AMETEK (AME) 10-K 22 Feb 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
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		231,334,609
Entity Public Float			$ 14

Consolidated Statement of Incom

Consolidated Statement of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 4,300,170	$ 3,840,087	$ 3,974,295
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales	2,851,431	2,575,220	2,617,987
Selling, general and administrative	533,645	462,970	448,592
Total operating expenses	3,385,076	3,038,190	3,066,579
Operating income	915,094	801,897	907,716
Other expenses:
Interest expense	(98,029)	(94,304)	(91,795)
Other, net	(20,336)	(14,490)	(9,541)
Income before income taxes	796,729	693,103	806,380
Provision for income taxes	115,259	180,945	215,521
Net income	$ 681,470	$ 512,158	$ 590,859
Basic earnings per share	$ 2.96	$ 2.20	$ 2.46
Diluted earnings per share	$ 2.94	$ 2.19	$ 2.45
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic shares	230,229	232,593	239,906
Diluted shares	231,845	233,730	241,586

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 681,470	$ 512,158	$ 590,859
Foreign currency translation:
Translation adjustments	159,507	(68,774)	(67,245)
Change in long-term intercompany notes	36,320	(7,597)	(51,235)
Net investment hedge instruments, net of tax of $41,178, $6,558 and $3,432 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	(109,412)	(12,179)	(6,374)
Defined benefit pension plans:
Net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of ($8,384), $17,450 and $12,870 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	16,518	(55,259)	(21,002)
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax of ($4,680), ($2,090) and ($3,247) in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	9,910	6,618	6,137
Amortization of prior service costs, net of tax of $4, $25 and ($564) in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	(41)	(79)	1,809
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gain (loss), net of tax of ($221), ($275) and $445 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	411	512	(827)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	113,213	(136,758)	(138,737)
Total comprehensive income	$ 794,683	$ 375,400	$ 452,122

Consolidated Statement of Comp4

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Tax benefit (expense) from investment hedge instruments	$ 41,178	$ 6,558	$ 3,432
Tax benefit (expense) from change in pension plans	(8,384)	17,450	12,870
Tax related to amortization of net actuarial loss	(4,680)	(2,090)	(3,247)
Tax related to amortization of prior service costs	4	25	(564)
Tax benefit (expense) from increase (decrease) on available-for-sale securities	$ (221)	$ (275)	$ 445

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 646,300	$ 717,259
Receivables, net	668,176	592,326
Inventories, net	540,504	492,104
Deferred income taxes		50,004
Other current assets	79,675	76,497
Total current assets	1,934,655	1,928,190
Property, plant and equipment, net	493,296	473,230
Goodwill	3,115,619	2,818,950
Other intangibles, net	2,013,365	1,734,021
Investments and other assets	239,129	146,283
Total assets	7,796,064	7,100,674
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt, net	308,123	278,921
Accounts payable	437,329	369,537
Income taxes payable	34,660	29,913
Accrued liabilities	358,551	246,070
Total current liabilities	1,138,663	924,441
Long-term debt, net	1,866,166	2,062,644
Deferred income taxes	512,526	621,776
Other long-term liabilities	251,076	235,300
Total liabilities	3,768,431	3,844,161
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: 2017 - 262,947,829 shares; 2016 - 261,432,134 shares	2,631	2,615
Capital in excess of par value	660,894	604,143
Retained earnings	5,002,419	4,403,683
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(429,176)	(542,389)
Treasury stock: 2017 - 31,754,106 shares; 2016 - 32,053,227 shares	(1,209,135)	(1,211,539)
Total stockholders' equity	4,027,633	3,256,513
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 7,796,064	$ 7,100,674

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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	262,947,829	261,432,134
Treasury stock, shares	31,754,106	32,053,227

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, 2014		$ 2,589	$ 491,750	$ 3,469,923	$ (124,920)	$ (141,982)	$ 8		$ (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 gain (loss), net of tax of ($8,384), $17,450 and $12,870 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, 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 ($4,680), ($2,090) and ($3,247) in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	6,137					6,137
Purchase of treasury stock									(435,400)
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options			20,478
Other				(1)
Net investment hedge instruments, net of tax of $41,178, $6,558 and $3,432 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	(6,374)				(6,374)
Amortization of prior service costs, net of tax of $4, $25 and ($564) in 2017, 2016 and 2015, 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 gain (loss), net of tax of ($8,384), $17,450 and $12,870 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, 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 ($4,680), ($2,090) and ($3,247) in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	6,618					6,618
Purchase of treasury stock	(336,140)								(336,140)
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options			5,343
Other				(1)
Net investment hedge instruments, net of tax of $41,178, $6,558 and $3,432 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	(12,179)				(12,179)
Amortization of prior service costs, net of tax of $4, $25 and ($564) in 2017, 2016 and 2015, 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)
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans			31,660						9,271
Net income	681,470			681,470
Translation adjustments	159,507				159,507
Net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of ($8,384), $17,450 and $12,870 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	16,518					16,518
Shares issued		16
Increase (decrease) during the year, net of tax	411						411
Share-based compensation costs			25,091
Cash dividends paid				(82,735)
Change in long-term intercompany notes	36,320				36,320
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax of ($4,680), ($2,090) and ($3,247) in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	9,910					9,910
Purchase of treasury stock	(6,867)								(6,867)
Other				1
Net investment hedge instruments, net of tax of $41,178, $6,558 and $3,432 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	(109,412)				(109,412)
Amortization of prior service costs, net of tax of $4, $25 and ($564) in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	(41)					(41)
Balance at the end of the year at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 4,027,633	$ 2,631	$ 660,894	$ 5,002,419	$ (251,909)	$ (177,371)	$ 104	$ (429,176)	$ (1,209,135)

Consolidated Statement of Stoc8

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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 hedge instruments	$ 41,178	$ 6,558	$ 3,432
Tax benefit (expense) from change in pension plans	(8,384)	17,450	12,870
Tax related to amortization of net actuarial loss	(4,680)	(2,090)	(3,247)
Tax related to amortization of prior service costs	$ 4	$ 25	$ (564)

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 681,470	$ 512,158	$ 590,859
Adjustments to reconcile net income to total operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	183,227	179,716	149,460
Deferred income taxes	(91,205)	(5,632)	6,458
Share-based compensation expense	25,091	22,030	23,762
Gain on sale of facilities	(1,213)	(743)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
(Increase) decrease in receivables	(24,581)	14,773	(6,995)
(Increase) decrease in inventories and other current assets	(6,087)	38,666	(12,007)
Increase (decrease) in payables, accruals and income taxes	124,399	2,657	(20,049)
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities	2,787	(4,298)	255
Pension contribution	(54,796)	(6,775)	(55,215)
Other, net	(5,833)	4,283	(3,988)
Total operating activities	833,259	756,835	672,540
Investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(75,074)	(63,280)	(69,083)
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired	(556,634)	(391,419)	(356,466)
Proceeds from sale of facilities	6,290	1,832	421
Other, net	(399)	500	(429)
Total investing activities	(625,817)	(452,367)	(425,557)
Financing activities:
Net change in short-term borrowings	(9,616)	(315,674)	226,761
Proceeds from long-term borrowings		820,900	200,000
Repayments of long-term borrowings	(270,000)	(48,724)	(182,007)
Repurchases of common stock	(6,867)	(336,140)	(435,400)
Cash dividends paid	(82,735)	(83,267)	(85,988)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments		5,343	20,478
Proceeds from employee stock plans and other, net	40,047	14,616	39,192
Total financing activities	(329,171)	57,054	(216,964)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	50,770	(25,268)	(26,629)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(70,959)	336,254	3,390
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	717,259	381,005	377,615
End of year	$ 646,300	$ 717,259	$ 381,005

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016, the Company’s investment in a fixed-income mutual fund (held by its captive insurance subsidiary) is classified as “available-for-sale.” 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 $10.4 million and $10.3 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. See Note 7. Inventories The Company uses the first-in, first-out last-in, first-out Business Combinations The Company allocates the purchase price of an acquired company, including when applicable, the acquisition date 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 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 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 2017, 2016 and 2015 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 2017 and 2015 and determined that the carrying values of the Company’s other intangible assets with indefinite lives 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 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. On a quarterly basis, the Company 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. 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 Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs are included in Cost of sales and were $53.1 million in 2017, $47.9 million in 2016 and $50.5 million in 2015. 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: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Weighted average shares: Basic shares 230,229 232,593 239,906 Equity-based compensation plans 1,616 1,137 1,680 Diluted shares 231,845 233,730 241,586

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 ASU 2014-09 ASU 2014-09 ASU 2014-09. ASU 2014-09 In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“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 In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). right-of-use right-of-use 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 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 In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU 2017-07”), ASU 2017-07 ASU 2017-07 ASU 2017-07 In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Scope of Modification Accounting (“ASU 2017-09”). ASU 2017-09 ASU 2017-09 ASU 2017-09

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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. See Note 5 for discussion of acquisition date fair value of contingent payment liability. 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, consistent with the fair value hierarchy, at December 31: 2017 2016 Fair Value Fair Value (In thousands) Fixed-income investments $ 8,060 $ 7,317 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 years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, gains and losses on the investments noted above were not significant. No transfers between level 1 and level 2 investments occurred during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. Financial Instruments Cash, cash equivalents and fixed-income investments are recorded at fair value at December 31, 2017 and 2016 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: 2017 2016 Recorded Fair Value Recorded Fair Value (In thousands) Long-term debt, net (including current portion) $ (2,174,289 ) $ (2,210,466 ) $ (2,341,565 ) $ (2,386,901 ) The fair value of short-term Foreign Currency At December 31, 2017, the Company had a Canadian dollar forward contract for a total notional value of 83.0 million Canadian dollars ($1.5 million fair value unrealized gain at December 31, 2017) outstanding. At December 31, 2016, the Company had no forward contracts outstanding. For the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, realized gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts were not significant. The Company does not typically designate its foreign currency forward contracts as hedges.

Hedging Activities

Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016, these net investment hedges included British-pound- and Euro-denominated long-term debt. These borrowings were designed to create net investment hedges in each of the designated foreign subsidiaries. The Company designated the British-pound- and Euro-denominated loans referred to above as hedging instruments to offset translation gains or losses on the net investment due to changes in the British pound and Euro exchange rates. These net investment hedges are evidenced by management’s contemporaneous documentation supporting the hedge designation. Any gain or loss on the hedging instruments (the debt) following hedge designation is reported in accumulated other comprehensive income in the same manner as the translation adjustment on the hedged investment based on changes in the spot rate, which is used to measure hedge effectiveness. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had $412.4 million and $376.3 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, 2017 and 2016, the Company had $601.0 million and $527.7 million, respectively, 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, $109.4 million of pre-tax pre-tax

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	5. Acquisitions The Company spent $556.6 million in cash, net of cash acquired, to acquire Rauland-Borg Corporation (“Rauland”) in February 2017, MOCON, Inc. in June 2017 and Arizona Instrument LLC in December 2017. The Rauland acquisition includes a potential $30 million contingent payment due upon the achievement of certain milestones as described further below. Rauland is a global provider of enterprise clinical and education communications solutions for hospitals, healthcare systems and educational facilities. MOCON is a provider of laboratory and field gas analysis instrumentation to research laboratories, production facilities and quality control departments in food and beverage, pharmaceutical and industrial applications. Arizona Instrument is a provider of differentiated, high-precision moisture and gas measurement instruments in food, pharmaceutical and environmental markets. Rauland, MOCON and Arizona Instrument are part of AMETEK’s Electronic Instruments Group (“EIG”). The following table represents the preliminary allocation of the aggregate purchase price for the net assets of the 2017 acquisitions based on their estimated fair values at acquisition (in millions): Property, plant and equipment $ 19.1 Goodwill 225.6 Other intangible assets 340.7 Long-term liabilities (10.9 ) Deferred income taxes (35.1 ) Net working capital and other (1) 42.7 Total purchase price 582.1 Less: Acquisition date fair value of contingent payment liability (25.5 ) Total cash paid $ 556.6 (1) Includes $31.7 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 2017 acquisitions as follows: Rauland provides the Company with attractive new growth opportunities within the medical technology market, strong growth opportunities in its core markets and incremental growth opportunities through acquisitions and international expansion. MOCON’s products and technologies complement the Company’s existing gas analysis instrumentation business and provides it with opportunities to expand into the growing food and pharmaceutical package testing market. Arizona Instrument complements the Company’s existing Brookfield Engineering Laboratories (“Brookfield”) viscosity measurement business and provides it with opportunities to further grow its presence in the food, pharmaceutical and environmental markets. The Company expects approximately $89.2 million of the goodwill recorded relating to the 2017 acquisitions will be tax deductible in future years. At December 31, 2017, the purchase price allocated to other intangible assets of $340.7 million consists of $72.9 million of indefinite-lived intangible trade names, which are not subject to amortization. The remaining $267.8 million of other intangible assets consists of 229.4 million customer relationships, which are being amortized over a period of 18 to 20 years, $0.8 million of trade names, which are being amortized over a period of 18 years and $37.6 million of purchased technology, which is being amortized over a period of ten to 18 years. Amortization expense for each of the next five years for the 2017 acquisitions is expected to approximate $15 million per year. The Company is in the process of finalizing the measurement of certain tangible and intangible assets and liabilities for its December 2017 acquisition of Arizona Instrument, including inventory, goodwill and the accounting for income taxes. The Company is in the process of finalizing the accounting for income taxes for its June 2017 acquisition of MOCON. The above mentioned contingent payment is based on Rauland achieving a certain cumulative revenue target over the period October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2018. If Rauland achieves the target, the $30 million contingent payment will be made; however, if the target is not achieved, no payment will be made. At the acquisition date, the estimated fair value of the contingent payment liability was $25.5 million, which was based on a probabilistic approach using level 3 inputs. At December 31, 2017, there was no change to the estimated fair value of the contingent payment liability. The 2017 acquisitions had an immaterial impact on reported net sales, net income and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2017. Had the 2017 acquisitions been made at the beginning of 2017 or 2016, unaudited pro forma net sales, net income and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, would not have been materially different than the amounts reported. In 2016, the Company spent $391.4 million in cash, net of cash acquired, to acquire 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 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. Acquisitions Subsequent to December 31, 2017 In January 2018, the Company acquired FMH Aerospace (“FMH”) for approximately $235 million in cash. FMH has estimated annual sales of approximately $50 million. FMH is a provider of complex, highly-engineered solutions for the aerospace, defense and space industries. FMH will join EMG.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 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 Goodwill acquired 225.6 — 225.6 Purchase price allocation adjustments and other 0.5 0.6 1.1 Foreign currency translation adjustments 33.9 36.0 69.9 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 2,077.0 $ 1,038.6 $ 3,115.6 Other intangible assets were as follows at December 31: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization): Patents $ 52,548 $ 49,755 Purchased technology 328,301 283,612 Customer lists 1,621,652 1,363,700 2,002,501 1,697,067 Accumulated amortization: Patents (36,998 ) (34,927 ) Purchased technology (110,298 ) (87,869 ) Customer lists (450,814 ) (362,924 ) (598,110 ) (485,720 ) Net intangible assets subject to amortization 1,404,391 1,211,347 Indefinite-lived intangible assets (not subject to amortization): Trademarks and trade names 608,974 536,574 Impairment — (13,900 ) 608,974 522,674 $ 2,013,365 $ 1,734,021 In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company completed its required annual impairment tests 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 Amortization expense was $101.2 million, $104.9 million (including impairment of $13.9 million) and $80.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Amortization expense for each of the next five years is expected to approximate $105 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, 2017
Text Block [Abstract]
Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information	7. Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) INVENTORIES, NET Finished goods and parts $ 84,789 $ 75,827 Work in process 107,362 101,484 Raw materials and purchased parts 348,353 314,793 $ 540,504 $ 492,104 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET Land $ 42,851 $ 41,875 Buildings 295,023 281,847 Machinery and equipment 923,394 840,725 1,261,268 1,164,447 Less: Accumulated depreciation (767,972 ) (691,217 ) $ 493,296 $ 473,230 ACCRUED LIABILITIES Employee compensation and benefits $ 151,435 $ 93,226 Product warranty obligation 22,872 22,007 Restructuring 30,046 29,951 Contingent purchase price 25,500 — Other 128,698 100,886 $ 358,551 $ 246,070 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) ALLOWANCES FOR POSSIBLE LOSSES ON ACCOUNTS Balance at the beginning of the year $ 10,257 $ 8,555 $ 10,446 Additions charged to expense 2,800 4,124 630 Write-offs (3,208 ) (2,304 ) (1,872 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other 552 (118 ) (649 ) Balance at the end of the year $ 10,401 $ 10,257 $ 8,555

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Income before income taxes: Domestic $ 447,853 $ 397,215 $ 502,292 Foreign 348,876 295,888 304,088 Total $ 796,729 $ 693,103 $ 806,380 Provision for income taxes: Current: Federal $ 127,874 $ 116,898 $ 130,996 Foreign 71,846 63,170 66,691 State 6,744 6,509 11,376 Total current 206,464 186,577 209,063 Deferred: Federal (97,465 ) 5,273 1,711 Foreign 6,204 (8,434 ) (3,611 ) State 56 (2,471 ) 8,358 Total deferred (91,205 ) (5,632 ) 6,458 Total provision $ 115,259 $ 180,945 $ 215,521 Significant components of the deferred tax (asset) liability were as follows at December 31: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Current deferred tax (asset) liability: Reserves not currently deductible $ — $ (39,509 ) Share-based compensation — (7,022 ) Net operating loss carryforwards — (2,072 ) Other — (1,041 ) — (49,644 ) Portion included in other current liabilities — (360 ) Gross current deferred tax asset — (50,004 ) Noncurrent deferred tax (asset) liability: Differences in basis of property and accelerated depreciation 39,816 54,243 Reserves not currently deductible (42,966 ) (28,808 ) Pensions 11,452 8,714 Differences in basis of intangible assets and accelerated amortization 455,690 603,577 Net operating loss carryforwards (10,376 ) (8,399 ) Share-based compensation (13,434 ) (13,707 ) Foreign tax credit carryforwards — (3,441 ) Unremitted earnings 84,356 4,481 Other (23,176 ) (1,004 ) 501,362 615,656 Less: Valuation allowance 3,100 2,046 504,462 617,702 Portion included in noncurrent assets 8,064 4,074 Gross noncurrent deferred tax liability 512,526 621,776 Net deferred tax liability $ 512,526 $ 571,772 The Company’s effective tax rate reconciles to the U.S. Federal statutory rate as follows for the years ended December 31: 2017 2016 2015 U.S. Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 0.4 0.4 1.2 Foreign operations, net (6.8 ) (7.1 ) (6.8 ) U.S. Manufacturing deduction and credits (2.2 ) (2.6 ) (2.4 ) Stock compensation (1.6 ) 0.2 0.1 Net deferred tax revaluation (23.3 ) — — Deemed repatriation of foreign earnings 11.8 — — Other 1.2 0.2 (0.4 ) Consolidated effective tax rate 14.5 % 26.1 % 26.7 % On December 22, 2017, the U.S. enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”). The Act, which is also commonly referred to as “U.S. tax reform,” significantly changes U.S. corporate income tax laws by, among other things, reducing the U.S. corporate income tax rate to 21% starting in 2018 and creating a territorial tax system with a one-time one-time non-U.S. Although the $91.6 million net benefit represents what the Company believes is a reasonable estimate of the impact of the income tax effects of the Act on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2017, it should be considered provisional. As additional guidance from the U.S. Department of Treasury is provided, the Company may need to adjust the provisional amounts after it finalizes the 2017 U.S. tax return and is able to conclude whether any further adjustments are required to its U.S. portion of net deferred tax liability of $390.4 million as of December 31, 2017, as well as to the liability associated with the one-time low-taxed The recently enacted Act mandated a one-time one-time non-U.S. Due to the adoption of ASU 2015-17, ASU 2015-17 At December 31, 2016, U.S. and foreign deferred income taxes totaling $4.5 million were provided on undistributed earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries At December 31, 2017, 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 $1.7 million for federal income tax purposes with no valuation allowance, $6.6 million for state income tax purposes with no valuation allowance and $2.2 million for foreign income tax purposes with a valuation allowance of $2.2 million. These net operating loss carryforwards, if not used, will expire between 2018 and 2037. At December 31, 2017, the Company had tax effected benefits of $5.1 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 $0.6 million for federal income tax purposes with a valuation allowance of $0.6 million, $4.4 million for state income tax purposes with a valuation allowance of $0.3 million and $0.1 million for foreign income tax purposes with no valuation allowance. These tax credit carryforwards, if not used, will expire between 2018 and 2037. 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 2017, the Company recorded an increase of $1.1 million in the valuation allowance primarily related to foreign net operating loss carryforwards that are not expected to be utilized. At December 31, 2017, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $60.3 million, of which $51.7 million, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. 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, 2017 and 2016, the Company reported $9.7 million and $8.9 million, respectively, related to interest and penalty exposure as accrued income tax expense in the consolidated balance sheet. During 2017, the Company recognized a net expense of $0.9 million, and during 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized a net benefit of $1.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively, for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the consolidated statement of income as a component of income tax expense. Approximately 70% of the Company’s overall tax liability is incurred in the United States as measured prior to tax reform. 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, 2017, there were no tax years currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) related to the U.S. consolidated tax group, although a separate examination of a pre-acquisition During 2017, the Company added $15.4 million of tax, interest and penalties to identified uncertain tax positions and reversed $12.1 million of tax and interest related to statute expirations. During 2016, the Company added $8.6 million of tax, interest and penalties related to identified uncertain tax positions and reversed $16.3 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: 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Balance at the beginning of the year $ 57.9 $ 63.8 $ 71.7 Additions for tax positions related to the current year 10.0 5.5 8.8 Additions for tax positions of prior years 3.1 1.5 1.3 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (2.8 ) (3.6 ) (7.1 ) Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities — (3.4 ) (8.3 ) Reductions due to statute expirations (7.9 ) (5.9 ) (2.6 ) Balance at the end of the year $ 60.3 $ 57.9 $ 63.8 In 2017, 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. At December 31, 2017, tax, interest and penalties of $68.5 million were classified as a noncurrent liability. The net change in uncertain tax positions for the year ended December 31, 2017 resulted in an increase to income tax expense of $4.3 million.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	9. Debt Long-term debt, net consisted of the following at December 31: 2017 2016 (In thousands) U.S. dollar 6.20% senior notes due December 2017 $ — $ 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 4.68% senior note due September 2020 108,180 98,701 British pound 2.59% senior note due November 2028 202,840 185,067 British pound 2.70% senior note due November 2031 101,420 92,533 Euro 1.34% senior notes due October 2026 360,620 316,643 Euro 1.53% senior notes due October 2028 240,414 211,096 Swiss franc 2.44% senior note due December 2021 56,452 54,150 Revolving credit facility borrowings — — Other, principally foreign 4,589 14,604 Less: Debt issuance costs (5,226 ) (6,229 ) Total debt, net 2,174,289 2,341,565 Less: Current portion, net (308,123 ) (278,921 ) Total long-term debt, net $ 1,866,166 $ 2,062,644 Maturities of long-term debt borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2017 were as follows: $100.0 million in 2019; $108.2 million in 2020; $56.5 million in 2021; none in 2022; none in 2023; and $1,605.3 million in 2024 and thereafter. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company paid in full, at maturity, $270 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.20% private placement senior notes. In December 2007, the Company issued $270 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.20% private placement senior notes due December 2017 (paid in full, at maturity, as previously noted) 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 September 2010, the Company issued an 80 million British pound ($108.2 million at December 31, 2017) 4.68% senior note due September 2020. In December 2011, the Company issued a 55 million Swiss franc ($56.5 million at December 31, 2017) 2.44% senior note due December 2021. In October 2016, the Company issued 300 million Euros ($360.6 million at December 31, 2017) in aggregate principal amount of 1.34% senior notes due October 2026 and 200 million Euros ($240.4 million at December 31, 2017) in aggregate principal amount of 1.53% senior notes due October 2028. In November 2016, the Company issued 150 million British pounds ($202.8 million at December 31, 2017) in aggregate principal amount of 2.59% senior notes due November 2028 and 75 million British pounds ($101.4 million at December 31, 2017) in aggregate principal amount of 2.70% senior notes due November 2031. The Company along with certain of its foreign subsidiaries has an amended and restated credit agreement dated as of March 10, 2016 (the “Credit Agreement”). 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, 2017, the Company had available borrowing capacity of $1,108.1 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, 2017 and 2016, the Company did not have any borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility. The weighted average interest rate on the revolving credit facility for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was 1.61% and 1.72%, respectively. The Company had outstanding letters of credit primarily under the revolving credit facility totaling $42.1 million and $33.2 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, 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 $45.4 million and $43.7 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. At December 31, 2017, foreign subsidiaries had debt borrowings outstanding totaling $4.6 million, all of which was reported in short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt, net. At December 31, 2016, foreign subsidiaries had debt borrowings outstanding totaling $14.6 million, including $3.8 million reported in long-term debt, net. The weighted average interest rate on total debt borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was 4.2% and 4.4%, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 non-employee 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: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Stock option expense $ 9,895 $ 9,984 $ 10,955 Restricted stock expense 15,196 12,046 12,807 Total pre-tax $ 25,091 $ 22,030 $ 23,762 Pre-tax pre-tax The fair value of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton Black-Scholes-Merton 2017 2016 2015 Expected volatility 18.0 % 21.8 % 22.3 % Expected term (years) 5.0 5.0 5.0 Risk-free interest rate 1.94 % 1.23 % 1.58 % Expected dividend yield 0.60 % 0.77 % 0.69 % Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted $ 11.05 $ 9.14 $ 10.89 Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock over the stock options’ expected term. 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, 2017: Shares Weighted Price Weighted Life Aggregate Value (In thousands) (Years) (In millions) Outstanding at the beginning of the year 6,011 $ 42.25 Granted 1,331 60.32 Exercised (1,515 ) 31.62 Forfeited (237 ) 52.62 Expired (7 ) 52.10 Outstanding at the end of the year 5,583 $ 48.99 4.2 $ 131.1 Exercisable at the end of the year 2,884 $ 43.96 2.9 $ 82.2 The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $41.3 million, $16.2 million and $62.3 million, respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested during 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $12.4 million, $10.8 million and $10.3 million, respectively. The following is a summary of the Company’s nonvested stock option activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2017: Shares Weighted Average Fair Value (In thousands) Nonvested stock options outstanding at the beginning of the year 2,802 $ 10.15 Granted 1,331 11.05 Vested (1,197 ) 10.40 Forfeited (237 ) 10.35 Nonvested stock options outstanding at the end of the year 2,699 $ 10.47 As of December 31, 2017, there was approximately $21 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, 2017: Shares Weighted Average Fair Value (In thousands) Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at the beginning of the year 1,019 $ 48.59 Granted 340 60.35 Vested (333 ) 47.42 Forfeited (94 ) 51.51 Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at the end of the year 932 $ 53.53 The total fair value of restricted stock vested during 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $15.8 million, $11.1 million and $10.6 million, respectively. The weighted average fair value of restricted stock granted per share during 2017 and 2016 was $60.35 and $46.91, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, 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, 2017
Retirement Benefits [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 $2 million to $6 million to its worldwide defined benefit pension plans in 2018. 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 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: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year $ 498,850 $ 472,477 Service cost 3,538 3,488 Interest cost 20,693 22,153 Actuarial losses 26,922 29,681 Gross benefits paid (29,627 ) (29,005 ) Plan amendments — 56 Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year $ 520,376 $ 498,850 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year $ 517,073 $ 508,775 Actual return on plan assets 92,058 36,414 Employer contributions 40,489 889 Gross benefits paid (29,627 ) (29,005 ) Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year $ 619,993 $ 517,073 Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year $ 258,297 $ 243,924 Service cost 3,600 3,134 Interest cost 6,732 7,896 Foreign currency translation adjustments 26,457 (39,910 ) Employee contributions 228 256 Actuarial (gains) losses (1,563 ) 52,248 Expenses paid from assets (608 ) (770 ) Gross benefits paid (8,964 ) (8,475 ) Plan amendments (1 ) (6 ) Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year $ 284,178 $ 258,297 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year $ 188,935 $ 213,296 Actual return on plan assets 13,869 14,346 Employer contributions 14,307 5,886 Employee contributions 228 256 Foreign currency translation adjustments 19,201 (35,604 ) Expenses paid from assets (608 ) (770 ) Gross benefits paid (8,964 ) (8,475 ) Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year $ 226,968 $ 188,935 The accumulated benefit obligation consisted of the following at December 31: U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Funded plans $ 503,309 $ 480,249 Unfunded plans 6,046 6,212 Total $ 509,355 $ 486,461 Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Funded plans $ 235,787 $ 213,877 Unfunded plans 39,531 33,924 Total $ 275,318 $ 247,801 Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31: 2017 2016 U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Discount rate 3.75 % 4.25 % Rate of compensation increase (where applicable) 3.75 % 3.75 % Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Discount rate 2.39 % 2.56 % Rate of compensation increase (where applicable) 2.50 % 2.50 % The following is a summary of the fair value of plan assets for U.S. plans at December 31: 2017 2016 Asset Class Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 (In thousands) Corporate debt instruments $ 1,757 $ — $ 1,757 $ 2,662 $ — $ 2,662 Corporate debt instruments - Preferred 12,574 — 12,574 8,880 — 8,880 Corporate stocks - Common 137,693 137,693 — 109,881 109,881 — Municipal bonds 565 — 565 777 — 777 Registered investment companies 289,693 289,693 — 251,054 251,054 — U.S. Government securities 246 — 246 — — — Total investments 442,528 427,386 15,142 373,254 360,935 12,319 Investments measured at net asset value 177,465 — — 143,819 — — Total investments $ 619,993 $ 427,386 $ 15,142 $ 517,073 $ 360,935 $ 12,319 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. The expected long-term rate of return on these plan assets was 7.50% in 2017 and 7.75% in 2016. Equity securities included 512,565 shares of AMETEK, Inc. common stock with a market value of $37.1 million (6.0% of total plan investment assets) at December 31, 2017 and 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. The objectives of the Company’s 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: 2017 2016 Asset Class Total Level 3 Total Level 3 (In thousands) Life insurance $ 21,294 $ 21,294 $ 18,147 $ 18,147 Total investments 21,294 21,294 18,147 18,147 Investments measured at net asset value 205,674 — 170,788 — Total investments $ 226,968 $ 21,294 $ 188,935 $ 18,147 Life insurance assets are considered level 3 investments as their values are determined by the sponsor using unobservable market data. 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 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, 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 Actual return on assets: Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year 3,147 Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net — Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 21,294 The objective of the Company’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 The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets and pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were as follows at December 31: U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Projected Benefit Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeds Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets Fair Value of Assets 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In thousands) Benefit obligation $ 6,046 $ 26,356 $ 6,046 $ 26,356 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 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In thousands) Benefit obligation $ 186,756 $ 215,893 $ 180,779 $ 209,377 Fair value of plan assets 127,170 146,480 127,170 146,480 The following table provides the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Funded status asset (liability): Fair value of plan assets $ 846,961 $ 706,008 Projected benefit obligation (804,553 ) (757,147 ) Funded status at the end of the year $ 42,408 $ (51,139 ) Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consisted of: Noncurrent asset for pension benefits (other assets) $ 108,039 $ 25,571 Current liabilities for pension benefits (1,901 ) (1,393 ) Noncurrent liability for pension benefits (63,730 ) (75,317 ) Net amount recognized at the end of the year $ 42,408 $ (51,139 ) The following table provides the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes, at December 31: Net amounts recognized: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Net actuarial loss $ 178,466 $ 204,782 Prior service costs (1,102 ) (1,031 ) Transition asset 7 7 Total recognized $ 177,371 $ 203,758 The following table provides the components of net periodic pension benefit expense (income) for the years ended December 31: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Defined benefit plans: Service cost $ 7,138 $ 6,622 $ 7,000 Interest cost 27,424 30,049 28,670 Expected return on plan assets (53,442 ) (51,140 ) (54,819 ) Amortization of: Net actuarial loss 14,591 10,224 9,383 Prior service costs (47 ) (52 ) (55 ) Transition asset 1 1 1 Total net periodic benefit income (4,335 ) (4,296 ) (9,820 ) Other plans: Defined contribution plans 24,280 23,881 22,750 Foreign plans and other 5,866 5,694 4,800 Total other plans 30,146 29,575 27,550 Total net pension expense $ 25,811 $ 25,279 $ 17,730 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 2018 for the net actuarial losses and prior service costs is expected to be approximately $12 million. The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine the above net periodic pension benefit expense for the years ended December 31: 2017 2016 2015 U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Discount rate 4.25 % 4.80 % 4.20 % Expected return on plan assets 7.50 % 7.75 % 7.75 % Rate of compensation increase (where applicable) 3.75 % 3.75 % 3.75 % Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Discount rate 2.56 % 3.62 % 3.44 % Expected return on plan assets 6.79 % 6.95 % 6.92 % Rate of compensation increase (where applicable) 2.50 % 2.88 % 2.88 % Estimated Future Benefit Payments The estimated future benefit payments for U.S. and foreign plans are as follows: 2018 - $39.8 million; - $40.2 million; - $41.2 million; - $41.9 million; - $42.5 million; - $223.4 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 $25.4 million and $25.2 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Administrative expense for the deferred compensation plan is borne by the Company and is not significant. Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension Plan For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded $6.0 million in costs as a result of its decision to withdraw from a multiemployer pension plan serving a facility that is currently operating.

Guarantees

Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Guarantees and Product Warranties [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: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Balance at the beginning of the year $ 22,007 $ 22,761 $ 29,764 Accruals for warranties issued during the year 15,951 16,046 14,817 Settlements made during the year (17,854 ) (17,732 ) (19,905 ) Warranty accruals related to acquired businesses and other during the year 2,768 932 (1,915 ) Balance at the end of the year $ 22,872 $ 22,007 $ 22,761 Product warranty obligations are reported as current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 that it has good and valid defenses to each of these claims and intends to defend them vigorously. Environmental Matters Certain historic processes in the manufacture of products have resulted in environmentally hazardous waste by-products non-AMETEK-owned “non-owned” agreed-to non-de non-owned Total environmental reserves at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $30.1 million and $28.4 million, respectively, for both non-owned 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 for the environmental matters described above, 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. The Company has been remediating groundwater contamination for several contaminants, including trichloroethylene (“TCE”), at a formerly owned site in El Cajon, California. Several lawsuits have been filed against the Company alleging damages resulting from the groundwater contamination, including property damages and personal injury, and seeking compensatory and punitive damages. Given the state of uncertainty inherent in these litigations, the Company does not believe it is possible to develop estimates of reasonably possible loss in regard to these matters. The Company believes that it has good and valid defenses to each of these claims and intends to defend them vigorously. The Company does not expect the outcome of these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, 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, 2017
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, 2017 (principally for production and administrative facilities and equipment) amounted to $187.3 million, consisting of payments of $39.0 million in 2018, $31.6 million in 2019, $25.1 million in 2020, $21.2 million in 2021, $16.8 million in 2022 and $53.6 million thereafter. The leases expire over a range of years from 2018 to 2082, with renewal or purchase options, subject to various terms and conditions, contained in most of the leases. Rental expense was $49.7 million in 2017, $46.3 million in 2016 and $43.6 million in 2015. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had $390.6 million and $289.1 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, 2017
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 and gas, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, automation, and food and beverage industries. It provides instruments to the laboratory equipment, ultraprecision manufacturing, medical, and test and measurement markets. It makes power quality monitoring and metering devices, uninterruptible power supplies, programmable power equipment, electromagnetic compatibility test equipment and gas turbines sensors. It provides dashboard instruments for heavy trucks and other vehicles, as well as instrumentation and controls for the food and beverage industries. It supplies the aerospace industry with aircraft and engine sensors, monitoring systems, power supplies, fuel and fluid measurement systems, and data acquisition systems. EMG is a differentiated supplier of automation solutions, thermal management systems, specialty metals and electrical interconnects. It manufactures highly engineered electrical connectors and electronic packaging used to protect sensitive electronic devices. It makes precision motion control products for data storage, medical devices, business equipment, automation and other applications. It supplies high-purity powdered metals, strip and foil, specialty clad metals and metal matrix composites. It manufactures motors used in commercial appliances, fitness equipment, food and beverage machines, hydraulic pumps and industrial blowers. It operates a global network of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities. 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 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net sales (1) Electronic Instruments $ 2,690,554 $ 2,360,285 $ 2,417,192 Electromechanical 1,609,616 1,479,802 1,557,103 Consolidated net sales $ 4,300,170 $ 3,840,087 $ 3,974,295 Operating income and income before income taxes: Segment operating income (2) Electronic Instruments $ 677,489 $ 577,717 $ 639,399 Electromechanical 310,875 277,873 318,098 Total segment operating income 988,364 855,590 957,497 Corporate administrative and other expenses (73,270 ) (53,693 ) (49,781 ) Consolidated operating income 915,094 801,897 907,716 Interest and other expenses, net (118,365 ) (108,794 ) (101,336 ) Consolidated income before income taxes $ 796,729 $ 693,103 $ 806,380 Assets: Electronic Instruments $ 4,803,575 $ 4,104,972 Electromechanical 2,535,503 2,446,180 Total segment assets 7,339,078 6,551,152 Corporate 456,986 549,522 Consolidated assets $ 7,796,064 $ 7,100,674 Additions to property, plant and equipment (3) Electronic Instruments $ 54,321 $ 45,091 $ 32,069 Electromechanical 36,829 39,340 88,369 Total segment additions to property, plant and equipment 91,150 84,431 120,438 Corporate 3,002 1,914 2,121 Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment $ 94,152 $ 86,345 $ 122,559 Depreciation and amortization: Electronic Instruments $ 108,053 $ 104,284 $ 83,832 Electromechanical 73,222 73,767 64,539 Total segment depreciation and amortization 181,275 178,051 148,371 Corporate 1,952 1,665 1,089 Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 183,227 $ 179,716 $ 149,460 (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 $19.1 million in 2017, $23.1 million in 2016 and $53.4 million in 2015 from acquired businesses. Geographic Areas Information about the Company’s operations in different geographic areas for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 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. 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net sales: United States $ 2,086,180 $ 1,829,341 $ 1,919,611 International (1) United Kingdom 186,534 188,700 201,192 European Union countries 692,116 619,138 615,956 Asia 879,426 785,868 789,435 Other foreign countries 455,914 417,040 448,101 Total international 2,213,990 2,010,746 2,054,684 Total consolidated $ 4,300,170 $ 3,840,087 $ 3,974,295 Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets): United States $ 325,908 $ 322,743 International (2) United Kingdom 62,643 59,208 European Union countries 65,204 58,368 Asia 12,073 12,204 Other foreign countries 27,468 20,707 Total international 167,388 150,487 Total consolidated $ 493,296 $ 473,230 (1) Includes U.S. export sales of $1,142.3 million in 2017, $1,036.0 million in 2016 and $1,090.7 million in 2015. (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, 2017
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 $2.1 million, $1.2 million and $0.7 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Income taxes paid in 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $176.6 million, $180.8 million and $157.8 million, respectively. Cash paid for interest was $96.1 million, $91.8 million and $90.8 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	17. Stockholders’ Equity 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. In 2017, the Company repurchased approximately 114,000 shares of its common stock for $6.9 million in cash under its share repurchase authorization. At December 31, 2017, $368.7 million was available under the Company’s Board of Directors authorization for future share repurchases. At December 31, 2017, the Company held 31.8 million shares in its treasury at a cost of $1,209.1 million, compared with 32.1 million shares at a cost of $1,211.5 million at December 31, 2016. The number of shares outstanding at December 31, 2017 was 231.2 million shares, compared with 229.4 million shares at December 31, 2016. The Company had a Shareholder Rights Plan, which expired in June 2017. Under the Plan, 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 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 provided, 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. Subsequent Event Effective February 1, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a 56% increase in the quarterly cash dividend on the Company’s common stock to $0.14 per common share from $0.09 per common share.

Restructuring Charges

Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	18. Restructuring Charges During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recorded pre-tax During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company recorded pre-tax During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recorded pre-tax Accrued liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet included amounts related to the fourth quarters of 2017, 2016 and 2015 restructuring charges as follows (in millions): Fourth Quarter of 2017 Fourth Quarter of 2016 Fourth Quarter of 2015 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ — $ — $ 19.3 Pre-tax — 25.6 — Utilization — (6.4 ) (9.2 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other — — (0.9 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 — 19.2 9.2 Pre-tax 10.8 — — Utilization (7.8 ) (6.4 ) (2.4 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other — — (0.1 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 3.0 $ 12.8 $ 6.7

Quarterly Financial Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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) 2017 Net sales $ 1,007,682 $ 1,064,604 $ 1,084,799 $ 1,143,085 $ 4,300,170 Operating income (1) $ 220,298 $ 232,385 $ 232,831 $ 229,580 $ 915,094 Net income (1)(2) $ 138,926 $ 150,481 $ 153,531 $ 238,532 $ 681,470 Basic earnings per share (1)(2)(3) $ 0.61 $ 0.65 $ 0.67 $ 1.03 $ 2.96 Diluted earnings per share (1)(2)(3) $ 0.60 $ 0.65 $ 0.66 $ 1.03 $ 2.94 Dividends paid per share $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.36 2016 Net sales $ 944,398 $ 977,706 $ 945,030 $ 972,953 $ 3,840,087 Operating income (4)(5) $ 208,523 $ 219,036 $ 201,116 $ 173,222 $ 801,897 Net income (4)(5) $ 134,170 $ 138,193 $ 130,687 $ 109,108 $ 512,158 Basic earnings per share (3)(4)(5) $ 0.57 $ 0.59 $ 0.56 $ 0.47 $ 2.20 Diluted earnings per share (3)(4)(5) $ 0.57 $ 0.59 $ 0.56 $ 0.47 $ 2.19 Dividends paid per share $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.36 (1) During 2017, the Company recorded pre-tax (2) During 2017, the Company recorded a net benefit of $91.6 million in the consolidated statement of income as a component of Provision for income taxes related to the Act. The net benefit related to the Act had the effect of increasing net income for 2017 by $91.6 million. See Note 8. (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 2016, the Company recorded pre-tax (5) During 2016, the Company recorded a $13.9 million non-cash

Significant Accounting Polici29

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016, the Company’s investment in a fixed-income mutual fund (held by its captive insurance subsidiary) is classified as “available-for-sale.”
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 $10.4 million and $10.3 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. See Note 7.
Inventories	Inventories The Company uses the first-in, first-out last-in, first-out
Business Combinations	Business Combinations The Company allocates the purchase price of an acquired company, including when applicable, the acquisition date 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 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 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 2017, 2016 and 2015 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 2017 and 2015 and determined that the carrying values of the Company’s other intangible assets with indefinite lives 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 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. On a quarterly basis, the Company 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. 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 $130.4 million in 2017, $112.0 million in 2016 and $116.3 million in 2015.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs are included in Cost of sales and were $53.1 million in 2017, $47.9 million in 2016 and $50.5 million in 2015.
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: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Weighted average shares: Basic shares 230,229 232,593 239,906 Equity-based compensation plans 1,616 1,137 1,680 Diluted shares 231,845 233,730 241,586
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 ASU 2014-09 ASU 2014-09 ASU 2014-09. ASU 2014-09
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
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
Leases	In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). right-of-use right-of-use 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
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
Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost	In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU 2017-07”), ASU 2017-07 ASU 2017-07 ASU 2017-07
Scope of Modification Accounting	In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Scope of Modification Accounting (“ASU 2017-09”). ASU 2017-09 ASU 2017-09 ASU 2017-09

Significant Accounting Polici30

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Weighted average shares: Basic shares 230,229 232,593 239,906 Equity-based compensation plans 1,616 1,137 1,680 Diluted shares 231,845 233,730 241,586

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, consistent with the fair value hierarchy, at December 31: 2017 2016 Fair Value Fair Value (In thousands) Fixed-income investments $ 8,060 $ 7,317
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: 2017 2016 Recorded Fair Value Recorded Fair Value (In thousands) Long-term debt, net (including current portion) $ (2,174,289 ) $ (2,210,466 ) $ (2,341,565 ) $ (2,386,901 )

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 2017 acquisitions based on their estimated fair values at acquisition (in millions): Property, plant and equipment $ 19.1 Goodwill 225.6 Other intangible assets 340.7 Long-term liabilities (10.9 ) Deferred income taxes (35.1 ) Net working capital and other (1) 42.7 Total purchase price 582.1 Less: Acquisition date fair value of contingent payment liability (25.5 ) Total cash paid $ 556.6 (1) Includes $31.7 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, 2017
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, 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 Goodwill acquired 225.6 — 225.6 Purchase price allocation adjustments and other 0.5 0.6 1.1 Foreign currency translation adjustments 33.9 36.0 69.9 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 2,077.0 $ 1,038.6 $ 3,115.6
Other Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets were as follows at December 31: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization): Patents $ 52,548 $ 49,755 Purchased technology 328,301 283,612 Customer lists 1,621,652 1,363,700 2,002,501 1,697,067 Accumulated amortization: Patents (36,998 ) (34,927 ) Purchased technology (110,298 ) (87,869 ) Customer lists (450,814 ) (362,924 ) (598,110 ) (485,720 ) Net intangible assets subject to amortization 1,404,391 1,211,347 Indefinite-lived intangible assets (not subject to amortization): Trademarks and trade names 608,974 536,574 Impairment — (13,900 ) 608,974 522,674 $ 2,013,365 $ 1,734,021

Other Consolidated Balance Sh34

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block [Abstract]
Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information	December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) INVENTORIES, NET Finished goods and parts $ 84,789 $ 75,827 Work in process 107,362 101,484 Raw materials and purchased parts 348,353 314,793 $ 540,504 $ 492,104 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET Land $ 42,851 $ 41,875 Buildings 295,023 281,847 Machinery and equipment 923,394 840,725 1,261,268 1,164,447 Less: Accumulated depreciation (767,972 ) (691,217 ) $ 493,296 $ 473,230 ACCRUED LIABILITIES Employee compensation and benefits $ 151,435 $ 93,226 Product warranty obligation 22,872 22,007 Restructuring 30,046 29,951 Contingent purchase price 25,500 — Other 128,698 100,886 $ 358,551 $ 246,070 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) ALLOWANCES FOR POSSIBLE LOSSES ON ACCOUNTS Balance at the beginning of the year $ 10,257 $ 8,555 $ 10,446 Additions charged to expense 2,800 4,124 630 Write-offs (3,208 ) (2,304 ) (1,872 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other 552 (118 ) (649 ) Balance at the end of the year $ 10,401 $ 10,257 $ 8,555

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Income before income taxes: Domestic $ 447,853 $ 397,215 $ 502,292 Foreign 348,876 295,888 304,088 Total $ 796,729 $ 693,103 $ 806,380 Provision for income taxes: Current: Federal $ 127,874 $ 116,898 $ 130,996 Foreign 71,846 63,170 66,691 State 6,744 6,509 11,376 Total current 206,464 186,577 209,063 Deferred: Federal (97,465 ) 5,273 1,711 Foreign 6,204 (8,434 ) (3,611 ) State 56 (2,471 ) 8,358 Total deferred (91,205 ) (5,632 ) 6,458 Total provision $ 115,259 $ 180,945 $ 215,521
Components of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability	Significant components of the deferred tax (asset) liability were as follows at December 31: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Current deferred tax (asset) liability: Reserves not currently deductible $ — $ (39,509 ) Share-based compensation — (7,022 ) Net operating loss carryforwards — (2,072 ) Other — (1,041 ) — (49,644 ) Portion included in other current liabilities — (360 ) Gross current deferred tax asset — (50,004 ) Noncurrent deferred tax (asset) liability: Differences in basis of property and accelerated depreciation 39,816 54,243 Reserves not currently deductible (42,966 ) (28,808 ) Pensions 11,452 8,714 Differences in basis of intangible assets and accelerated amortization 455,690 603,577 Net operating loss carryforwards (10,376 ) (8,399 ) Share-based compensation (13,434 ) (13,707 ) Foreign tax credit carryforwards — (3,441 ) Unremitted earnings 84,356 4,481 Other (23,176 ) (1,004 ) 501,362 615,656 Less: Valuation allowance 3,100 2,046 504,462 617,702 Portion included in noncurrent assets 8,064 4,074 Gross noncurrent deferred tax liability 512,526 621,776 Net deferred tax liability $ 512,526 $ 571,772
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: 2017 2016 2015 U.S. Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 0.4 0.4 1.2 Foreign operations, net (6.8 ) (7.1 ) (6.8 ) U.S. Manufacturing deduction and credits (2.2 ) (2.6 ) (2.4 ) Stock compensation (1.6 ) 0.2 0.1 Net deferred tax revaluation (23.3 ) — — Deemed repatriation of foreign earnings 11.8 — — Other 1.2 0.2 (0.4 ) Consolidated effective tax rate 14.5 % 26.1 % 26.7 %
Reconciliation of Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions	The following is a reconciliation of the liability for uncertain tax positions at December 31: 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Balance at the beginning of the year $ 57.9 $ 63.8 $ 71.7 Additions for tax positions related to the current year 10.0 5.5 8.8 Additions for tax positions of prior years 3.1 1.5 1.3 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (2.8 ) (3.6 ) (7.1 ) Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities — (3.4 ) (8.3 ) Reductions due to statute expirations (7.9 ) (5.9 ) (2.6 ) Balance at the end of the year $ 60.3 $ 57.9 $ 63.8

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Long-term debt, net consisted of the following at December 31: 2017 2016 (In thousands) U.S. dollar 6.20% senior notes due December 2017 $ — $ 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 4.68% senior note due September 2020 108,180 98,701 British pound 2.59% senior note due November 2028 202,840 185,067 British pound 2.70% senior note due November 2031 101,420 92,533 Euro 1.34% senior notes due October 2026 360,620 316,643 Euro 1.53% senior notes due October 2028 240,414 211,096 Swiss franc 2.44% senior note due December 2021 56,452 54,150 Revolving credit facility borrowings — — Other, principally foreign 4,589 14,604 Less: Debt issuance costs (5,226 ) (6,229 ) Total debt, net 2,174,289 2,341,565 Less: Current portion, net (308,123 ) (278,921 ) Total long-term debt, net $ 1,866,166 $ 2,062,644

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Stock option expense $ 9,895 $ 9,984 $ 10,955 Restricted stock expense 15,196 12,046 12,807 Total pre-tax $ 25,091 $ 22,030 $ 23,762
Weighted Average Assumptions Used for Estimating Fair Values of Stock Options Granted	The following weighted average assumptions were used in the Black-Scholes-Merton 2017 2016 2015 Expected volatility 18.0 % 21.8 % 22.3 % Expected term (years) 5.0 5.0 5.0 Risk-free interest rate 1.94 % 1.23 % 1.58 % Expected dividend yield 0.60 % 0.77 % 0.69 % Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted $ 11.05 $ 9.14 $ 10.89
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, 2017: Shares Weighted Price Weighted Life Aggregate Value (In thousands) (Years) (In millions) Outstanding at the beginning of the year 6,011 $ 42.25 Granted 1,331 60.32 Exercised (1,515 ) 31.62 Forfeited (237 ) 52.62 Expired (7 ) 52.10 Outstanding at the end of the year 5,583 $ 48.99 4.2 $ 131.1 Exercisable at the end of the year 2,884 $ 43.96 2.9 $ 82.2
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, 2017: Shares Weighted Average Fair Value (In thousands) Nonvested stock options outstanding at the beginning of the year 2,802 $ 10.15 Granted 1,331 11.05 Vested (1,197 ) 10.40 Forfeited (237 ) 10.35 Nonvested stock options outstanding at the end of the year 2,699 $ 10.47
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, 2017: Shares Weighted Average Fair Value (In thousands) Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at the beginning of the year 1,019 $ 48.59 Granted 340 60.35 Vested (333 ) 47.42 Forfeited (94 ) 51.51 Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at the end of the year 932 $ 53.53

Retirement Plans and Other Po38

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year $ 498,850 $ 472,477 Service cost 3,538 3,488 Interest cost 20,693 22,153 Actuarial losses 26,922 29,681 Gross benefits paid (29,627 ) (29,005 ) Plan amendments — 56 Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year $ 520,376 $ 498,850 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year $ 517,073 $ 508,775 Actual return on plan assets 92,058 36,414 Employer contributions 40,489 889 Gross benefits paid (29,627 ) (29,005 ) Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year $ 619,993 $ 517,073 Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year $ 258,297 $ 243,924 Service cost 3,600 3,134 Interest cost 6,732 7,896 Foreign currency translation adjustments 26,457 (39,910 ) Employee contributions 228 256 Actuarial (gains) losses (1,563 ) 52,248 Expenses paid from assets (608 ) (770 ) Gross benefits paid (8,964 ) (8,475 ) Plan amendments (1 ) (6 ) Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year $ 284,178 $ 258,297 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year $ 188,935 $ 213,296 Actual return on plan assets 13,869 14,346 Employer contributions 14,307 5,886 Employee contributions 228 256 Foreign currency translation adjustments 19,201 (35,604 ) Expenses paid from assets (608 ) (770 ) Gross benefits paid (8,964 ) (8,475 ) Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year $ 226,968 $ 188,935
Accumulated Benefit Obligation ("ABO")	The accumulated benefit obligation consisted of the following at December 31: U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Funded plans $ 503,309 $ 480,249 Unfunded plans 6,046 6,212 Total $ 509,355 $ 486,461 Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Funded plans $ 235,787 $ 213,877 Unfunded plans 39,531 33,924 Total $ 275,318 $ 247,801
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 Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets Fair Value of Assets 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In thousands) Benefit obligation $ 6,046 $ 26,356 $ 6,046 $ 26,356 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 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In thousands) Benefit obligation $ 186,756 $ 215,893 $ 180,779 $ 209,377 Fair value of plan assets 127,170 146,480 127,170 146,480
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: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Funded status asset (liability): Fair value of plan assets $ 846,961 $ 706,008 Projected benefit obligation (804,553 ) (757,147 ) Funded status at the end of the year $ 42,408 $ (51,139 ) Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consisted of: Noncurrent asset for pension benefits (other assets) $ 108,039 $ 25,571 Current liabilities for pension benefits (1,901 ) (1,393 ) Noncurrent liability for pension benefits (63,730 ) (75,317 ) Net amount recognized at the end of the year $ 42,408 $ (51,139 )
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: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Net actuarial loss $ 178,466 $ 204,782 Prior service costs (1,102 ) (1,031 ) Transition asset 7 7 Total recognized $ 177,371 $ 203,758
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: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Defined benefit plans: Service cost $ 7,138 $ 6,622 $ 7,000 Interest cost 27,424 30,049 28,670 Expected return on plan assets (53,442 ) (51,140 ) (54,819 ) Amortization of: Net actuarial loss 14,591 10,224 9,383 Prior service costs (47 ) (52 ) (55 ) Transition asset 1 1 1 Total net periodic benefit income (4,335 ) (4,296 ) (9,820 ) Other plans: Defined contribution plans 24,280 23,881 22,750 Foreign plans and other 5,866 5,694 4,800 Total other plans 30,146 29,575 27,550 Total net pension expense $ 25,811 $ 25,279 $ 17,730
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: 2017 2016 U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Discount rate 3.75 % 4.25 % Rate of compensation increase (where applicable) 3.75 % 3.75 % Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Discount rate 2.39 % 2.56 % Rate of compensation increase (where applicable) 2.50 % 2.50 %
Fair Value of Plan Assets	The following is a summary of the fair value of plan assets for U.S. plans at December 31: 2017 2016 Asset Class Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 (In thousands) Corporate debt instruments $ 1,757 $ — $ 1,757 $ 2,662 $ — $ 2,662 Corporate debt instruments - Preferred 12,574 — 12,574 8,880 — 8,880 Corporate stocks - Common 137,693 137,693 — 109,881 109,881 — Municipal bonds 565 — 565 777 — 777 Registered investment companies 289,693 289,693 — 251,054 251,054 — U.S. Government securities 246 — 246 — — — Total investments 442,528 427,386 15,142 373,254 360,935 12,319 Investments measured at net asset value 177,465 — — 143,819 — — Total investments $ 619,993 $ 427,386 $ 15,142 $ 517,073 $ 360,935 $ 12,319
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: 2017 2016 Asset Class Total Level 3 Total Level 3 (In thousands) Life insurance $ 21,294 $ 21,294 $ 18,147 $ 18,147 Total investments 21,294 21,294 18,147 18,147 Investments measured at net asset value 205,674 — 170,788 — Total investments $ 226,968 $ 21,294 $ 188,935 $ 18,147
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, 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 Actual return on assets: Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year 3,147 Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year — Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net — Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 21,294
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: 2017 2016 2015 U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Discount rate 4.25 % 4.80 % 4.20 % Expected return on plan assets 7.50 % 7.75 % 7.75 % Rate of compensation increase (where applicable) 3.75 % 3.75 % 3.75 % Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Discount rate 2.56 % 3.62 % 3.44 % Expected return on plan assets 6.79 % 6.95 % 6.92 % Rate of compensation increase (where applicable) 2.50 % 2.88 % 2.88 %

Guarantees (Tables)

Guarantees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Guarantees and Product Warranties [Abstract]
Changes in Accrued Product Warranty Obligation	Changes in the accrued product warranty obligation were as follows at December 31: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Balance at the beginning of the year $ 22,007 $ 22,761 $ 29,764 Accruals for warranties issued during the year 15,951 16,046 14,817 Settlements made during the year (17,854 ) (17,732 ) (19,905 ) Warranty accruals related to acquired businesses and other during the year 2,768 932 (1,915 ) Balance at the end of the year $ 22,872 $ 22,007 $ 22,761

Reportable Segments and Geogr40

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Segment Financial Information	Reportable Segment Financial Information 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net sales (1) Electronic Instruments $ 2,690,554 $ 2,360,285 $ 2,417,192 Electromechanical 1,609,616 1,479,802 1,557,103 Consolidated net sales $ 4,300,170 $ 3,840,087 $ 3,974,295 Operating income and income before income taxes: Segment operating income (2) Electronic Instruments $ 677,489 $ 577,717 $ 639,399 Electromechanical 310,875 277,873 318,098 Total segment operating income 988,364 855,590 957,497 Corporate administrative and other expenses (73,270 ) (53,693 ) (49,781 ) Consolidated operating income 915,094 801,897 907,716 Interest and other expenses, net (118,365 ) (108,794 ) (101,336 ) Consolidated income before income taxes $ 796,729 $ 693,103 $ 806,380 Assets: Electronic Instruments $ 4,803,575 $ 4,104,972 Electromechanical 2,535,503 2,446,180 Total segment assets 7,339,078 6,551,152 Corporate 456,986 549,522 Consolidated assets $ 7,796,064 $ 7,100,674 Additions to property, plant and equipment (3) Electronic Instruments $ 54,321 $ 45,091 $ 32,069 Electromechanical 36,829 39,340 88,369 Total segment additions to property, plant and equipment 91,150 84,431 120,438 Corporate 3,002 1,914 2,121 Consolidated additions to property, plant and equipment $ 94,152 $ 86,345 $ 122,559 Depreciation and amortization: Electronic Instruments $ 108,053 $ 104,284 $ 83,832 Electromechanical 73,222 73,767 64,539 Total segment depreciation and amortization 181,275 178,051 148,371 Corporate 1,952 1,665 1,089 Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 183,227 $ 179,716 $ 149,460 (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 $19.1 million in 2017, $23.1 million in 2016 and $53.4 million in 2015 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, 2017, 2016 and 2015 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. 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net sales: United States $ 2,086,180 $ 1,829,341 $ 1,919,611 International (1) United Kingdom 186,534 188,700 201,192 European Union countries 692,116 619,138 615,956 Asia 879,426 785,868 789,435 Other foreign countries 455,914 417,040 448,101 Total international 2,213,990 2,010,746 2,054,684 Total consolidated $ 4,300,170 $ 3,840,087 $ 3,974,295 Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets): United States $ 325,908 $ 322,743 International (2) United Kingdom 62,643 59,208 European Union countries 65,204 58,368 Asia 12,073 12,204 Other foreign countries 27,468 20,707 Total international 167,388 150,487 Total consolidated $ 493,296 $ 473,230 (1) Includes U.S. export sales of $1,142.3 million in 2017, $1,036.0 million in 2016 and $1,090.7 million in 2015. (2) Represents long-lived assets of foreign-based operations only.

Restructuring Charges (Tables)

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 fourth quarters of 2017, 2016 and 2015 restructuring charges as follows (in millions): Fourth Quarter of 2017 Fourth Quarter of 2016 Fourth Quarter of 2015 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ — $ — $ 19.3 Pre-tax — 25.6 — Utilization — (6.4 ) (9.2 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other — — (0.9 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 — 19.2 9.2 Pre-tax 10.8 — — Utilization (7.8 ) (6.4 ) (2.4 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other — — (0.1 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 3.0 $ 12.8 $ 6.7

Quarterly Financial Data (Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	First Second Third Fourth Total Year (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2017 Net sales $ 1,007,682 $ 1,064,604 $ 1,084,799 $ 1,143,085 $ 4,300,170 Operating income (1) $ 220,298 $ 232,385 $ 232,831 $ 229,580 $ 915,094 Net income (1)(2) $ 138,926 $ 150,481 $ 153,531 $ 238,532 $ 681,470 Basic earnings per share (1)(2)(3) $ 0.61 $ 0.65 $ 0.67 $ 1.03 $ 2.96 Diluted earnings per share (1)(2)(3) $ 0.60 $ 0.65 $ 0.66 $ 1.03 $ 2.94 Dividends paid per share $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.36 2016 Net sales $ 944,398 $ 977,706 $ 945,030 $ 972,953 $ 3,840,087 Operating income (4)(5) $ 208,523 $ 219,036 $ 201,116 $ 173,222 $ 801,897 Net income (4)(5) $ 134,170 $ 138,193 $ 130,687 $ 109,108 $ 512,158 Basic earnings per share (3)(4)(5) $ 0.57 $ 0.59 $ 0.56 $ 0.47 $ 2.20 Diluted earnings per share (3)(4)(5) $ 0.57 $ 0.59 $ 0.56 $ 0.47 $ 2.19 Dividends paid per share $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.36 (1) During 2017, the Company recorded pre-tax (2) During 2017, the Company recorded a net benefit of $91.6 million in the consolidated statement of income as a component of Provision for income taxes related to the Act. The net benefit related to the Act had the effect of increasing net income for 2017 by $91.6 million. See Note 8. (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 2016, the Company recorded pre-tax (5) During 2016, the Company recorded a $13.9 million non-cash

Significant Accounting Polici43

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Maturity period of liquid investments	Three months or less
Aggregate fair value of fixed-income mutual fund	$ 8,100	$ 7,300
Amortized cost of investment	8,200	8,000
Allowance for possible losses on receivables	$ 10,401	10,257	$ 8,555	$ 10,446
Percentage of FIFO method of inventory in total inventory	84.00%
Percentage of LIFO method of inventory in total inventory	16.00%
Excess of the FIFO value over the LIFO value	$ 22,900	18,400
Depreciation expense	$ 82,000	74,800	68,700
Non-cash impairment charge related to intangible assets		13,900
Product warranty period	1 year
Research and development costs	$ 130,400	112,000	116,300
Shipping and handling costs	$ 53,100	$ 47,900	$ 50,500
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 Relationship [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Weighted average life	19 years
Customer Relationship [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful life, maximum	5 years
Customer Relationship [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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Weighted average shares:
Basic shares	230,229	232,593	239,906
Equity-based compensation plans	1,616	1,137	1,680
Diluted shares	231,845	233,730	241,586

Recent Accounting Pronounceme45

Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 7,138	$ 6,622	$ 7,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes related to the tax effects of share-based payment transactions	12,300
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Increase in cost of sales	11,500
Increase in other operating income	11,500
Service cost	$ 7,100

Fair Value Measurements - Fair

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Assets Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-income investments	$ 8,060	$ 7,317

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) CAD in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017CAD	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Contract
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	$ 0		$ 0
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	0		$ 0
Number of forward contracts outstanding | Contract			0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount | CAD		CAD 83
Fair value unrealized gain	$ 1,500,000

Fair Value Measurements - Fai48

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Disclosures of Financial Instrument Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Recorded Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt, net (including current portion)	$ (2,174,289)	$ (2,341,565)
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt, net (including current portion)	$ (2,210,466)	$ (2,386,901)

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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Percentage of effectiveness on net investment hedges	100.00%
Currency remeasuresment gains (losses)	$ (109.4)	$ 50
British-Pound-Denominated Loans [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Hedge against net investment in foreign subsidiaries	412.4	376.3
Euro Loan [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Hedge against net investment in foreign subsidiaries	$ 601	$ 527.7

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired			$ 556,634,000	$ 391,419,000	$ 356,466,000
Total other intangible assets acquired	$ 340,700,000		340,700,000
Indefinite-lived intangible trade names acquired			72,900,000
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired			267,800,000
Trade Names [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired			$ 800,000
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset			18 years
Customer Relationship [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired			$ 229,400,000
Customer Relationship [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization period for finite-lived intangible asset			18 years
Customer Relationship [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			$ 37,600,000
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
Rauland-Borg [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Maximum contingent payment for acquisition	30,000,000		$ 30,000,000
Minimum contingent payment for acquisition	0		0
Rauland-Borg [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent payment liability	25,500,000		25,500,000
Change in contingent payment liability	0
Global Tubes and Surface Vision [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired					$ 356,500,000
Rauland, MOCON and Arizona Instrument [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired			556,600,000
Business acquisition, goodwill, expected tax deductible amount	89,200,000		89,200,000
Total other intangible assets acquired	340,700,000		340,700,000
Future amortization expense, 2017	15,000,000		15,000,000
Future amortization expense, 2018	15,000,000		15,000,000
Future amortization expense, 2019	15,000,000		15,000,000
Future amortization expense, 2020	15,000,000		15,000,000
Future amortization expense, 2021	15,000,000		15,000,000
Contingent payment liability	$ 25,500,000		$ 25,500,000
Brookfield Engineering Laboratories and ESP/SurgeX, HS Foils and Nu Instruments and Laserage Technology Corporation [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired				$ 391,400,000
FMH Aerospace [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire business		$ 235,000,000
Estimated annual sales		$ 50,000,000

Acquisitions - Allocation of Ag

Acquisitions - Allocation of Aggregate Purchase Price of Acquired Net Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 3,115,619	$ 2,818,950	$ 2,706,600
Other intangible assets	340,700
Total cash paid	556,634	$ 391,419	$ 356,466
Rauland, MOCON and Arizona Instrument [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	19,100
Goodwill	225,600
Other intangible assets	340,700
Long-term liabilities	(10,900)
Deferred income taxes	(35,100)
Net working capital and other	42,700
Total purchase price	582,100
Less: Acquisition date fair value of contingent payment liability	(25,500)
Total cash paid	$ 556,600

Acquisitions - Allocation of 52

Acquisitions - Allocation of Aggregate Purchase Price of Acquired Net Assets (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Rauland, MOCON and Arizona Instrument [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable included in purchase price	$ 31.7

Goodwill and Other Intangible53

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 2,818,950	$ 2,706,600
Goodwill acquired	225,600	171,300
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other	1,100	200
Foreign currency translation adjustments	69,900	(59,100)
Goodwill, ending balance	3,115,619	2,818,950
Electronic Instruments Group [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,817,000	1,678,200
Goodwill acquired	225,600	165,000
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other	500	300
Foreign currency translation adjustments	33,900	(26,500)
Goodwill, ending balance	2,077,000	1,817,000
Electromechanical Group [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,002,000	1,028,400
Goodwill acquired		6,300
Purchase price allocation adjustments and other	600	(100)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	36,000	(32,600)
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 1,038,600	$ 1,002,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible54

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Other Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	$ 1,697,067	$ 2,002,501
Accumulated amortization	(485,720)	(598,110)
Net intangible assets subject to amortization	1,211,347	1,404,391
Impairment	(13,900)
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (not subject to amortization)	522,674	608,974
Total	1,734,021	2,013,365
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (not subject to amortization)	536,574	608,974
Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	49,755	52,548
Accumulated amortization	(34,927)	(36,998)
Purchased Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	283,612	328,301
Accumulated amortization	(87,869)	(110,298)
Customer Lists [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets (subject to amortization)	1,363,700	1,621,652
Accumulated amortization	$ (362,924)	$ (450,814)

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Non-cash impairment charge related to intangible assets		$ 13,900
Amortization expense	$ 101,200	104,900	$ 80,800
Future amortization expense, 2018	105,000
Future amortization expense, 2019	105,000
Future amortization expense, 2020	105,000
Future amortization expense, 2021	105,000
Future amortization expense, 2022	$ 105,000
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 Sh56

Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information - Other Consolidated Balance Sheet Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
INVENTORIES, NET
Finished goods and parts	$ 84,789	$ 75,827
Work in process	107,362	101,484
Raw materials and purchased parts	348,353	314,793
Total inventories	540,504	492,104
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Land	42,851	41,875
Buildings	295,023	281,847
Machinery and equipment	923,394	840,725
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,261,268	1,164,447
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(767,972)	(691,217)
Property, plant and equipment, Net	493,296	473,230
ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Employee compensation and benefits	151,435	93,226
Product warranty obligation	22,872	22,007	$ 22,761	$ 29,764
Restructuring	30,046	29,951
Contingent purchase price	25,500
Other	128,698	100,886
Total accrued liabilities	358,551	246,070
ALLOWANCES FOR POSSIBLE LOSSES ON ACCOUNTS
Balance at the beginning of the year	10,257	8,555	10,446
Additions charged to expense	2,800	4,124	630
Write-offs	(3,208)	(2,304)	(1,872)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	552	(118)	(649)
Balance at the end of the year	$ 10,401	$ 10,257	$ 8,555

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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income before income taxes:
Domestic	$ 447,853	$ 397,215	$ 502,292
Foreign	348,876	295,888	304,088
Income before income taxes	796,729	693,103	806,380
Current:
Federal	127,874	116,898	130,996
Foreign	71,846	63,170	66,691
State	6,744	6,509	11,376
Total current	206,464	186,577	209,063
Deferred:
Federal	(97,465)	5,273	1,711
Foreign	6,204	(8,434)	(3,611)
State	56	(2,471)	8,358
Total deferred	(91,205)	(5,632)	6,458
Total provision	$ 115,259	$ 180,945	$ 215,521

Income Taxes - Components of De

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax (asset) liability:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ (10,400)
Gross current deferred tax asset		$ (49,644)
Net current deferred tax asset		(50,004)
Net operating loss carryforwards	(10,400)
Noncurrent deferred tax (asset) liability	501,362	615,656
Less: Valuation allowance	3,100	2,046
Gross noncurrent deferred tax liability	504,462	617,702
Net noncurrent deferred tax liability	512,526	621,776
Net deferred tax liability	512,526	571,772
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Deferred tax (asset) liability:
Gross current deferred tax asset		(360)
Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Deferred tax (asset) liability:
Gross noncurrent deferred tax liability	8,064	4,074
Current [Member]
Deferred tax (asset) liability:
Reserves not currently deductible		(39,509)
Share-based compensation		(7,022)
Net operating loss carryforwards		(2,072)
Other		(1,041)
Reserves not currently deductible		(39,509)
Net operating loss carryforwards		(2,072)
Share-based compensation		(7,022)
Non Current [Member]
Deferred tax (asset) liability:
Reserves not currently deductible	(42,966)	(28,808)
Share-based compensation	(13,434)	(13,707)
Net operating loss carryforwards	(10,376)	(8,399)
Differences in basis of property and accelerated depreciation	39,816	54,243
Reserves not currently deductible	(42,966)	(28,808)
Pensions	11,452	8,714
Differences in basis of intangible assets and accelerated amortization	455,690	603,577
Net operating loss carryforwards	(10,376)	(8,399)
Share-based compensation	(13,434)	(13,707)
Foreign tax credit carryforwards		(3,441)
Unremitted earnings	84,356	4,481
Other	$ (23,176)	$ (1,004)

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate to U.S. Federal Statutory Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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%	0.40%	1.20%
Foreign operations, net	(6.80%)	(7.10%)	(6.80%)
U.S. Manufacturing deduction and credits	(2.20%)	(2.60%)	(2.40%)
Stock compensation	(1.60%)	0.20%	0.10%
Net deferred tax revaluation	(23.30%)
Deemed repatriation of foreign earnings	11.80%
Other	1.20%	0.20%	(0.40%)
Consolidated effective tax rate	14.50%	26.10%	26.70%

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
U.S. corporate income tax				35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Income tax benefit		$ 91,600,000		$ 91,600,000
Tax liability		94,200,000
Net deferred tax liability	$ 512,526,000	512,526,000		512,526,000	$ 571,772,000
Reinvest of earnings	1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000		1,500,000,000	4,500,000
Provision for deferred income tax				(91,205,000)	(5,632,000)	$ 6,458,000
Net operating loss carryforwards	10,400,000	10,400,000		10,400,000
Tax benefits related to tax credit carryforwards	5,100,000	5,100,000		5,100,000
Valuation allowance				1,100,000
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	60,300,000	60,300,000		60,300,000	57,900,000	63,800,000	$ 71,700,000
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact tax rate, if recognized	51,700,000	51,700,000		51,700,000	48,500,000
Interest and penalties accrued related to uncertain tax positions	9,700,000	9,700,000		9,700,000	8,900,000
Expense (Benefit) of interest and penalties				$ 900,000	(1,800,000)	$ (400,000)
Period between open tax years subject to tax audit				Three and six years
Portion of tax liability incurred in domestic country				70.00%
Additions of tax, interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	15,400,000	15,400,000		$ 15,400,000	8,600,000
Tax and interest related to statute expirations and settlement of prior uncertain positions reversed	12,100,000	12,100,000		12,100,000	16,300,000
Amount of tax, interest and penalties classified as a noncurrent liability	68,500,000	68,500,000		68,500,000
Increase of income tax expense				4,300,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
U.S. corporate income tax			21.00%
Federal [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income tax benefit from remeasurement of net deferred tax liabilities		185,800,000
Net deferred tax liability	390,400,000	390,400,000		390,400,000
Deemed repatriation of foreign earnings	1,000,000
Operating loss carryforwards	1,700,000	1,700,000		1,700,000
Operating loss carryforwards valuation allowance	0	0		0
Tax credit carryforwards	600,000	600,000		600,000
Tax credit carryforwards valuation allowance	600,000	600,000		600,000
Federal [Member] | Current Taxes Payable [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax liability	1,200,000
Federal [Member] | Non-current Taxes Payable [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax liability	13,200,000
Federal [Member] | Deferred Tax Liability [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax liability	67,500,000
State [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	6,600,000	6,600,000		6,600,000
Operating loss carryforwards valuation allowance	0	0		0
Tax credit carryforwards	4,400,000	4,400,000		4,400,000
Tax credit carryforwards valuation allowance	300,000	300,000		300,000
Foreign [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax liability		81,900,000
Operating loss carryforwards	2,200,000	2,200,000		2,200,000
Operating loss carryforwards valuation allowance	2,200,000	2,200,000		2,200,000
Tax credit carryforwards	100,000	100,000		100,000
Tax credit carryforwards valuation allowance	0	$ 0		$ 0
State and Foreign [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
State income and foreign withholding taxes	$ 13,300,000
United States [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Provision for deferred income tax					0
United States [Member] | Foreign [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Reinvest of earnings					$ 1,100,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Expiration period for operating loss carryforwards				Dec. 31, 2018
Expiration period for tax credit carryforwards				Dec. 31, 2018
Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Expiration period for operating loss carryforwards				Dec. 31, 2037
Expiration period for tax credit carryforwards				Dec. 31, 2037

Income Taxes - Reconciliation61

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at the beginning of the year	$ 57.9	$ 63.8	$ 71.7
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	10	5.5	8.8
Additions for tax positions of prior years	3.1	1.5	1.3
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(2.8)	(3.6)	(7.1)
Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities		(3.4)	(8.3)
Reductions due to statute expirations	(7.9)	(5.9)	(2.6)
Balance at the end of the year	$ 60.3	$ 57.9	$ 63.8

Debt - Long-term Debt (Detail)

Debt - Long-term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less: Debt issuance costs	$ (5,226)	$ (6,229)
Total debt, net	2,174,289	2,341,565
Total debt, net	2,174,289	2,341,565
Less: Current portion, net	(308,123)	(278,921)
Total long-term debt, net	1,866,166	2,062,644
6.20% Senior Notes Due December 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross		270,000
6.35% Senior Notes Due July 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	80,000	80,000
7.08% Senior Notes Due September 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	160,000	160,000
7.18% Senior Notes Due December 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	65,000	65,000
6.30% Senior Notes Due December 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	100,000	100,000
3.73% Senior Notes Due September 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	300,000	300,000
3.91% Senior Notes Due June 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	50,000	50,000
3.96% Senior Notes Due August 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	100,000	100,000
3.83% Senior Notes Due September 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	100,000	100,000
3.98% Senior Notes Due September 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	100,000	100,000
4.45% Senior Notes Due August 2035 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	50,000	50,000
British Pound 4.68% Senior Note Due September 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	108,180	98,701
British Pound 2.59% Senior Note Due November 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	202,840	185,067
British Pound 2.70% Senior Note Due November 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	101,420	92,533
Euro 1.34% Senior Notes Due October 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	360,620	316,643
Euro 1.53% Senior Note Due October 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	240,414	211,096
Swiss Franc 2.44% Senior Note Due December 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	56,452	54,150
Other Principally Foreign [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, gross	$ 4,589	$ 14,604

Debt - Long-term Debt (Parenthe

Debt - Long-term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	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
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 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) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2007
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2019	$ 100,000,000
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2020	108,200,000
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2021	56,500,000
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2022	0
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2023	0
Maturities of long-term debt outstanding in 2024 and thereafter	1,605,300,000
6.20% Senior Notes Due December 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, net	$ 270,000,000	$ 270,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes	6.20%	6.20%

Debt - Additional Information 1

Debt - Additional Information 1 (Detail)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Nov. 30, 2016GBP (£)

Oct. 31, 2016EUR (€)

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 ($)

6.20% Senior Notes Due December 2017 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount of senior notes

$ 270,000,000

$ 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 4.68% Senior Note Due September 2020 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount of senior notes

$ 108,200,000

£ 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

$ 56,500,000

SFr 55,000,000

Interest rate on senior notes

2.44%

2.44%

Maturity date of senior notes

Dec. 31, 2021

Senior Notes [Member] | 1.34% Due October 2026 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount of senior notes

$ 360,600,000

€ 300,000,000

Interest rate on senior notes

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

$ 240,400,000

€ 200,000,000

Interest rate on senior notes

1.53%

Maturity date of senior notes

Oct. 31, 2028

Senior Notes [Member] | 2.59% Due November 2028 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount of senior notes

$ 202,800,000

£ 150,000,000

Interest rate on senior notes

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

$ 101,400,000

£ 75,000,000

Interest rate on senior notes

2.70%

Maturity date of senior notes

Nov. 30, 2031

Debt - Additional Information 2

Debt - Additional Information 2 (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt, net	$ 2,174,289,000	$ 2,341,565,000
Weighted average interest rate on total debt borrowings outstanding	4.20%	4.40%
Foreign Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Available borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	$ 45,400,000	$ 43,700,000
Borrowings outstanding	$ 4,600,000	14,600,000
Debt outstanding reported in long-term debt, net		3,800,000
Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility expiration period	5 years
Total borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	$ 850,000,000
Revolving credit facility expiration date	Mar. 31, 2021
Additional borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	$ 300,000,000
Available borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	1,108,100,000
Borrowings outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Percentage of weighted average interest rate on revolving credit facility	1.61%	1.72%
Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings outstanding	$ 42,100,000	$ 33,200,000

Share-Based Compensation - Addi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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	12,000,000
Stock options outstanding	5,583,000	6,011,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 41.3	$ 16.2	$ 62.3
Total fair value of stock options vested	12.4	$ 10.8	10.3
Expected future pre-tax compensation expense, nonvested stock options	$ 21
Nonvested stock options outstanding	2,699,000	2,802,000
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%
Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors [Member] | Corporate Administrative Expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pre-tax share-based compensation expense	$ 2.5
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	$ 15.8	$ 11.1	$ 10.6
Expected future pre-tax compensation expense, nonvested restricted shares	$ 28
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding	932,000	1,019,000
Weighted average fair value, per share	$ 60.35	$ 46.91
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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock option expense	$ 9,895	$ 9,984	$ 10,955
Restricted stock expense	15,196	12,046	12,807
Total pre-tax expense	$ 25,091	$ 22,030	$ 23,762

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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Expected volatility	18.00%	21.80%	22.30%
Expected term (years)	5 years	5 years	5 years
Risk-free interest rate	1.94%	1.23%	1.58%
Expected dividend yield	0.60%	0.77%	0.69%
Black-Scholes-Merton fair value per stock option granted	$ 11.05	$ 9.14	$ 10.89

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, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Shares | shares	6,011
Granted, Shares | shares	1,331
Exercised, Shares | shares	(1,515)
Forfeited, Shares | shares	(237)
Expired, Shares | shares	(7)
Ending balance, Outstanding, Shares | shares	5,583
Ending balance, Exercisable, Shares | shares	2,884
Beginning balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 42.25
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	60.32
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	31.62
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	52.62
Expired, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	52.10
Ending balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	48.99
Ending balance, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 43.96
Ending balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	4 years 2 months 12 days
Ending balance, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	2 years 10 months 25 days
Ending balance, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 131.1
Ending balance, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 82.2

Share-Based Compensation - Su71

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Nonvested Stock Option Activity and Related Information (Detail) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Beginning balance, Nonvested, Shares	2,802
Nonvested stock options Granted, Shares	1,331
Nonvested stock options Vested, Shares	(1,197)
Nonvested stock options Forfeited, Shares	(237)
Ending balance, Nonvested, Shares	2,699	2,802
Beginning balance, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 10.15
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	11.05	$ 9.14	$ 10.89
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	10.40
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	10.35
Ending balance, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 10.47	$ 10.15

Share-Based Compensation - Su72

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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Nonvested restricted stock outstanding, Shares	1,019
Granted, Shares	340
Vested, Shares	(333)
Forfeited, Shares	(94)
Ending balance, Nonvested restricted stock outstanding, Shares	932	1,019
Beginning balance, Nonvested restricted stock outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 48.59
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	60.35	$ 46.91
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	47.42
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	51.51
Ending balance, Nonvested restricted stock outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 53.53	$ 48.59

Retirement Plans and Other Po73

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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	$ 37,100,000	$ 24,900,000
Percentage of equity securities in company common stock included in plan assets	6.00%	4.80%
Expected amount of amortization related to net actuarial losses and prior service costs	$ 12,000,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2018	39,800,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2019	40,200,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2020	41,200,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2021	41,900,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2022	42,500,000
Estimated future benefit payments, 2023-2027	223,400,000
Amount deferred under the compensation plan, including income earned	25,400,000	$ 25,200,000
Withdrawal from Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Facility cost	6,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year	2,000,000
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year	$ 6,000,000
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected long-term return on plan assets	7.50%	7.75%	7.75%
Assumed rate of return next year	7.50%
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]
Expected long-term return on plan assets	6.79%	6.95%	6.92%
Assumed rate of return next year	6.64%
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 Po74

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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	$ 757,147
Service cost	7,138	$ 6,622	$ 7,000
Interest cost	27,424	30,049	28,670
Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	804,553	757,147
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	706,008
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	846,961	706,008
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	498,850	472,477
Service cost	3,538	3,488
Interest cost	20,693	22,153
Actuarial (gains) losses	26,922	29,681
Gross benefits paid	(29,627)	(29,005)
Plan amendments		56
Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	520,376	498,850	472,477
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	517,073	508,775
Actual return on plan assets	92,058	36,414
Employer contributions	40,489	889
Gross benefits paid	(29,627)	(29,005)
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	619,993	517,073	508,775
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Net projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year	258,297	243,924
Service cost	3,600	3,134
Interest cost	6,732	7,896
Foreign currency translation adjustments	26,457	(39,910)
Employee contributions	228	256
Actuarial (gains) losses	(1,563)	52,248
Expenses paid from assets	(608)	(770)
Gross benefits paid	(8,964)	(8,475)
Plan amendments	(1)	(6)
Net projected benefit obligation at the end of the year	284,178	258,297	243,924
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	188,935	213,296
Actual return on plan assets	13,869	14,346
Employer contributions	14,307	5,886
Employee contributions	228	256
Foreign currency translation adjustments	19,201	(35,604)
Expenses paid from assets	(608)	(770)
Gross benefits paid	(8,964)	(8,475)
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	$ 226,968	$ 188,935	$ 213,296

Retirement Plans and Other Po75

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Accumulated Benefit Obligation ("ABO") (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 509,355	$ 486,461
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Funded Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	503,309	480,249
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Unfunded Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	6,046	6,212
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	275,318	247,801
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Funded Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	235,787	213,877
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Unfunded Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 39,531	$ 33,924

Retirement Plans and Other Po76

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.75%	4.25%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)	3.75%	3.75%
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	2.39%	2.56%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)	2.50%	2.50%

Retirement Plans and Other Po77

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Fair Value of Plan Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 846,961	$ 706,008
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	619,993	517,073	$ 508,775
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	565	777
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Corporate Debt Instruments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,757	2,662
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Corporate Debt Instruments - Preferred [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	12,574	8,880
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Corporate Stocks - Common [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	137,693	109,881
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Registered Investment Companies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	289,693	251,054
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | U.S. Government Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	246
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Total Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	442,528	373,254
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	177,465	143,819
Level 1 [Member] | United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	427,386	360,935
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	137,693	109,881
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	289,693	251,054
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	427,386	360,935
Level 2 [Member] | United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	15,142	12,319
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	565	777
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	1,757	2,662
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	12,574	8,880
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	246
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	$ 15,142	$ 12,319

Retirement Plans and Other Po78

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Fair Value of Plan Assets for Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 846,961	$ 706,008
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	226,968	188,935	$ 213,296
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Life Insurance [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	21,294	18,147
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Total Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	21,294	18,147
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Investments Measured at Net Asset Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	205,674	170,788
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	21,294	18,147
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Life Insurance [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	21,294	18,147	$ 20,486
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Total Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 21,294	$ 18,147

Retirement Plans and Other Po79

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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	$ 706,008
Actual return on assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	846,961	$ 706,008
Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	188,935	213,296
Actual return on assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	226,968	188,935
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	18,147
Actual return on assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	21,294	18,147
Fair Value, Inputs, 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	18,147
Actual return on assets:
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	21,294	18,147
Fair Value, Inputs, 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	18,147	20,486
Actual return on assets:
Unrealized (losses) gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the year	3,147	(2,339)
Realized gains (losses) relating to assets sold during the year	0	0
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	$ 21,294	$ 18,147

Retirement Plans and Other Po80

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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	$ 6,046	$ 26,356
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	6,046	26,356
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	186,756	215,893
Projected Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets	127,170	146,480
Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation	180,779	209,377
Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeds Fair Value of Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 127,170	$ 146,480

Retirement Plans and Other Po81

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Funded Status of Plan and Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Funded status asset (liability):
Fair value of plan assets	$ 846,961	$ 706,008
Projected benefit obligation	(804,553)	(757,147)
Funded status at the end of the year	42,408	(51,139)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consisted of:
Noncurrent asset for pension benefits (other assets)	108,039	25,571
Current liabilities for pension benefits	(1,901)	(1,393)
Noncurrent liability for pension benefits	(63,730)	(75,317)
Net amount recognized at the end of the year	$ 42,408	$ (51,139)

Retirement Plans and Other Po82

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total recognized	$ 177,371	$ 203,758
Net Actuarial Loss [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total recognized	178,466	204,782
Prior Service Costs [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total recognized	(1,102)	(1,031)
Transition Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total recognized	$ 7	$ 7

Retirement Plans and Other Po83

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Pension Benefit Expense (Income) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	$ 7,138	$ 6,622	$ 7,000
Interest cost	27,424	30,049	28,670
Expected return on plan assets	(53,442)	(51,140)	(54,819)
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss	14,591	10,224	9,383
Prior service costs	(47)	(52)	(55)
Transition asset	1	1	1
Total net periodic benefit income	(4,335)	(4,296)	(9,820)
Other plans:
Defined contribution plans	24,280	23,881	22,750
Foreign plans and other	5,866	5,694	4,800
Total other plans	30,146	29,575	27,550
Total net pension expense	$ 25,811	$ 25,279	$ 17,730

Retirement Plans and Other Po84

Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Pension Benefit Expense (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	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%	4.20%
Expected return on plan assets	7.50%	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	2.56%	3.62%	3.44%
Expected return on plan assets	6.79%	6.95%	6.92%
Rate of compensation increase (where applicable)	2.50%	2.88%	2.88%

Guarantees - Additional Informa

Guarantees - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Guarantees [Abstract]
Future payment obligations of various guarantees, Maximum amount	$ 82,800,000
Outstanding liability of guarantees	$ 300,000
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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Guarantees [Abstract]
Balance at the beginning of the year	$ 22,007	$ 22,761	$ 29,764
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	15,951	16,046	14,817
Settlements made during the year	(17,854)	(17,732)	(19,905)
Warranty accruals related to acquired businesses and other during the year	2,768	932	(1,915)
Balance at the end of the year	$ 22,872	$ 22,007	$ 22,761

Contingencies - Additional Info

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)site	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)site	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Number of non-owned sites Company is named Potentially Responsible Party | site	13	13
Number of non-owned sites the Company is identified as a de minimis party | site	12	12
Number of non-owned sites Company has reached tentative settlement agreement | site	8	8
Number of non-owned sites Company is still working to establish settlement amount | site	4	4
Total environmental reserves	$ 30.1	$ 30.1	$ 28.4
Increase (decrease) in environmental reserves		7.7
Total expenses related to environmental matters		6.4
Foreign currency translation		0.4
HCC Industries [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Reserves related to an owned site acquired	11.6	11.6	$ 12.4
Receivables related to HCC for probable recoveries from third-party funds	12	$ 12
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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Minimum aggregate rental commitments under noncancellable leases	$ 187.3
Future minimum rental payments in 2018	39
Future minimum rental payments in 2019	31.6
Future minimum rental payments in 2020	25.1
Future minimum rental payments in 2021	21.2
Future minimum rental payments in 2022	16.8
Future minimum rental payments thereafter	53.6
Rental expenses under non-cancelable leases	49.7	$ 46.3	$ 43.6
Purchase obligations outstanding	$ 390.6	$ 289.1
Minimum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Leases expiration	2,018
Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Leases expiration	2,082

Reportable Segments and Geogr89

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2

Reportable Segments and Geogr90

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information - Reportable Segment Financial Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 1,143,085	$ 1,084,799	$ 1,064,604	$ 1,007,682	$ 972,953	$ 945,030	$ 977,706	$ 944,398	$ 4,300,170	$ 3,840,087	$ 3,974,295
Segment operating income:
Operating income	229,580	$ 232,831	$ 232,385	$ 220,298	173,222	$ 201,116	$ 219,036	$ 208,523	915,094	801,897	907,716
Interest and other expenses, net									(118,365)	(108,794)	(101,336)
Income before income taxes									796,729	693,103	806,380
Assets:
Assets	7,796,064				7,100,674				7,796,064	7,100,674
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Additions to property, plant and equipment									94,152	86,345	122,559
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									183,227	179,716	149,460
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment operating income:
Operating income									988,364	855,590	957,497
Assets:
Assets	7,339,078				6,551,152				7,339,078	6,551,152
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Additions to property, plant and equipment									91,150	84,431	120,438
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									181,275	178,051	148,371
Operating Segments [Member] | Electronic Instruments Group [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									2,690,554	2,360,285	2,417,192
Segment operating income:
Operating income									677,489	577,717	639,399
Assets:
Assets	4,803,575				4,104,972				4,803,575	4,104,972
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Additions to property, plant and equipment									54,321	45,091	32,069
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									108,053	104,284	83,832
Operating Segments [Member] | Electromechanical Group [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									1,609,616	1,479,802	1,557,103
Segment operating income:
Operating income									310,875	277,873	318,098
Assets:
Assets	2,535,503				2,446,180				2,535,503	2,446,180
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Additions to property, plant and equipment									36,829	39,340	88,369
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									73,222	73,767	64,539
Corporate [Member]
Segment operating income:
Corporate administrative and other expenses									(73,270)	(53,693)	(49,781)
Assets:
Assets	$ 456,986				$ 549,522				456,986	549,522
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Additions to property, plant and equipment									3,002	1,914	2,121
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									$ 1,952	$ 1,665	$ 1,089

Reportable Segments and Geogr91

Reportable Segments and Geographic Areas Information - Reportable Segment Financial Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Additions to property, plant and equipment from acquired business	$ 19.1	$ 23.1	$ 53.4

Reportable Segments and Geogr92

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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 1,143,085	$ 1,084,799	$ 1,064,604	$ 1,007,682	$ 972,953	$ 945,030	$ 977,706	$ 944,398	$ 4,300,170	$ 3,840,087	$ 3,974,295
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	493,296				473,230				493,296	473,230
United States [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									2,086,180	1,829,341	1,919,611
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	325,908				322,743				325,908	322,743
United Kingdom [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									186,534	188,700	201,192
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	62,643				59,208				62,643	59,208
European Union Countries [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									692,116	619,138	615,956
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	65,204				58,368				65,204	58,368
Asia [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									879,426	785,868	789,435
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	12,073				12,204				12,073	12,204
Other Foreign Countries [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									455,914	417,040	448,101
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	27,468				20,707				27,468	20,707
Total International [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									2,213,990	2,010,746	$ 2,054,684
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets):
Long-lived assets from continuing operations (excluding intangible assets)	$ 167,388				$ 150,487				$ 167,388	$ 150,487

Reportable Segments and Geogr93

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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue from U.S. export sales	$ 1,142.3	$ 1,036	$ 1,090.7

Additional Consolidated Incom94

Additional Consolidated Income Statement and Cash Flow Information - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]
Interest and other investment income	$ 2.1	$ 1.2	$ 0.7
Income taxes paid	176.6	180.8	157.8
Cash paid for interest	$ 96.1	$ 91.8	$ 90.8

Stockholders' Equity - Addition

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail)	Feb. 01, 2018$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Rightshares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares	Nov. 02, 2016USD ($)
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock | shares			114,000	7,099,000
Repurchase of common stock under share repurchase authorization			$ 6,867,000	$ 336,140,000
Remaining authorization for future share repurchases		$ 368,700,000	$ 368,700,000	$ 375,600,000
Authorization for repurchase of common stock					$ 400,000,000
Treasury stock, shares | shares		31,754,106	31,754,106	32,053,227
Treasury stock, cost		$ 1,209,135,000	$ 1,209,135,000	$ 1,211,539,000
Number of shares outstanding | shares		231,200,000	231,200,000	229,400,000
Stockholders right expiration date			2017-06
Number of rights per common share declared under the Shareholder Rights Plan | Right			1
Dividend declared per share | $ / shares		$ 0.09
Subsequent Event [Member]
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
Dividend declared per share | $ / shares	$ 0.14
Increase in dividend rate, percentage	56.00%

Restructuring Charges - Additio

Restructuring Charges - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reduction in net income due to restructuring charges	$ 9.1	$ 17	$ 13.9	$ 9.1	$ 17
Restructuring charges	10.8	25.6	20.7
Severance cost	3	19.3
Asset write-downs	7.8	6.2
Electronic Instruments Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	4.5	12.4	9.3
Electromechanical Group [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	6.3	11.6	10.8
Cost of Sales, Excluding Depreciation [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 10.8	24	20
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		1.6	0.7
Corporate Administrative Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 1.6	$ 0.7

Restructuring Charges - Schedul

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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax charges	$ 10.8	$ 25.6	$ 20.7
Fourth Quarter of 2017 Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax charges				$ 10.8
Utilization				(7.8)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	3			3
Fourth Quarter of 2016 Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance				19.2
Pre-tax charges					$ 25.6
Utilization				(6.4)	(6.4)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	12.8	19.2		12.8	19.2
Fourth Quarter of 2015 Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance				9.2	19.3
Utilization				(2.4)	(9.2)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other				(0.1)	(0.9)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	$ 6.7	$ 9.2	$ 19.3	$ 6.7	$ 9.2

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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,143,085	$ 1,084,799	$ 1,064,604	$ 1,007,682	$ 972,953	$ 945,030	$ 977,706	$ 944,398	$ 4,300,170	$ 3,840,087	$ 3,974,295
Operating income	229,580	232,831	232,385	220,298	173,222	201,116	219,036	208,523	915,094	801,897	907,716
Net income	$ 238,532	$ 153,531	$ 150,481	$ 138,926	$ 109,108	$ 130,687	$ 138,193	$ 134,170	$ 681,470	$ 512,158	$ 590,859
Basic earnings per share	$ 1.03	$ 0.67	$ 0.65	$ 0.61	$ 0.47	$ 0.56	$ 0.59	$ 0.57	$ 2.96	$ 2.20	$ 2.46
Diluted earnings per share	1.03	0.66	0.65	0.60	0.47	0.56	0.59	0.57	2.94	2.19	$ 2.45
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 - Qu99

Quarterly Financial Data - Quarterly Financial Data (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Reduction in net income due to restructuring charges	$ 9,100	$ 17,000	$ 13,900	$ 9,100	$ 17,000
Restructuring charges	10,800	$ 25,600	$ 20,700
Income tax benefit	$ 91,600			$ 91,600
Non-cash impairment charge related to trade names					(13,900)
Reduction in net income due to non-cash impairment					$ 8,600