurchase authorization. On November 2, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase of $400 million in the authorization for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock. At December 31, 2016, $375.6 million was available under the Company’s Board of Directors authorization for future share repurchases. At December 31, 2016, the Company held 32.1 million shares in its treasury at a cost of $1,211.5 million, compared with 25.2 million shares at a cost of $885.4 million at December 31, 2015. The number of shares outstanding at December 31, 2016 was 229.4 million shares, compared with 235.5 million shares at December 31, 2015. The Company has a Shareholder Rights Plan, under which the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of one Right for each share of Company common stock owned at the close of business on June 2, 2007, and has authorized the issuance of one Right for each share of common stock of the Company issued between the Record Date and the Distribution Date. The Plan provides, under certain conditions involving acquisition of the Company’s common stock, that holders of Rights, except for the acquiring entity, would be entitled (i) to purchase shares of preferred stock at a specified exercise price, or (ii) to purchase shares of common stock of the Company, or the acquiring company, having a value of twice the Rights exercise price. The Rights under the Plan expire in June 2017.

2016 and 2015 Restructuring Cha

2016 and 2015 Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
2016 and 2015 Restructuring Charges	18. 2016 and 2015 Restructuring Charges During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company recorded pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $25.6 million, which had the effect of reducing net income by $17.0 million ($0.07 per diluted share). The restructuring charges were reported in the consolidated statement of income as follows: $24.0 million in Cost of sales and $1.6 million in Selling, general and administrative expenses. The restructuring charges were reported in segment operating income as follows: $12.4 million in EIG, $11.6 million in EMG and $1.6 million in corporate administrative expenses. The restructuring actions primarily related to $19.3 million in severance costs for a reduction in workforce and $6.2 million of asset write-downs in response to the impact of a weak global economy on certain of the Company’s businesses and the effects of a continued strong U.S. dollar. The restructuring activities will be broadly implemented across the Company’s various businesses through the end of 2017, with most actions expected to be completed in 2018. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recorded pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $20.7 million, which had the effect of reducing net income by $13.9 million ($0.06 per diluted share). The restructuring charges were reported in the consolidated statement of income as follows: $20.0 million in Cost of sales and $0.7 million in Selling, general and administrative expenses. The restructuring charges were reported in segment operating income as follows: $9.3 million in EIG, $10.8 million in EMG and $0.7 million in corporate administrative expenses. The restructuring actions primarily related to a reduction in workforce in response to the impact of a weak global economy on certain of the Company’s businesses and the effects of a continued strong U.S. dollar. The restructuring activities have been broadly implemented across the Company’s various businesses with all actions expected to be completed in the second half of 2017. During the first quarter of 2015, the Company recorded pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $15.9 million, which had the effect of reducing net income by $10.8 million ($0.04 per diluted share). The restructuring charges were reported in the consolidated statement of income as follows: $15.8 million in Cost of sales and $0.1 million in Selling, general and administrative expenses. The restructuring charges were reported in segment operating income as follows: $9.3 million in EIG, $6.5 million in EMG and $0.1 million in corporate administrative expenses. The restructuring actions primarily related to a reduction in workforce in response to the impact of a weak global economy on certain of the Company’s businesses and the effects of a continued strong U.S. dollar. The restructuring activities have been broadly implemented across the Company’s various businesses with all actions completed in the second half of 2016. Accrued liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet included amounts related to the 2016 and 2015 restructuring charges as follows (in millions): Fourth Quarter of 2016 Fourth Quarter of 2015 First Quarter of 2015 Total Balance at December 31, 2014 $ — $ — $ — $ — Pre-tax charges — 20.7 15.9 36.6 Utilization — (1.4 ) (10.8 ) (12.2 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other — — (0.1 ) (0.1 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 — 19.3 5.0 24.3 Pre-tax charges 25.6 — — 25.6 Utilization (6.4 ) (9.2 ) (3.4 ) (19.0 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other — (0.9 ) (0.1 ) (1.0 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 19.2 $ 9.2 $ 1.5 $ 29.9

Quarterly Financial Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	19. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) First Second Third Fourth Total Year (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2016 Net sales $ 944,398 $ 977,706 $ 945,030 $ 972,953 $ 3,840,087 Operating income (1)(2) $ 208,523 $ 219,036 $ 201,116 $ 173,222 $ 801,897 Net income (1)(2) $ 134,170 $ 138,193 $ 130,687 $ 109,108 $ 512,158 Basic earnings per share (1)(2)(3) $ 0.57 $ 0.59 $ 0.56 $ 0.47 $ 2.20 Diluted earnings per share (1)(2)(3) $ 0.57 $ 0.59 $ 0.56 $ 0.47 $ 2.19 Dividends paid per share $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.36 2015 Net sales $ 984,059 $ 1,003,726 $ 998,527 $ 987,983 $ 3,974,295 Operating income (4) $ 220,952 $ 240,319 $ 237,615 $ 208,830 $ 907,716 Net income (4) $ 142,107 $ 155,513 $ 156,398 $ 136,841 $ 590,859 Basic earnings per share (3)(4) $ 0.59 $ 0.64 $ 0.65 $ 0.58 $ 2.46 Diluted earnings per share (3)(4) $ 0.59 $ 0.64 $ 0.65 $ 0.57 $ 2.45 Dividends paid per share $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.36 (1) During 2016, the Company recorded pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $25.6 million, recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016. The restructuring charges had the effect of reducing net income for 2016 by $17.0 million ($0.07 per diluted share). See Note 18. (2) During 2016, the Company recorded a $13.9 million non-cash impairment charge related to certain of the Company’s trade names. The impairment charge had the effect of reducing net income for 2016 by $8.6 million ($0.04 per diluted share). See Note 6. (3) The sum of quarterly earnings per share may not equal total year earnings per share due to rounding of earnings per share amounts, and differences in weighted average shares and equivalent shares outstanding for each of the periods presented. (4) During 2015, the Company recorded pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $36.6 million, with $15.9 million recorded in the first quarter of 2015 and $20.7 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015. The restructuring charges had the effect of reducing net income for 2015 by $24.7 million ($0.10 per diluted share), with $10.8 million net income reduction ($0.04 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2015 and $13.9 million net income reduction ($0.06 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2015. See Note 18.

Significant Accounting Polici29

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Consolidation	Basis of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of AMETEK, Inc. (the “Company”), and include the accounts of the Company and subsidiaries, after elimination of all intercompany transactions in the consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.
Cash Equivalents, Securities and Other Investments	Cash Equivalents, Securities and Other Investments All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s investment in a fixed-income mutual fund (held by its captive insurance subsidiary) is classified as “available-for-sale.” The aggregate fair value of the fixed-income mutual fund at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $7.3 million ($8.0 million cost basis) and $8.5 million ($9.9 million cost basis), respectively. The temporary unrealized gain or loss on the fixed-income mutual fund is recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (in stockholders’ equity), and is not significant. Certain of the Company’s other investments, which are not significant, are also accounted for by the equity method of accounting.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable The Company maintains allowances for estimated losses resulting from the inability of specific customers to meet their financial obligations to the Company. A specific allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded against the amount due from these customers. For all other customers, the Company recognizes allowance for doubtful accounts based on the length of time specific receivables are past due based on its historical experience. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $10.3 million and $8.6 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See Note 7.
Inventories	Inventories The Company uses the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method of accounting, which approximates current replacement cost, for approximately 82% of its inventories at December 31, 2016. The last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method of accounting is used to determine cost for the remaining 18% of the Company’s inventory at December 31, 2016. For inventories where cost is determined by the LIFO method, the FIFO would have been $18.4 million and $19.4 million higher than the LIFO value reported in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company provides estimated inventory reserves for slow-moving and obsolete inventory based on current assessments about future demand, market conditions, customers who may be experiencing financial difficulties and related management initiatives. See Note 7.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations The Company allocates the purchase price of an acquired company, including when applicable, the fair value of contingent consideration between tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the acquired business based on their estimated fair values, with the residual of the purchase price recorded as goodwill. The results of operations of the acquired business are included in the Company’s operating results from the date of acquisition. See Note 5.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for additions to plant facilities, or that extend their useful lives, are capitalized. The cost of minor tools, jigs and dies, and maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation of plant and equipment is calculated principally on a straight-line
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, primarily trademarks and trade names, are not amortized; rather, they are tested for impairment at least annually. The Company identifies its reporting units at the component level, which is one level below its operating segments. Generally, goodwill arises from acquisitions of specific operating companies and is assigned to the reporting unit in which a particular operating company resides. The Company’s reporting units are composed of divisions that are one level below its operating segments and for which discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management. The Company principally relies on a discounted cash flow analysis to determine the fair value of each reporting unit, which considers forecasted cash flows discounted at an appropriate discount rate. The Company believes that market participants would use a discounted cash flow analysis to determine the fair value of its reporting units in a sale transaction. The annual goodwill impairment test requires the Company to make a number of assumptions and estimates concerning future levels of revenue growth, operating margins, depreciation, amortization and working capital requirements, which are based on the Company’s long-range plan and are considered level 3 inputs. The Company’s long-range plan is updated as part of its annual planning process and is reviewed and approved by management. The discount rate is an estimate of the overall after-tax rate of return required by a market participant whose weighted average cost of capital includes both equity and debt, including a risk premium. While the Company uses the best available information to prepare its cash flow and discount rate assumptions, actual future cash flows or market conditions could differ significantly resulting in future impairment charges related to recorded goodwill balances. The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangibles other than goodwill (primarily trademarks and trade names) consists of a comparison of the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset to the carrying value of the asset as of the impairment testing date. The Company estimates the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangibles using the relief from royalty method using level 3 inputs. The fair value derived from the relief from royalty method is measured as the discounted cash flow savings realized from owning such trademarks and trade names and not having to pay a royalty for their use. The Company completed its required annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of 2016, 2015 and 2014 and determined that the carrying values of the Company’s goodwill were not impaired. The Company completed its required annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of 2016 and determined that the carrying values of certain of the Company’s trademarks and trade names with indefinite lives were impaired. During 2016, the Company recorded a $13.9 million non-cash impairment charge related to certain of the Company’s trade names. The Company completed its required annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of 2015 and 2014 and determined that the carrying values of the Company’s other intangible assets with indefinite lives were not impaired. Other intangible assets with finite lives are evaluated for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of other intangible assets with finite lives is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from those assets are separately identifiable and are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of those assets. Fair value is determined primarily using present value techniques based on projected cash flows from the asset group. Intangible assets, other than goodwill, with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Patents and technology are being amortized over useful lives of five to 20 years, with a weighted average life of 16 years. Customer relationships are being amortized over a period of five to 20 years, with a weighted average life of 19 years. Miscellaneous other intangible assets are being amortized over a period of two to 20 years. The Company periodically evaluates the reasonableness of the estimated useful lives of these intangible assets. See Note 6.
Financial Instruments and Foreign Currency Translation	Financial Instruments and Foreign Currency Translation Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and their results of operations are translated using average exchange rates for the year. Certain transactions of the Company and its subsidiaries are denominated in currencies other than their functional currency. Exchange gains and losses from those transactions are included in operating results for the year. The Company makes infrequent use of derivative financial instruments. Forward contracts are entered into from time to time to hedge specific firm commitments for certain inventory purchases, export sales, debt or foreign currency transactions, thereby minimizing the Company’s exposure to raw material commodity price or foreign currency fluctuation. In instances where transactions are designated as hedges of an underlying item, the gains and losses on those transactions are included in accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity to the extent they are effective as hedges. An evaluation of hedge effectiveness is performed by the Company on an ongoing basis and any changes in the hedge are made as appropriate. See Note 4.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue on product sales in the period when the sales process is complete. This generally occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with terms of an agreement of sale, under which title and risk of loss have been transferred, collectability is reasonably assured and pricing is fixed or determinable. For a small percentage of sales where title and risk of loss passes at point of delivery, the Company recognizes revenue upon delivery to the customer, assuming all other criteria for revenue recognition are met. The Company’s policy, with respect to sales returns and allowances, generally provides that the customer may not return products or be given allowances, except at the Company’s option. The Company has agreements with distributors that do not provide expanded rights of return for unsold products. The distributor purchases the product from the Company, at which time title and risk of loss transfers to the distributor. The Company does not offer substantial sales incentives and credits to its distributors other than volume discounts. The Company accounts for these sales incentives as a reduction of revenues when the sale is recognized in the consolidated statement of income. Accruals for sales returns, other allowances and estimated warranty costs are provided at the time revenue is recognized based on the Company’s historical experience. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the accrual for future warranty obligations was $22.0 million and $22.8 million, respectively. The Company’s expense for warranty obligations was $16.0 million in 2016, $14.8 million in 2015 and $16.5 million in 2014. The warranty periods for products sold vary among the Company’s operations, but generally do not exceed one year. The Company calculates its warranty expense provision based on its historical warranty experience and adjustments are made periodically to reflect actual warranty expenses. See Note 12.
Research and Development	Research and Development Research and development costs are included in Cost of sales as incurred and were $112.0 million in 2016, $116.3 million in 2015 and $119.3 million in 2014.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs are included in Cost of sales and were $47.9 million in 2016, $50.5 million in 2015 and $49.0 million in 2014.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation The Company expenses the fair value of share-based awards made under its share-based plans in the consolidated financial statements over their requisite service period of the grants. See Note 10.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company’s process of providing for income taxes and determining the related balance sheet accounts requires management to assess uncertainties, make judgments regarding outcomes and utilize estimates. The Company conducts a broad range of operations around the world and is therefore subject to complex tax regulations in numerous international taxing jurisdictions, resulting at times in tax audits, disputes and potential litigation, the outcome of which is uncertain. Management must make judgments currently about such uncertainties and determine estimates of the Company’s tax assets and liabilities. To the extent the final outcome differs, future adjustments to the Company’s tax assets and liabilities may be necessary. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The Company assesses the realizability of its deferred tax assets, taking into consideration the Company’s forecast of future taxable income, available net operating loss carryforwards and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the deferred tax assets. Based on this assessment, management must evaluate the need for, and amount of, valuation allowances against the Company’s deferred tax assets. To the extent facts and circumstances change in the future, adjustments to the valuation allowances may be required. See Note 8.
Pensions	Pensions The Company has U.S. and foreign defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. The most significant elements in determining the Company’s pension income or expense are the assumed pension liability discount rate and the expected return on plan assets. All unrecognized prior service costs, remaining transition obligations or assets and actuarial gains and losses have been recognized, net of tax effects, as a charge to accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity and will be amortized as a component of net periodic pension cost. The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 (its fiscal year end) for its U.S. and foreign defined benefit plans. See Note 11.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares considered outstanding during the periods. The calculation of diluted earnings per share reflects the effect of all potentially dilutive securities (principally outstanding stock options and restricted stock grants). The number of weighted average shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share was as follows for the years ended December 31: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Weighted average shares: Basic shares 232,593 239,906 244,885 Equity-based compensation plans 1,137 1,680 2,217 Diluted shares 233,730 241,586 247,102
Revenue from Contracts with Customers	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”) ASU 2014-09 ASU 2014-09 ASU 2014-09 ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and may be early adopted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company will adopt ASU 2014-09 The Company has completed its initial assessment phase and is proceeding with its implementation plan. The initial assessment consisted of reviewing a representative sample of contracts, discussions with key stakeholders and cataloging potential impacts on the Company’s operations, accounting policies, financial control and financial statements. The Company’s initial assessment indicates the key changes in the standard that impact the Company’s revenue recognition relate to the allocation of contract revenues between various products and services, the timing of when those revenues are recognized and the deferral of incremental costs to obtain a contract. Given the diversity of its commercial arrangements, the Company is continuing to determine the impact ASU 2014-09
Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 ASU 2015-02 ASU 2015-02
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). ASU 2015-03 ASU 2015-03
Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05 , Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (“ASU 2015-05”). ASU 2015-05 ASU 2015-05
Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory	In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”), ASU 2015-11 ASU 2015-11
Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes	In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”). ASU 2015-17 ASU 2015-17 ASU 2015-17 ASU 2015-17 ASU 2015-17.
Leases	In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 ASU 2016-02 ASU 2016-02
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting	In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 ASU 2016-09 ASU 2016-09
Clarifying the Definition of a Business	In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”). ASU 2017-01 ASU 2017-01 ASU 2017-01 ASU 2017-01 ASU 2017-01 ASU 2017-01
Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment	In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 ASU 2017-04 ASU 2017-04

Significant Accounting Polici30

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [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 for the years ended December 31: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Weighted average shares: Basic shares 232,593 239,906 244,885 Equity-based compensation plans 1,137 1,680 2,217 Diluted shares 233,730 241,586 247,102

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 December 31, 2016 and 2015, consistent with the fair value hierarchy: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Fair Value Fair Value (In thousands) Fixed-income investments $ 7,317 $ 8,482
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 December 31, 2016 and 2015: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Recorded Fair Value Recorded Fair Value (In thousands) Short-term borrowings, net $ — $ — $ (312,999 ) $ (312,999 ) Long-term debt, net (including current portion) (2,341,565 ) (2,386,901 ) (1,625,041 ) (1,683,523 )

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 $ 23.1 Goodwill 171.3 Other intangible assets 192.2 Deferred income taxes, net (18.8 ) Long-term liabilities (2.4 ) Net working capital and other (1 ) 26.0 Total purchase price $ 391.4 (1) Includes $16.1 million in accounts receivable, whose fair value, contractual cash flows and expected cash flows are approximately equal.

Goodwill and Other Intangible33

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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: EIG EMG Total (In millions) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 1,646.7 $ 967.3 $ 2,614.0 Goodwill acquired 64.0 89.5 153.5 Purchase price allocation adjustments and other (2.3 ) — (2.3 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (30.2 ) (28.4 ) (58.6 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 1,678.2 1,028.4 2,706.6 Goodwill acquired 165.0 6.3 171.3 Purchase price allocation adjustments and other 0.3 (0.1 ) 0.2 Foreign currency translation adjustments (26.5 ) (32.6 ) (59.1 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 1,817.0 $ 1,002.0 $ 2,819.0
Other Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets were as follows at December 31: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization): Patents $ 49,755 $ 51,059 Purchased technology 283,612 266,644 Customer lists 1,363,700 1,257,730 1,697,067 1,575,433 Accumulated amortization: Patents (34,927 ) (34,745 ) Purchased technology (87,869 ) (73,809 ) Customer lists (362,924 ) (306,558 ) (485,720 ) (415,112 ) Net intangible assets subject to amortization 1,211,347 1,160,321 Indefinite-lived intangible assets (not subject to amortization): Trademarks and trade names 536,574 512,640 Impairment (13,900 ) — 522,674 512,640 $ 1,734,021 $ 1,672,961

Other Consolidated Balance Sh34

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Text Block [Abstract]
Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information	December 31, 2016 2015 (In thousands) INVENTORIES, NET Finished goods and parts $ 75,827 $ 83,229 Work in process 101,484 105,259 Raw materials and purchased parts 314,793 325,963 $ 492,104 $ 514,451 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET Land $ 41,875 $ 41,951 Buildings 281,847 293,002 Machinery and equipment 840,725 849,658 1,164,447 1,184,611 Less: Accumulated depreciation (691,217 ) (700,063 ) $ 473,230 $ 484,548 ACCRUED LIABILITIES Employee compensation and benefits $ 93,226 $ 93,232 Product warranty obligation 22,007 22,761 Restructuring 29,951 29,203 Other 100,886 95,808 $ 246,070 $ 241,004 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) ALLOWANCES FOR POSSIBLE LOSSES ON ACCOUNTS Balance at the beginning of the year $ 8,555 $ 10,446 $ 9,547 Additions charged to expense 4,124 630 2,974 Write-offs (2,304 ) (1,872 ) (2,243 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other (118 ) (649 ) 168 Balance at the end of the year $ 10,257 $ 8,555 $ 10,446

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income before Income Taxes and Details of Provision for Income Taxes	The components of income before income taxes and the details of the provision for income taxes were as follows for the years ended December 31: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Income before income taxes: Domestic $ 397,215 $ 502,292 $ 495,516 Foreign 295,888 304,088 309,316 Total $ 693,103 $ 806,380 $ 804,832 Provision for income taxes: Current: Federal $ 116,898 $ 130,996 $ 128,635 Foreign 63,170 66,691 60,606 State 6,509 11,376 12,461 Total current 186,577 209,063 201,702 Deferred: Federal 5,273 1,711 19,870 Foreign (8,434 ) (3,611 ) 1,552 State (2,471 ) 8,358 (2,752 ) Total deferred (5,632 ) 6,458 18,670 Total provision $ 180,945 $ 215,521 $ 220,372
Components of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability	Significant components of the deferred tax (asset) liability were as follows at December 31: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Current deferred tax (asset) liability: Reserves not currently deductible $ (39,509 ) $ (37,771 ) Share-based compensation (7,022 ) (7,218 ) Net operating loss carryforwards (2,072 ) (368 ) Other (1,041 ) 353 (49,644 ) (45,004 ) Portion included in other current liabilities (360 ) (1,720 ) Gross current deferred tax asset (50,004 ) (46,724 ) Noncurrent deferred tax (asset) liability: Differences in basis of property and accelerated depreciation 54,243 57,581 Reserves not currently deductible (28,808 ) (28,809 ) Pensions 8,714 6,736 Differences in basis of intangible assets and accelerated amortization 603,577 597,266 Net operating loss carryforwards (8,399 ) (5,722 ) Share-based compensation (13,707 ) (11,607 ) Foreign tax credit carryforwards (3,441 ) — Other 3,477 1,411 615,656 616,856 Less: Valuation allowance 2,046 2,840 617,702 619,696 Portion included in noncurrent assets 4,074 4,350 Gross noncurrent deferred tax liability 621,776 624,046 Net deferred tax liability $ 571,772 $ 577,322
Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate to U.S. Federal Statutory Rate	The Company’s effective tax rate reconciles to the U.S. Federal statutory rate as follows for the years ended December 31: 2016 2015 2014 U.S. Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 0.4 1.2 0.9 Foreign operations, net (7.1 ) (6.8 ) (6.1 ) U.S. Manufacturing deduction and credits (2.6 ) (2.4 ) (2.2 ) Other 0.4 (0.3 ) (0.2 ) Consolidated effective tax rate 26.1 % 26.7 % 27.4 %
Reconciliation of Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions	The following is a reconciliation of the liability for uncertain tax positions at December 31: 2016 2015 2014 (In millions) Balance at the beginning of the year $ 63.8 $ 71.7 $ 55.2 Additions for tax positions related to the current year 5.5 8.8 10.7 Additions for tax positions of prior years 1.5 1.3 16.8 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (3.6 ) (7.1 ) (1.7 ) Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities (3.4 ) (8.3 ) (0.4 ) Reductions due to statute expirations (5.9 ) (2.6 ) (8.9 ) Balance at the end of the year $ 57.9 $ 63.8 $ 71.7

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Long-term debt, net consisted of the following at December 31: 2016 2015 (In thousands) U.S. dollar 6.20% senior notes due December 2017 $ 270,000 $ 270,000 U.S. dollar 6.35% senior notes due July 2018 80,000 80,000 U.S. dollar 7.08% senior notes due September 2018 160,000 160,000 U.S. dollar 7.18% senior notes due December 2018 65,000 65,000 U.S. dollar 6.30% senior notes due December 2019 100,000 100,000 U.S. dollar 3.73% senior notes due September 2024 300,000 300,000 U.S. dollar 3.91% senior notes due June 2025 50,000 50,000 U.S. dollar 3.96% senior notes due August 2025 100,000 100,000 U.S. dollar 3.83% senior notes due September 2026 100,000 100,000 U.S. dollar 3.98% senior notes due September 2029 100,000 100,000 U.S. dollar 4.45% senior notes due August 2035 50,000 50,000 British pound 5.99% senior note due November 2016 — 59,049 British pound 4.68% senior note due September 2020 98,701 118,098 British pound 2.59% senior note due November 2028 185,067 — British pound 2.70% senior note due November 2031 92,533 — Euro 1.34% senior notes due October 2026 316,643 — Euro 1.53% senior notes due October 2028 211,096 — Swiss franc 2.44% senior note due December 2021 54,150 55,024 Revolving credit facility borrowings — 314,100 Other, principally foreign 14,604 20,849 Less: Debt issuance costs (6,229 ) (4,080 ) Total debt, net 2,341,565 1,938,040 Less: Current portion, net (278,921 ) (384,924 ) Total long-term debt, net $ 2,062,644 $ 1,553,116

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Total Share-Based Compensation Expense	Total share-based compensation expense was as follows for the years ended December 31: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Stock option expense $ 9,984 $ 10,955 $ 9,130 Restricted stock expense 12,046 12,807 10,741 Total pre-tax expense 22,030 23,762 19,871 Related tax benefit (6,846 ) (7,623 ) (6,154 ) Reduction of net income $ 15,184 $ 16,139 $ 13,717
Weighted Average Assumptions Used for Estimating Fair Values of Stock Options Granted	The following weighted average assumptions were used in the Black-Scholes-Merton 2016 2015 2014 Expected volatility 21.8 % 22.3 % 23.9 % Expected term (years) 5.0 5.0 5.0 Risk-free interest rate 1.23 % 1.58 % 1.63 % Expected dividend yield 0.77 % 0.69 % 0.45 % Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted $ 9.14 $ 10.89 $ 12.21
Summary of Stock Option Activity and Related Information	The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2016: Shares Weighted Price Weighted Life Aggregate Value (In thousands) (Years) (In millions) Outstanding at the beginning of the year 5,659 $ 39.49 Granted 1,471 46.97 Exercised (713 ) 25.72 Forfeited (329 ) 49.40 Expired (77 ) 52.52 Outstanding at the end of the year 6,011 $ 42.25 3.9 $ 45.9 Exercisable at the end of the year 3,209 $ 36.39 2.5 $ 42.1
Summary of Nonvested Stock Option Activity and Related Information	The following is a summary of the Company’s nonvested stock option activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2016: Shares Weighted Average Fair Value (In thousands) Nonvested stock options outstanding at the beginning of the year 2,717 $ 10.85 Granted 1,471 9.14 Vested (1,057 ) 10.22 Forfeited (329 ) 10.54 Nonvested stock options outstanding at the end of the year 2,802 $ 10.15
Summary of Nonvested Restricted Stock Activity and Related Information	The following is a summary of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2016: Shares Weighted Average Fair Value (In thousands) Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at the beginning of the year 1,061 $ 46.32 Granted 376 46.91 Vested (292 ) 38.13 Forfeited (126 ) 48.66 Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at the end of the year 1,019 $ 48.59

Retirement Plans and Other Po38

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Net Projected Benefit Obligation and Fair Value of Plan Assets for Funded and Unfunded Defined Benefit Plans	The following tables set forth the changes in net projected benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets for the funded and unfunded defined benefit plans for the years ended December 31: U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year $ 472,477 $ 491,373 Service cost 3,488 3,924 Interest cost 22,153 20,761 Actuarial losses (gains) 29,681 (27,605 ) Gross benefits paid (29,005 ) (27,930 ) Plan amendments 56 — Acquisition — 11,954 Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year $ 498,850 $ 472,477 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year $ 508,775 $ 498,923 Actual return on plan assets 36,414 (21,020 ) Employer contributions 889 50,726 Gross benefits paid (29,005 ) (27,930 ) Acquisition — 8,076 Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year $ 517,073 $ 508,775 Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year $ 243,924 $ 197,671 Service cost 3,134 3,076 Interest cost 7,896 7,910 Foreign currency translation adjustments (39,910 ) (14,337 ) Employee contributions 256 303 Actuarial losses (gains) 52,248 (6,892 ) Expenses paid from assets (770 ) (610 ) Gross benefits paid (8,475 ) (8,064 ) Plan amendments (6 ) — Acquisition — 64,867 Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year $ 258,297 $ 243,924 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year $ 213,296 $ 159,907 Actual return on plan assets 14,346 7,471 Employer contributions 5,886 4,490 Employee contributions 256 303 Foreign currency translation adjustments (35,604 ) (10,584 ) Expenses paid from assets (770 ) (610 ) Gross benefits paid (8,475 ) (8,064 ) Acquisition — 60,383 Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year $ 188,935 $ 213,296
Accumulated Benefit Obligation ("ABO")	The accumulated benefit obligation consisted of the following at December 31: U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Funded plans $ 480,249 $ 454,498 Unfunded plans 6,212 5,481 Total $ 486,461 $ 459,979 Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Funded plans $ 213,877 $ 203,229 Unfunded plans 33,924 30,327 Total $ 247,801 $ 233,556
Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets	The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets and pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were as follows at December 31: U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Projected Benefit Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets Fair Value of Assets 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Benefit obligation $ 26,356 $ 5,481 $ 26,356 $ 5,481 Fair value of plan assets 19,059 — 19,059 — Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Projected Benefit Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeds Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets Fair Value of Assets 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Benefit obligation $ 215,893 $ 161,711 $ 209,377 $ 155,169 Fair value of plan assets 146,480 119,045 146,480 119,045
Funded Status of Plan and Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet	The following table provides the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Funded status asset (liability): Fair value of plan assets $ 706,008 $ 722,071 Projected benefit obligation (757,147 ) (716,401 ) Funded status at the end of the year $ (51,139 ) $ 5,670 Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consisted of: Noncurrent asset for pension benefits (other assets) $ 25,571 $ 53,817 Current liabilities for pension benefits (1,393 ) (1,001 ) Noncurrent liability for pension benefits (75,317 ) (47,146 ) Net amount recognized at the end of the year $ (51,139 ) $ 5,670
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Taxes	The following table provides the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes, at December 31: Net amounts recognized: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net actuarial loss $ 204,782 $ 156,351 Prior service costs (1,031 ) (1,321 ) Transition asset 7 8 Total recognized $ 203,758 $ 155,038
Components of Net Periodic Pension Benefit Expense (Income)	The following table provides the components of net periodic pension benefit expense (income) for the years ended December 31: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Defined benefit plans: Service cost $ 6,622 $ 7,000 $ 6,153 Interest cost 30,049 28,670 28,931 Expected return on plan assets (51,140 ) (54,819 ) (50,196 ) Amortization of: Net actuarial loss 10,224 9,383 4,483 Prior service costs (52 ) (55 ) (51 ) Transition asset 1 1 1 Total net periodic benefit (income) expense (4,296 ) (9,820 ) (10,679 ) Other plans: Defined contribution plans 23,881 22,750 20,714 Foreign plans and other 5,694 4,800 5,325 Total other plans 29,575 27,550 26,039 Total net pension expense $ 25,279 $ 17,730 $ 15,360
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations	Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31: 2016 2015 U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Discount rate 4.25 % 4.80 % Rate of compensation increase (where applicable) 3.75 % 3.75 % Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Discount rate 2.56 % 3.62 % Rate of compensation increase (where applicable) 2.50 % 2.88 %
Fair Value of Plan Assets	The following is a summary of the fair value of plan assets for U.S. plans at December 31, 2016 and 2015 in accordance with the retrospective adoption of ASU No. 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent (“ASU 2015-07”). December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Asset Class Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 (In thousands) Corporate debt instruments $ 2,662 $ — $ 2,662 $ 5,617 $ — $ 5,617 Corporate debt instruments - Preferred 8,880 — 8,880 9,835 — 9,835 Corporate stocks - Common 109,881 109,881 — 118,673 118,673 — Municipal bonds 777 — 777 1,003 — 1,003 Registered investment companies 251,054 251,054 — 202,522 202,522 — U.S. Government securities — — — 113 — 113 Total investments 373,254 360,935 12,319 337,763 321,195 16,568 Investments measured at net asset value 143,819 — — 171,012 — — Total investments $ 517,073 $ 360,935 $ 12,319 $ 508,775 $ 321,195 $ 16,568
Net Periodic Pension Benefit Expense [Member]
Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations	The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine the above net periodic pension benefit expense for the years ended December 31: 2016 2015 2014 U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Discount rate 4.80 % 4.20 % 5.00 % Expected return on plan assets 7.75 % 7.75 % 7.75 % Rate of compensation increase (where applicable) 3.75 % 3.75 % 3.75 % Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Discount rate 3.62 % 3.44 % 4.38 % Expected return on plan assets 6.95 % 6.92 % 6.93 % Rate of compensation increase (where applicable) 2.88 % 2.88 % 2.92 %
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	The following is a summary of the fair value of plan assets for foreign defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2016 and 2015 in accordance with the retrospective adoption of ASU 2015-07. December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Asset Class Total Level 3 Total Level 3 (In thousands) Life insurance $ 18,147 $ 18,147 $ 20,486 $ 20,486 Total investments 18,147 18,147 20,486 20,486 Investments measured at net asset value 170,788 — 192,810 — Total investments $ 188,935 $ 18,147 $ 213,296 $ 20,486
Summary of Changes in Fair Value of U.S. Plans' Investments Using Significant Unobservable Inputs	The following is a summary of the changes in the fair value of the foreign plans’ level 3 investments (fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs): Life Insurance (In thousands) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 8,888 Actual return on assets: Unrealized (losses) relating to instruments still held at the end of the year (980 ) Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net 12,578 Balance, December 31, 2015 20,486 Actual return on assets: Unrealized (losses) relating to instruments still held at the end of the year (2,339 ) Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net — Balance, December 31, 2016 $ 18,147

Guarantees (Tables)

Guarantees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Guarantees [Abstract]
Changes in Accrued Product Warranty Obligation	Changes in the accrued product warranty obligation were as follows at December 31: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Balance at the beginning of the year $ 22,761 $ 29,764 $ 28,036 Accruals for warranties issued during the year 16,046 14,817 16,463 Settlements made during the year (17,732 ) (19,905 ) (17,636 ) Warranty accruals related to acquired businesses and other during the year 932 (1,915 ) 2,901 Balance at the end of the year $ 22,007 $ 22,761 $ 29,764

Reportable Segments and Geogr40

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Segment Financial Information	Reportable Segment Financial Information 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net sales (1) : Electronic Instruments $ 2,360,285 $ 2,417,192 $ 2,421,638 Electromechanical 1,479,802 1,557,103 1,600,326 Consolidated net sales $ 3,840,087 $ 3,974,295 $ 4,021,964 Operating income and income before income taxes: Segment operating income (2) : Electronic Instruments $ 577,717 $ 639,399 $ 612,992 Electromechanical 277,873 318,098 335,046 Total segment operating income 855,590 957,497 948,038 Corporate administrative and other expenses (53,693 ) (49,781 ) (49,452 ) Consolidated operating income 801,897 907,716 898,586 Interest and other expenses, net (108,794 ) (101,336 ) (93,754 ) Consolidated income before income taxes $ 693,103 $ 806,380 $ 804,832 Assets: Electronic Instruments $ 4,104,972 $ 3,827,182 Electromechanical 2,446,180 2,541,253 Total segment assets 6,551,152 6,368,435 Corporate 549,522 292,015 Consolidated assets $ 7,100,674 $ 6,660,450 Additions to property, plant and equipment (3) : Electronic Instruments $ 45,091 $ 32,069 $ 95,787 Electromechanical 39,340 88,369 35,404 Total segment additions to property, plant and equipment 84,431 120,438 131,191 Corporate 1,914 2,121 1,966 Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment $ 86,345 $ 122,559 $ 133,157 Depreciation and amortization: Electronic Instruments $ 104,284 $ 83,832 $ 75,364 Electromechanical 73,767 64,539 61,770 Total segment depreciation and amortization 178,051 148,371 137,134 Corporate 1,665 1,089 1,450 Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 179,716 $ 149,460 $ 138,584 (1) After elimination of intra- and intersegment sales, which are not significant in amount. (2) Segment operating income represents net sales less all direct costs and expenses (including certain administrative and other expenses) applicable to each segment, but does not include interest expense. (3) Includes $23.1 million in 2016, $53.4 million in 2015 and $61.8 million in 2014 from acquired businesses.
Information about Company's Operations in Different Geographic Areas	Information about the Company’s operations in different geographic areas for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is shown below. Net sales were attributed to geographic areas based on the location of the customer. Accordingly, U.S. export sales are reported in international sales. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net sales: United States $ 1,829,341 $ 1,919,611 $ 1,825,799 International (1) : United Kingdom 188,700 201,192 220,877 European Union countries 619,138 615,956 674,608 Asia 785,868 789,435 806,926 Other foreign countries 417,040 448,101 493,754 Total international 2,010,746 2,054,684 2,196,165 Total consolidated $ 3,840,087 $ 3,974,295 $ 4,021,964 Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets): United States $ 322,743 $ 313,733 International (2) : United Kingdom 59,208 68,396 European Union countries 58,368 66,635 Asia 12,204 13,928 Other foreign countries 20,707 21,856 Total international 150,487 170,815 Total consolidated $ 473,230 $ 484,548 (1) Includes U.S. export sales of $1,036.0 million in 2016, $1,090.7 million in 2015 and $1,148.1 million in 2014. (2) Represents long-lived assets of foreign-based operations only.

2016 and 2015 Restructuring C41

2016 and 2015 Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities in Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet Included Amounts Related to Restructuring Charges	Accrued liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet included amounts related to the 2016 and 2015 restructuring charges as follows (in millions): Fourth Quarter of 2016 Fourth Quarter of 2015 First Quarter of 2015 Total Balance at December 31, 2014 $ — $ — $ — $ — Pre-tax charges — 20.7 15.9 36.6 Utilization — (1.4 ) (10.8 ) (12.2 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other — — (0.1 ) (0.1 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 — 19.3 5.0 24.3 Pre-tax charges 25.6 — — 25.6 Utilization (6.4 ) (9.2 ) (3.4 ) (19.0 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other — (0.9 ) (0.1 ) (1.0 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 19.2 $ 9.2 $ 1.5 $ 29.9

Quarterly Financial Data (Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	First Second Third Fourth Total Year (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2016 Net sales $ 944,398 $ 977,706 $ 945,030 $ 972,953 $ 3,840,087 Operating income (1)(2) $ 208,523 $ 219,036 $ 201,116 $ 173,222 $ 801,897 Net income (1)(2) $ 134,170 $ 138,193 $ 130,687 $ 109,108 $ 512,158 Basic earnings per share (1)(2)(3) $ 0.57 $ 0.59 $ 0.56 $ 0.47 $ 2.20 Diluted earnings per share (1)(2)(3) $ 0.57 $ 0.59 $ 0.56 $ 0.47 $ 2.19 Dividends paid per share $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.36 2015 Net sales $ 984,059 $ 1,003,726 $ 998,527 $ 987,983 $ 3,974,295 Operating income (4) $ 220,952 $ 240,319 $ 237,615 $ 208,830 $ 907,716 Net income (4) $ 142,107 $ 155,513 $ 156,398 $ 136,841 $ 590,859 Basic earnings per share (3)(4) $ 0.59 $ 0.64 $ 0.65 $ 0.58 $ 2.46 Diluted earnings per share (3)(4) $ 0.59 $ 0.64 $ 0.65 $ 0.57 $ 2.45 Dividends paid per share $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.36 (1) During 2016, the Company recorded pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $25.6 million, recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016. The restructuring charges had the effect of reducing net income for 2016 by $17.0 million ($0.07 per diluted share). See Note 18. (2) During 2016, the Company recorded a $13.9 million non-cash impairment charge related to certain of the Company’s trade names. The impairment charge had the effect of reducing net income for 2016 by $8.6 million ($0.04 per diluted share). See Note 6. (3) The sum of quarterly earnings per share may not equal total year earnings per share due to rounding of earnings per share amounts, and differences in weighted average shares and equivalent shares outstanding for each of the periods presented. (4) During 2015, the Company recorded pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $36.6 million, with $15.9 million recorded in the first quarter of 2015 and $20.7 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015. The restructuring charges had the effect of reducing net income for 2015 by $24.7 million ($0.10 per diluted share), with $10.8 million net income reduction ($0.04 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2015 and $13.9 million net income reduction ($0.06 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2015. See Note 18.

Significant Accounting Polici43

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Maturity period of liquid investments	Three months or less
Aggregate fair value of fixed-income mutual fund	$ 7,300	$ 8,500
Amortized cost of investment	8,000	9,900
Allowance for possible losses on receivables	$ 10,257	8,555	$ 10,446	$ 9,547
Percentage of FIFO method of inventory in total inventory	82.00%
Percentage of LIFO method of inventory in total inventory	18.00%
Excess of the FIFO value over the LIFO value	$ 18,400	19,400
Depreciation expense	74,800	68,700	63,700
Non-cash impairment charge related to intangible assets	13,900
Accrual for future warranty obligations	22,007	22,761	29,764	$ 28,036
Expense for warranty obligations	$ 16,046	14,817	16,463
Product warranty period	1 year
Research and development costs	$ 112,000	116,300	119,300
Shipping and handling costs	$ 47,900	$ 50,500	$ 49,000
Patents and Technology [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Weighted average life	16 years
Patents and Technology [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful life, maximum	5 years
Patents and Technology [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful life, maximum	20 years
Customer Relationships [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Weighted average life	19 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful life, maximum	5 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful life, maximum	20 years
Other Acquired Intangibles [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful life, maximum	2 years
Other Acquired Intangibles [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful life, maximum	20 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Range of lives for depreciable assets, maximum	3 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Range of lives for depreciable assets, maximum	10 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Range of lives for depreciable assets, maximum	5 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Range of lives for depreciable assets, maximum	27 years
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Range of lives for depreciable assets, maximum	25 years
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Range of lives for depreciable assets, maximum	50 years

Significant Accounting Polici44

Significant Accounting Policies - Number of Weighted Average Shares (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Weighted average shares:
Basic shares	232,593	239,906	244,885
Equity-based compensation plans	1,137	1,680	2,217
Diluted shares	233,730	241,586	247,102

Fair Value Measurements - Fair

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Assets Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-income investments	$ 7,317	$ 8,482

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Contract	Dec. 31, 2015Contract
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	$ 0
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	$ 0
Number of forward contracts outstanding | Contract	0	0

Fair Value Measurements - Fai47

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Disclosures of Financial Instrument Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Recorded Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings, net		$ (312,999)
Long-term debt, net (including current portion)	$ (2,341,565)	(1,625,041)
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings, net		(312,999)
Long-term debt, net (including current portion)	$ (2,386,901)	$ (1,683,523)

Hedging Activities - Additional

Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) - Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] - Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]
Percentage of effectiveness on net investment hedges	100.00%
Currency remeasurement gains	$ 50	$ 14.4
British-Pound-Denominated Loans [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Hedge against net investment in foreign subsidiaries	376.3	$ 177.1
Euro Loan [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Hedge against net investment in foreign subsidiaries	$ 527.7

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amount of cash paid for acquisitions		$ 391,419	$ 356,466	$ 573,647
Total other intangible assets acquired		192,200
Indefinite-lived intangible trade names acquired		34,500
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired		157,700
Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired		$ 124,800
Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset		18 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset		20 years
Purchased Technology [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired		$ 32,900
Purchased Technology [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset		10 years
Purchased Technology [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset		18 years
Brookfield Engineering Laboratories and ESP/SurgeX, HS Foils and Nu Instruments and Laserage Technology Corporation [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amount of cash paid for acquisitions		$ 391,400
Total other intangible assets acquired		192,200
Future amortization expense, 2016		9,000
Future amortization expense, 2017		9,000
Future amortization expense, 2018		9,000
Future amortization expense, 2019		9,000
Future amortization expense, 2020		9,000
2016 Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill recorded in connection with acquisitions		$ 99,000
Global Tubes and Surface Vision [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amount of cash paid for acquisitions			$ 356,500
Teseq Group, VTI Instruments, Luphos GmbH, Zygo Corporation and Amptek,Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amount of cash paid for acquisitions				$ 573,600
Rauland-Borg [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amount of cash paid for acquisitions	$ 340,000
Contingent payment for acquisition	30,000
Estimated annual sales	$ 160,000

Acquisitions - Allocation of Ag

Acquisitions - Allocation of Aggregate Purchase Price of Acquired Net Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 2,818,950	$ 2,706,633	$ 2,614,000
Other intangible assets	192,200
Brookfield Engineering Laboratories and ESP/SurgeX, HS Foils and Nu Instruments and Laserage Technology Corporation [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	23,100
Goodwill	171,300
Other intangible assets	192,200
Deferred income taxes, net	(18,800)
Long-term liabilities	(2,400)
Net working capital and other	26,000
Total purchase price	$ 391,400

Acquisitions - Allocation of 51

Acquisitions - Allocation of Aggregate Purchase Price of Acquired Net Assets (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Accounts receivable included in purchase price	$ 16.1

Goodwill Other Intangible Asset

Goodwill Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 2,706,633	$ 2,614,000
Goodwill acquired	171,300	153,500
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other	200	(2,300)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(59,100)	(58,600)
Goodwill, ending balance	2,818,950	2,706,633
Electronic Instruments Group [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,678,200	1,646,700
Goodwill acquired	165,000	64,000
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other	300	(2,300)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(26,500)	(30,200)
Goodwill, ending balance	1,817,000	1,678,200
Electromechanical Group [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,028,400	967,300
Goodwill acquired	6,300	89,500
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other	(100)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(32,600)	(28,400)
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 1,002,000	$ 1,028,400

Goodwill and Other Intangible53

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Other Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	$ 1,697,067	$ 1,575,433
Accumulated amortization	(485,720)	(415,112)
Net intangible assets subject to amortization	1,211,347	1,160,321
Impairment	(13,900)
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (not subject to amortization)	522,674	512,640
Total	1,734,021	1,672,961
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (not subject to amortization)	536,574	512,640
Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	49,755	51,059
Accumulated amortization	(34,927)	(34,745)
Purchased Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	283,612	266,644
Accumulated amortization	(87,869)	(73,809)
Customer Lists [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	1,363,700	1,257,730
Accumulated amortization	$ (362,924)	$ (306,558)

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Non-cash impairment charge related to intangible assets	$ 13,900
Amortization expense	104,900	$ 80,800	$ 74,900
Future amortization expense, 2017	91,000
Future amortization expense, 2018	91,000
Future amortization expense, 2019	91,000
Future amortization expense, 2020	91,000
Future amortization expense, 2021	91,000
Cost of Sales, Excluding Depreciation [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Non-cash impairment charge related to intangible assets	13,900
Cost of Sales, Excluding Depreciation [Member] | Trade Names [Member] | Electronic Instruments Group [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Non-cash impairment charge related to intangible assets	9,200
Cost of Sales, Excluding Depreciation [Member] | Trade Names [Member] | Electromechanical Group [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Non-cash impairment charge related to intangible assets	$ 4,700

Other Consolidated Balance Sh55

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information - Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
INVENTORIES, NET
Finished goods and parts	$ 75,827	$ 83,229
Work in process	101,484	105,259
Raw materials and purchased parts	314,793	325,963
Total inventories	492,104	514,451
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Land	41,875	41,951
Buildings	281,847	293,002
Machinery and equipment	840,725	849,658
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,164,447	1,184,611
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(691,217)	(700,063)
Property, plant and equipment, Net	473,230	484,548
ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Employee compensation and benefits	93,226	93,232
Product warranty obligation	22,007	22,761	$ 29,764	$ 28,036
Restructuring	29,951	29,203
Other	100,886	95,808
Total accrued liabilities	246,070	241,004
ALLOWANCES FOR POSSIBLE LOSSES ON ACCOUNTS
Balance at the beginning of the year	8,555	10,446	9,547
Additions charged to expense	4,124	630	2,974
Write-offs	(2,304)	(1,872)	(2,243)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(118)	(649)	168
Balance at the end of the year	$ 10,257	$ 8,555	$ 10,446

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income before Income Taxes and Details of Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income before income taxes:
Domestic	$ 397,215	$ 502,292	$ 495,516
Foreign	295,888	304,088	309,316
Income before income taxes	693,103	806,380	804,832
Current:
Federal	116,898	130,996	128,635
Foreign	63,170	66,691	60,606
State	6,509	11,376	12,461
Total current	186,577	209,063	201,702
Deferred:
Federal	5,273	1,711	19,870
Foreign	(8,434)	(3,611)	1,552
State	(2,471)	8,358	(2,752)
Total deferred	(5,632)	6,458	18,670
Total provision	$ 180,945	$ 215,521	$ 220,372

Income Taxes - Components of De

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred tax (asset) liability:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ (10,400)
Gross current deferred tax asset	(49,644)	$ (45,004)
Net current deferred tax asset	(50,004)	(46,724)
Net operating loss carryforwards	(10,400)
Noncurrent deferred tax (asset) liability	615,656	616,856
Less: Valuation allowance	2,046	2,840
Gross noncurrent deferred tax liability	617,702	619,696
Net noncurrent deferred tax liability	621,776	624,046
Net deferred tax liability	571,772	577,322
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Deferred tax (asset) liability:
Gross current deferred tax asset	(360)	(1,720)
Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Deferred tax (asset) liability:
Gross noncurrent deferred tax liability	4,074	4,350
Current [Member]
Deferred tax (asset) liability:
Reserves not currently deductible	(39,509)	(37,771)
Share-based compensation	(7,022)	(7,218)
Net operating loss carryforwards	(2,072)	(368)
Other	(1,041)	353
Reserves not currently deductible	(39,509)	(37,771)
Net operating loss carryforwards	(2,072)	(368)
Share-based compensation	(7,022)	(7,218)
Non Current [Member]
Deferred tax (asset) liability:
Reserves not currently deductible	(28,808)	(28,809)
Share-based compensation	(13,707)	(11,607)
Net operating loss carryforwards	(8,399)	(5,722)
Differences in basis of property and accelerated depreciation	54,243	57,581
Reserves not currently deductible	(28,808)	(28,809)
Pensions	8,714	6,736
Differences in basis of intangible assets and accelerated amortization	603,577	597,266
Net operating loss carryforwards	(8,399)	(5,722)
Share-based compensation	(13,707)	(11,607)
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	(3,441)
Other	$ 3,477	$ 1,411

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate to U.S. Federal Statutory Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	0.40%	1.20%	0.90%
Foreign operations, net	(7.10%)	(6.80%)	(6.10%)
U.S. Manufacturing deduction and credits	(2.60%)	(2.40%)	(2.20%)
Other	0.40%	(0.30%)	(0.20%)
Consolidated effective tax rate	26.10%	26.70%	27.40%

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Undistributed earnings of certain other subsidiaries	$ 4,500,000	$ 6,900,000
Provision for deferred income tax	(5,632,000)	6,458,000	$ 18,670,000
Net operating loss carryforwards	10,400,000
Tax benefits related to tax credit carryforwards	4,100,000
Valuation allowance	800,000
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	57,900,000	63,800,000	71,700,000	$ 55,200,000
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact tax rate, if recognized	48,500,000	52,900,000
Interest and penalties accrued related to uncertain tax positions	8,900,000	10,700,000
Expense (Benefit) of interest and penalties	$ (1,800,000)	(400,000)	$ 2,500,000
Period between open tax years subject to tax audit	Three and six years
Additions of tax, interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	$ 8,600,000	12,000,000
Tax and interest related to statute expirations and settlement of prior uncertain positions reversed	16,300,000	20,300,000
Amount of tax, interest and penalties classified as a noncurrent liability	65,200,000
Decrease of income tax expense	6,200,000
Federal [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	4,600,000
Operating loss carryforwards valuation allowance	0
Tax credit carryforwards	1,100,000
Tax credit carryforwards valuation allowance	500,000
State [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	4,500,000
Operating loss carryforwards valuation allowance	0
Tax credit carryforwards	2,900,000
Tax credit carryforwards valuation allowance	0
Foreign [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	1,300,000
Operating loss carryforwards valuation allowance	1,500,000
Tax credit carryforwards	100,000
Tax credit carryforwards valuation allowance	0
United States [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Provision for deferred income tax	0	0
United States [Member] | Foreign [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Undistributed earnings of certain other subsidiaries	$ 1,126,900,000	$ 1,075,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Expiration period for operating loss carryforwards	Dec. 31, 2017
Expiration period for tax credit carryforwards	Dec. 31, 2017
Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Expiration period for operating loss carryforwards	Dec. 31, 2036
Expiration period for tax credit carryforwards	Dec. 31, 2036

Income Taxes - Reconciliation60

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at the beginning of the year	$ 63.8	$ 71.7	$ 55.2
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	5.5	8.8	10.7
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1.5	1.3	16.8
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(3.6)	(7.1)	(1.7)
Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities	(3.4)	(8.3)	(0.4)
Reductions due to statute expirations	(5.9)	(2.6)	(8.9)
Balance at the end of the year	$ 57.9	$ 63.8	$ 71.7

Debt - Long-term Debt (Detail)

Debt - Long-term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less: Debt issuance costs	$ (6,229)	$ (4,080)
Total debt, net	2,341,565	1,938,040
Total debt, net	2,341,565	1,938,040
Less: Current portion, net	(278,921)	(384,924)
Total long-term debt, net	2,062,644	1,553,116
6.20% Senior Notes Due December 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	270,000	270,000
Total debt, net	270,000	270,000
6.35% Senior Notes Due July 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	80,000	80,000
Total debt, net	80,000	80,000
7.08% Senior Notes Due September 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	160,000	160,000
Total debt, net	160,000	160,000
7.18% Senior Notes Due December 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	65,000	65,000
Total debt, net	65,000	65,000
6.30% Senior Notes Due December 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	100,000	100,000
Total debt, net	100,000	100,000
3.73% Senior Notes Due September 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	300,000	300,000
Total debt, net	300,000	300,000
3.91% Senior Notes Due June 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	50,000	50,000
Total debt, net	50,000	50,000
3.96% Senior Notes Due August 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	100,000	100,000
Total debt, net	100,000	100,000
3.83% Senior Notes Due September 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	100,000	100,000
Total debt, net	100,000	100,000
3.98% Senior Notes Due September 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	100,000	100,000
Total debt, net	100,000	100,000
4.45% Senior Notes Due August 2035 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	50,000	50,000
Total debt, net	50,000	50,000
British Pound 5.99% Senior Note Due November 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net		59,049
Total debt, net		59,049
British Pound 4.68% Senior Note Due September 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	98,701	118,098
Total debt, net	98,701	118,098
British Pound 2.59% Senior Note Due November 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	185,067
Total debt, net	185,067
British Pound 2.70% Senior Note Due November 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	92,533
Total debt, net	92,533
Euro 1.34% Senior Notes Due October 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	316,643
Total debt, net	316,643
Euro 1.53% Senior Note Due October 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	211,096
Total debt, net	211,096
Swiss Franc 2.44% Senior Note Due December 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	54,150	55,024
Total debt, net	54,150	55,024
Other Principally Foreign [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	14,604	20,849
Total debt, net	$ 14,604	20,849
Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net		314,100
Total debt, net		$ 314,100

Debt - Long-term Debt (Parenthe

Debt - Long-term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2008	Sep. 30, 2008	Jul. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2007	Nov. 30, 2004
6.20% Senior Notes Due December 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	6.20%									6.20%
Maturity date of senior notes	Dec. 31, 2017
6.35% Senior Notes Due July 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	6.35%								6.35%
Maturity date of senior notes	Jul. 31, 2018
7.08% Senior Notes Due September 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	7.08%							7.08%
Maturity date of senior notes	Sep. 30, 2018
7.18% Senior Notes Due December 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	7.18%						7.18%
Maturity date of senior notes	Dec. 31, 2018
6.30% Senior Notes Due December 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	6.30%									6.30%
Maturity date of senior notes	Dec. 31, 2019
3.73% Senior Notes Due September 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.73%			3.73%
Maturity date of senior notes	Sep. 30, 2024
3.91% Senior Notes Due June 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.91%		3.91%
Maturity date of senior notes	Jun. 30, 2025
3.96% Senior Notes Due August 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.96%	3.96%
Maturity date of senior notes	Aug. 31, 2025
3.83% Senior Notes Due September 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.83%			3.83%
Maturity date of senior notes	Sep. 30, 2026
3.98% Senior Notes Due September 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	3.98%			3.98%
Maturity date of senior notes	Sep. 30, 2029
4.45% Senior Notes Due August 2035 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	4.45%	4.45%
Maturity date of senior notes	Aug. 31, 2035
British Pound 5.99% Senior Note Due November 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	5.99%										5.99%
Maturity date of senior notes	Nov. 30, 2016
British Pound 4.68% Senior Note Due September 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	4.68%					4.68%
Maturity date of senior notes	Sep. 30, 2020
British Pound 2.59% Senior Note Due November 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	2.59%
Maturity date of senior notes	Nov. 30, 2028
British Pound 2.70% Senior Note Due November 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	2.70%
Maturity date of senior notes	Nov. 30, 2031
Euro 1.34% Senior Notes Due October 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	1.34%
Maturity date of senior notes	Oct. 31, 2026
Euro 1.53% Senior Note Due October 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	1.53%
Maturity date of senior notes	Oct. 31, 2028
Swiss Franc 2.44% Senior Note Due December 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	2.44%				2.44%
Maturity date of senior notes	Dec. 31, 2021

Debt - Additional Information (

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016GBP (£)	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016GBP (£)	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016EUR (€)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2018			$ 308.8
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2019			100
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2020			98.7
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2021			54.2
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2022			0
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2023 and thereafter			$ 1,505.3
Weighted average interest rate on senior note			1.82%
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes				£ 225		€ 500
Senior Notes [Member] | First Funding [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes					$ 546.8	500
Funding date			Oct. 31, 2016
Senior Notes [Member] | 1.34% Due October 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes					$ 328.1	€ 300
Interest rate on senior notes				1.34%	1.34%	1.34%
Maturity date of senior notes			Oct. 31, 2026
Senior Notes [Member] | 1.53% Due October 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes					$ 218.7	€ 200
Interest rate on senior notes				1.53%	1.53%	1.53%
Maturity date of senior notes			Oct. 31, 2028
Senior Notes [Member] | Second Funding [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes				£ 225	$ 274.1
Funding date			Nov. 30, 2016
Senior Notes [Member] | 2.59% Due November 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes				£ 150	$ 182.7
Interest rate on senior notes				2.59%	2.59%	2.59%
Maturity date of senior notes			Nov. 30, 2028
Senior Notes [Member] | 2.70% Due November 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes				£ 75	$ 91.4
Interest rate on senior notes				2.70%	2.70%	2.70%
Maturity date of senior notes			Nov. 30, 2031
Senior Notes [Member] | 5.99% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior notes	5.99%	5.99%
Payments of senior notes	£ 40	$ 48.7

Debt - Additional Information 1

Debt - Additional Information 1 (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011CHF (SFr)	Sep. 30, 2010GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2008USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2008USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2008USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2007USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2004GBP (£)
6.20% Senior Notes Due December 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes										$ 270,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	6.20%									6.20%
Maturity date of senior notes	Dec. 31, 2017
6.30% Senior Notes Due December 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes										$ 100,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	6.30%									6.30%
Maturity date of senior notes	Dec. 31, 2019
6.35% Senior Notes Due July 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes									$ 80,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	6.35%								6.35%
Maturity date of senior notes	Jul. 31, 2018
7.08% Senior Notes Due September 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes								$ 160,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	7.08%							7.08%
Maturity date of senior notes	Sep. 30, 2018
7.18% Senior Notes Due December 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes							$ 65,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	7.18%						7.18%
Maturity date of senior notes	Dec. 31, 2018
3.73% Senior Notes Due September 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes				$ 300,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	3.73%			3.73%
Maturity date of senior notes	Sep. 30, 2024
3.83% Senior Notes Due September 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes				$ 100,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	3.83%			3.83%
Maturity date of senior notes	Sep. 30, 2026
3.98% Senior Notes Due September 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes				$ 100,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	3.98%			3.98%
Maturity date of senior notes	Sep. 30, 2029
3.91% Senior Notes Due June 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes			$ 50,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	3.91%		3.91%
Maturity date of senior notes	Jun. 30, 2025
3.96% Senior Notes Due August 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes		$ 100,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	3.96%	3.96%
Maturity date of senior notes	Aug. 31, 2025
4.45% Senior Notes Due August 2035 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes		$ 50,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	4.45%	4.45%
Maturity date of senior notes	Aug. 31, 2035
British Pound 5.99% Senior Note Due November 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes | £											£ 40,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	5.99%										5.99%
Maturity date of senior notes	Nov. 30, 2016
British Pound 4.68% Senior Note Due September 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes	$ 98,700,000					£ 80,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	4.68%					4.68%
Maturity date of senior notes	Sep. 30, 2020
Swiss Franc 2.44% Senior Note Due December 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes	$ 54,200,000				SFr 55,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	2.44%				2.44%
Maturity date of senior notes	Dec. 31, 2021

Debt - Additional Information 2

Debt - Additional Information 2 (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt, net		$ 1,938,040,000	$ 2,341,565,000
Weighted average interest rate on total debt borrowings outstanding		5.20%	4.40%
Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	$ 850,000,000	$ 700,000,000
Revolving credit facility expiration date	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2018
Revolving credit facility expiration period	5 years
Additional borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility			$ 300,000,000
Available borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility			1,117,300,000
Borrowings outstanding		$ 314,100,000	$ 0
Percentage of weighted average interest rate on revolving credit facility		1.37%	1.72%
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt, net		$ 314,100,000
Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings outstanding		36,900,000	$ 33,200,000
Foreign Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Available borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility		37,500,000	43,700,000
Borrowings outstanding		20,900,000	14,600,000
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt, net		$ 7,900,000	$ 3,800,000

Share-Based Compensation - Addi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period from date of grant before vesting begins	1 year
Contractual term of stock options	7 years
Common stock reserved for share-based plans	14,000,000
Stock options outstanding	6,011,000	5,659,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 16.2	$ 62.3	$ 25.7
Total fair value of stock options vested	10.8	$ 10.3	8.9
Expected future pre-tax compensation expense, nonvested stock options	$ 19
Nonvested stock options outstanding	2,802,000	2,717,000
Weighted average period to recognize expected future pre-tax compensation expense (in years)	2 years
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 Beginning One Year from Date of Grant [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rate	25.00%
Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cliff vesting period	4 years
Total fair value of vested restricted stock	$ 11.1	$ 10.6	$ 3.6
Expected future pre-tax compensation expense, nonvested restricted shares	$ 28
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding	1,019,000	1,061,000
Weighted average fair value, per share	$ 46.91	$ 52.31
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average period to recognize expected future pre-tax compensation expense (in years)	2 years

Share-Based Compensation - Tota

Share-Based Compensation - Total Share-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock option expense	$ 9,984	$ 10,955	$ 9,130
Restricted stock expense	12,046	12,807	10,741
Total pre-tax expense	22,030	23,762	19,871
Related tax benefit	(6,846)	(7,623)	(6,154)
Reduction of net income	$ 15,184	$ 16,139	$ 13,717

Share-Based Compensation - Weig

Share-Based Compensation - Weighted Average Assumptions Used for Estimating Fair Values of Stock Options Granted (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Expected volatility	21.80%	22.30%	23.90%
Expected term (years)	5 years	5 years	5 years
Risk-free interest rate	1.23%	1.58%	1.63%
Expected dividend yield	0.77%	0.69%	0.45%
Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted	$ 9.14	$ 10.89	$ 12.21

Share-Based Compensation - Summ

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity and Related Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Shares | shares	5,659
Granted, Shares | shares	1,471
Exercised, Shares | shares	(713)
Forfeited, Shares | shares	(329)
Expired, Shares | shares	(77)
Ending balance, Outstanding, Shares | shares	6,011
Ending balance, Exercisable, Shares | shares	3,209
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 39.49
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	46.97
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	25.72
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	49.40
Expired, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	52.52
Ending balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	42.25
Ending balance, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 36.39
Ending balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	3 years 10 months 24 days
Ending balance, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	2 years 6 months
Ending balance, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 45.9
Ending balance, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 42.1

Share-Based Compensation - Su70

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Nonvested Stock Option Activity and Related Information (Detail) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Beginning balance, Nonvested, Shares	2,717
Nonvested stock options Granted, Shares	1,471
Nonvested stock options Vested, Shares	(1,057)
Nonvested stock options Forfeited, Shares	(329)
Ending balance, Nonvested, Shares	2,802	2,717
Beginning balance, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 10.85
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	9.14	$ 10.89	$ 12.21
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	10.22
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	10.54
Ending balance, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 10.15	$ 10.85

Share-Based Compensation - Su71

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Nonvested Restricted Stock Activity and Related Information (Detail) - Restricted Shares [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Nonvested restricted stock outstanding, Shares	1,061
Granted, Shares	376
Vested, Shares	(292)
Forfeited, Shares	(126)
Ending balance, Nonvested restricted stock outstanding, Shares	1,019	1,061
Beginning balance, Nonvested restricted stock outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 46.32
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	46.91	$ 52.31
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	38.13
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	48.66
Ending balance, Nonvested restricted stock outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 48.59	$ 46.32

Retirement Plans and Other Po72

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of minimum employee contributions		20.00%
Percentage of maximum employee contributions		100.00%
Percentage of employee contributions for eligible compensation, Minimum		1.00%
Percentage of employee contributions for eligible compensation, Maximum		8.00%
Defined benefit plan contributions by employer employee match		$ 1,200
Number of equity securities in AMETEK common stock		512,565	512,565
Total market value of equity securities in AMETEK common stock		$ 24,900,000	$ 27,500,000
Percentage of equity securities in company common stock included in plan assets		4.80%	5.40%
Expected amount of amortization related to net actuarial losses and prior service costs		$ 14,000,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2017		37,300,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2018		38,500,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2019		39,400,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2020		40,500,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2021		41,200,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2022-2026		217,500,000
Amount deferred under the compensation plan, including income earned		25,200,000	$ 23,400,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan cash contributions	$ 50,100,000
Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year		52,000,000
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year		56,000,000
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan cash contributions		$ 29,005,000	$ 27,930,000
Expected long-term return on plan assets		7.75%	7.75%	7.75%
Assumed rate of return next year		7.50%
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan cash contributions	40,000,000
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign benefits plans		50.00%
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign benefits plans		20.00%
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Other Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign benefits plans		30.00%
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan cash contributions		$ 8,475,000	$ 8,064,000
Expected long-term return on plan assets		6.95%	6.92%	6.93%
Assumed rate of return next year		6.79%
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan cash contributions	$ 10,100,000
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign benefits plans		70.00%
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign benefits plans		15.00%
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Other Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocations for the U.S. and foreign benefits plans		15.00%

Retirement Plans and Other Po73

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Net Projected Benefit Obligation and Fair Value of Plan Assets for Funded and Unfunded Defined Benefit Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	$ 716,401
Service cost	6,622	$ 7,000	$ 6,153
Interest cost	30,049	28,670	28,931
Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	757,147	716,401
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	722,071
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	706,008	722,071
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	472,477	491,373
Service cost	3,488	3,924
Interest cost	22,153	20,761
Actuarial losses (gains)	29,681	(27,605)
Gross benefits paid	(29,005)	(27,930)
Plan amendments	56
Acquisition		11,954
Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	498,850	472,477	491,373
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	508,775	498,923
Actual return on plan assets	36,414	(21,020)
Employer contributions	889	50,726
Gross benefits paid	(29,005)	(27,930)
Acquisition		8,076
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	517,073	508,775	498,923
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	243,924	197,671
Service cost	3,134	3,076
Interest cost	7,896	7,910
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(39,910)	(14,337)
Employee contributions	256	303
Actuarial losses (gains)	52,248	(6,892)
Expenses paid from assets	(770)	(610)
Gross benefits paid	(8,475)	(8,064)
Plan amendments	(6)
Acquisition		64,867
Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	258,297	243,924	197,671
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	213,296	159,907
Actual return on plan assets	14,346	7,471
Employer contributions	5,886	4,490
Employee contributions	256	303
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(35,604)	(10,584)
Expenses paid from assets	(770)	(610)
Gross benefits paid	(8,475)	(8,064)
Acquisition		60,383
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	$ 188,935	$ 213,296	$ 159,907

Retirement Plans and Other Po74

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Accumulated Benefit Obligation ("ABO") (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 486,461	$ 459,979
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Funded Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	480,249	454,498
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Unfunded Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	6,212	5,481
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	247,801	233,556
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Funded Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	213,877	203,229
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Unfunded Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 33,924	$ 30,327

Retirement Plans and Other Po75

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.25%	4.80%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)	3.75%	3.75%
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	2.56%	3.62%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)	2.50%	2.88%

Retirement Plans and Other Po76

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Fair Value of Plan Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 706,008	$ 722,071
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	517,073	508,775	$ 498,923
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	777	1,003
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Corporate Debt Instruments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,662	5,617
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Corporate Debt Instruments - Preferred [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	8,880	9,835
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Corporate Stocks - Common [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	109,881	118,673
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Registered Investment Companies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	251,054	202,522
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | U.S. Government Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		113
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Total Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	373,254	337,763
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Investments Measured at Net Asset Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	143,819	171,012
Level 1 [Member] | United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	360,935	321,195
Level 1 [Member] | United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Corporate Stocks - Common [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	109,881	118,673
Level 1 [Member] | United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Registered Investment Companies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	251,054	202,522
Level 1 [Member] | United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Total Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	360,935	321,195
Level 2 [Member] | United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	12,319	16,568
Level 2 [Member] | United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	777	1,003
Level 2 [Member] | United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Corporate Debt Instruments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,662	5,617
Level 2 [Member] | United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Corporate Debt Instruments - Preferred [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	8,880	9,835
Level 2 [Member] | United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | U.S. Government Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		113
Level 2 [Member] | United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Total Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 12,319	$ 16,568

Retirement Plans and Other Po77

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Fair Value of Plan Assets for Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 706,008	$ 722,071
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	188,935	213,296	$ 159,907
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Life Insurance [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	18,147	20,486
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Total Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	18,147	20,486
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Investments Measured at Net Asset Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	170,788	192,810
Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	18,147	20,486
Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Life Insurance [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	18,147	20,486	$ 8,888
Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Total Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 18,147	$ 20,486

Retirement Plans and Other Po78

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Changes of Fair Value of Foreign Plans' Investments Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	$ 722,071
Actual return on assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	706,008	$ 722,071
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	213,296	159,907
Actual return on assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	188,935	213,296
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Life Insurance [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	20,486
Actual return on assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	18,147	20,486
Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	20,486
Actual return on assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	18,147	20,486
Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Life Insurance [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	20,486	8,888
Actual return on assets:
Unrealized (losses) relating to instruments still held at the end of the year	(2,339)	(980)
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year	0	0
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net		12,578
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	$ 18,147	$ 20,486

Retirement Plans and Other Po79

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation	$ 26,356	$ 5,481
Projected Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets	19,059
Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation	26,356	5,481
Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets	19,059
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation	215,893	161,711
Projected Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets	146,480	119,045
Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation	209,377	155,169
Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 146,480	$ 119,045

Retirement Plans and Other Po80

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Funded Status of Plan and Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Funded status asset (liability):
Fair value of plan assets	$ 706,008	$ 722,071
Projected benefit obligation	(757,147)	(716,401)
Funded status at the end of the year	(51,139)	5,670
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consisted of:
Noncurrent asset for pension benefits (other assets)	25,571	53,817
Current liabilities for pension benefits	(1,393)	(1,001)
Noncurrent liability for pension benefits	(75,317)	(47,146)
Net amount recognized at the end of the year	$ (51,139)	$ 5,670

Retirement Plans and Other Po81

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total recognized	$ 203,758	$ 155,038
Net Actuarial Loss [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total recognized	204,782	156,351
Prior Service Costs [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total recognized	(1,031)	(1,321)
Transition Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total recognized	$ 7	$ 8

Retirement Plans and Other Po82

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Pension Benefit Expense (Income) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	$ 6,622	$ 7,000	$ 6,153
Interest cost	30,049	28,670	28,931
Expected return on plan assets	(51,140)	(54,819)	(50,196)
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss	10,224	9,383	4,483
Prior service costs	(52)	(55)	(51)
Transition asset	1	1	1
Total net periodic benefit (income) expense	(4,296)	(9,820)	(10,679)
Other plans:
Defined contribution plans	23,881	22,750	20,714
Foreign plans and other	5,694	4,800	5,325
Total other plans	29,575	27,550	26,039
Total net pension expense	$ 25,279	$ 17,730	$ 15,360

Retirement Plans and Other Po83

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Pension Benefit Expense (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.80%	4.20%	5.00%
Expected return on plan assets	7.75%	7.75%	7.75%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)	3.75%	3.75%	3.75%
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.62%	3.44%	4.38%
Expected return on plan assets	6.95%	6.92%	6.93%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)	2.88%	2.88%	2.92%

Guarantees - Additional Informa

Guarantees - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Guarantees [Abstract]
Future payment obligations of various guarantees, Maximum amount	$ 70,200,000
Outstanding liability of guarantees	$ 9,900,000
Product warranty description	The Company provides limited warranties in connection with the sale of its products. The warranty periods for products sold vary among the Company's operations, but generally do not exceed one year.

Guarantees - Changes in Accrued

Guarantees - Changes in Accrued Product Warranty Obligation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]
Balance at the beginning of the year	$ 22,761	$ 29,764	$ 28,036
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	16,046	14,817	16,463
Settlements made during the year	(17,732)	(19,905)	(17,636)
Warranty accruals related to acquired businesses and other during the year	932	(1,915)	2,901
Balance at the end of the year	$ 22,007	$ 22,761	$ 29,764

Contingencies - Additional Info

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)site	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Number of non-owned sites Company is named Potentially Responsible Party | site	13
Number of non-owned sites the Company is identified as a de minimis party | site	12
Number of non-owned sites Company has reached tentative settlement agreement | site	8
Number of non-owned sites Company is still working to establish settlement amount | site	4
Total environmental reserves	$ 28.4	$ 28.4	$ 30.5
Increase (decrease) in environmental reserves		4.1
Total expenses related to environmental matters		5.4
Foreign currency translation		0.8
HCC Industries [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Reserves related to an owned site acquired	12.4	12.4	$ 11.5
Receivables related to HCC for probable recoveries from third-party funds	11.9	$ 11.9
Amount for which the Company is indemnified by HCC's former owners	$ 19

Leases and Other Commitments -

Leases and Other Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Minimum aggregate rental commitments under noncancellable leases	$ 143.5
Future minimum rental payments in 2017	33
Future minimum rental payments in 2018	25.2
Future minimum rental payments in 2019	19.4
Future minimum rental payments in 2020	14.5
Future minimum rental payments in 2021	12.2
Future minimum rental payments thereafter	39.2
Rental expenses under non-cancelable leases	46.3	$ 43.6	$ 44.6
Purchase obligations outstanding	$ 289.1	$ 321.7
Minimum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Leases expiration	2,017
Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Leases expiration	2,082

Reportable Segments and Geogr88

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2

Reportable Segments and Geogr89

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information - Reportable Segment Financial Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 972,953	$ 945,030	$ 977,706	$ 944,398	$ 987,983	$ 998,527	$ 1,003,726	$ 984,059	$ 3,840,087	$ 3,974,295	$ 4,021,964
Segment operating income:
Operating income	173,222	$ 201,116	$ 219,036	$ 208,523	208,830	$ 237,615	$ 240,319	$ 220,952	801,897	907,716	898,586
Interest and other expenses, net									(108,794)	(101,336)	(93,754)
Income before income taxes									693,103	806,380	804,832
Assets:
Assets	7,100,674				6,660,450				7,100,674	6,660,450
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Additions to property, plant and equipment									86,345	122,559	133,157
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									179,716	149,460	138,584
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment operating income:
Operating income									855,590	957,497	948,038
Assets:
Assets	6,551,152				6,368,435				6,551,152	6,368,435
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Additions to property, plant and equipment									84,431	120,438	131,191
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									178,051	148,371	137,134
Operating Segments [Member] | Electronic Instruments Group [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									2,360,285	2,417,192	2,421,638
Segment operating income:
Operating income									577,717	639,399	612,992
Assets:
Assets	4,104,972				3,827,182				4,104,972	3,827,182
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Additions to property, plant and equipment									45,091	32,069	95,787
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									104,284	83,832	75,364
Operating Segments [Member] | Electromechanical Group [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									1,479,802	1,557,103	1,600,326
Segment operating income:
Operating income									277,873	318,098	335,046
Assets:
Assets	2,446,180				2,541,253				2,446,180	2,541,253
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Additions to property, plant and equipment									39,340	88,369	35,404
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									73,767	64,539	61,770
Corporate [Member]
Segment operating income:
Corporate administrative and other expenses									(53,693)	(49,781)	(49,452)
Assets:
Assets	$ 549,522				$ 292,015				549,522	292,015
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Additions to property, plant and equipment									1,914	2,121	1,966
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									$ 1,665	$ 1,089	$ 1,450

Reportable Segments and Geogr90

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information - Reportable Segment Financial Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Additions to property, plant and equipment from acquired business	$ 23.1	$ 53.4	$ 61.8

Reportable Segments and Geogr91

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information - Information about Company's Operations in Different Geographic Areas (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 972,953	$ 945,030	$ 977,706	$ 944,398	$ 987,983	$ 998,527	$ 1,003,726	$ 984,059	$ 3,840,087	$ 3,974,295	$ 4,021,964
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	473,230				484,548				473,230	484,548
United States [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									1,829,341	1,919,611	1,825,799
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	322,743				313,733				322,743	313,733
United Kingdom [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									188,700	201,192	220,877
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	59,208				68,396				59,208	68,396
European Union Countries [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									619,138	615,956	674,608
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	58,368				66,635				58,368	66,635
Asia [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									785,868	789,435	806,926
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	12,204				13,928				12,204	13,928
Other Foreign Countries [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									417,040	448,101	493,754
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	20,707				21,856				20,707	21,856
Total International [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									2,010,746	2,054,684	$ 2,196,165
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	$ 150,487				$ 170,815				$ 150,487	$ 170,815

Reportable Segments and Geogr92

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information - Information about Company's Operations in Different Geographic Areas (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue from U.S. export sales	$ 1,036	$ 1,090.7	$ 1,148.1

Additional Consolidated Incom93

Additional Consolidated Income Statement and Cash Flow Information - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]
Interest and other investment income	$ 1.2	$ 0.7	$ 1.1
Income taxes paid	180.8	157.8	211.6
Cash paid for interest	$ 91.8	$ 90.8	$ 74.9

Stockholders' Equity - Addition

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Rightshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)shares	Nov. 02, 2016USD ($)	Nov. 04, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2015USD ($)
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Repurchase of common stock | shares	7,099,000	7,978,000
Repurchase of common stock under share repurchase authorization	$ 336,100,000	$ 435,400,000
Remaining authorization for future share repurchases	$ 375,600,000	$ 311,700,000
Authorization for repurchase of common stock			$ 400,000,000	$ 350,000,000	$ 350,000,000
Treasury stock, shares | shares	32,053,227	25,203,699
Treasury stock, cost	$ 1,211,539,000	$ 885,430,000
Number of shares outstanding | shares	229,400,000	235,500,000
Stockholders right expiration date	2017-06
Number of rights per common share | Right	1

2016 and 2015 Restructuring C95

2016 and 2015 Restructuring Charges - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reduction in net income due to restructuring charges	$ 17	$ 13.9	$ 10.8	$ 17	$ 24.7
Reduction in earning per share diluted due to restructuring charges	$ 0.07	$ 0.06	$ 0.04	$ 0.07	$ 0.10
Restructuring charges	$ 25.6	$ 20.7	$ 15.9	$ 25.6	$ 36.6
Severance cost	19.3
Asset write-downs	6.2
Electronic Instruments Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	12.4	9.3	9.3
Electromechanical Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	11.6	10.8	6.5
Cost of Sales, Excluding Depreciation [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	24	20	15.8
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	1.6	0.7	0.1
Corporate Administrative Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 1.6	$ 0.7	$ 0.1

2016 and 2015 Restructuring C96

2016 and 2015 Restructuring Charges - Schedule of Accrued Liabilities in Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet Included Amounts Related to Restructuring Charges (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance				$ 24.3
Pre-tax charges	$ 25.6	$ 20.7	$ 15.9	25.6	$ 36.6
Utilization				(19)	(12.2)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other				(1)	(0.1)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	29.9	24.3		29.9	24.3
Fourth Quarter of 2016 Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax charges				25.6
Utilization				(6.4)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	19.2			19.2
Fourth Quarter of 2015 Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance				19.3
Pre-tax charges					20.7
Utilization				(9.2)	(1.4)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other				(0.9)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	9.2	19.3		9.2	19.3
First Quarter of 2015 Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance				5
Pre-tax charges					15.9
Utilization				(3.4)	(10.8)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other				(0.1)	(0.1)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	$ 1.5	$ 5		$ 1.5	$ 5

Quarterly Financial Data - Quar

Quarterly Financial Data - Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 972,953	$ 945,030	$ 977,706	$ 944,398	$ 987,983	$ 998,527	$ 1,003,726	$ 984,059	$ 3,840,087	$ 3,974,295	$ 4,021,964
Operating income	173,222	201,116	219,036	208,523	208,830	237,615	240,319	220,952	801,897	907,716	898,586
Net income	$ 109,108	$ 130,687	$ 138,193	$ 134,170	$ 136,841	$ 156,398	$ 155,513	$ 142,107	$ 512,158	$ 590,859	$ 584,460
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.47	$ 0.56	$ 0.59	$ 0.57	$ 0.58	$ 0.65	$ 0.64	$ 0.59	$ 2.20	$ 2.46	$ 2.39
Diluted earnings per share	0.47	0.56	0.59	0.57	0.57	0.65	0.64	0.59	2.19	2.45	$ 2.37
Dividends paid per share	$ 0.09	$ 0.09	$ 0.09	$ 0.09	$ 0.09	$ 0.09	$ 0.09	$ 0.09	$ 0.36	$ 0.36

Quarterly Financial Data - Qu98

Quarterly Financial Data - Quarterly Financial Data (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Reduction in net income due to restructuring charges	$ 17,000	$ 13,900	$ 10,800	$ 17,000	$ 24,700
Reduction in earning per share diluted due to restructuring charges	$ 0.07	$ 0.06	$ 0.04	$ 0.07	$ 0.10
Restructuring charges	$ 25,600	$ 20,700	$ 15,900	$ 25,600	$ 36,600
Non-cash impairment charge related to trade names				(13,900)
Reduction in net income due to non-cash impairment				$ 8,600
Reduction in earnings per share diluted due to non-cash impairment				$ 0.04