Curtiss-Wright (CW) 10-K 19 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Registrant Name	Curtiss Wright Corporation
Entity Central Index Key	26324
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		47,783,233
Entity Public Float			$3,100,000,000
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	cw

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Product sales	$1,815,028	$1,719,591	$1,450,313
Service sales	428,098	398,490	372,994
Total net sales	2,243,126	2,118,081	1,823,307
Cost of Revenue [Abstract]
Cost of product sales	1,190,714	1,123,291	960,878
Cost of service sales	275,896	258,951	250,010
Total cost of sales	1,466,610	1,382,242	1,210,888
Gross profit	776,516	735,839	612,419
Research and development expenses	-67,842	-63,580	-54,352
Selling expenses	-128,005	-128,473	-107,618
General and administrative expenses	-298,296	-306,663	-269,055
Operating income	282,373	237,123	181,394
Interest expense	-35,794	-37,053	-26,301
Other income, net	365	980	128
Earnings before income taxes	246,944	201,050	155,221
Provision for income taxes	-76,995	-61,646	-51,140
Earnings from continuing operations	169,949	139,404	104,081
Discontinued operations, net of taxes
Gain/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	-56,611	-1,423	9,763
Net earnings	$113,338	$137,981	$113,844
Basic earnings per share
Earnings from continuing operations	$3.54	$2.97	$2.23
Earnings from discontinued operations	($1.18)	($0.03)	$0.21
Total	$2.36	$2.94	$2.44
Diluted earnings per share
Earnings from continuing operations	$3.46	$2.91	$2.20
Earnings from discontinued operations	($1.15)	($0.03)	$0.21
Total	$2.31	$2.88	$2.41
Dividends per share	$0.52	$0.39	$0.35
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	48,019	46,991	46,743
Diluted	49,075	47,912	47,412

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$113,338		$137,981		$113,844
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	-79,386	[1]	-6,619	[1]	25,954	[1]
Pension and postretirement adjustments, net of tax	-74,284	[2]	87,386	[2]	-16,331	[2]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-153,670		80,767		9,623
Comprehensive Income	($40,332)		$218,748		$123,467
[1]	The tax benefit (expense) included in other comprehensive income (loss) for foreign currency translation adjustments for 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $2.1 million, ($0.9) million, and $0.7 million, respectively.
[2]	The tax benefit (expense) included in other comprehensive income (loss) for pension and postretirement adjustments for 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $41.3 million, ($49.4) million, and $9.1 million, respectively.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Statement (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax	$2.10	($0.90)	$0.70
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	$41.30	($49.40)	$9.10

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEET

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$450,116	$175,294
Receivables, net	495,480	603,592
Inventories, net	388,670	452,087
Deferred tax assets, net	44,311	47,650
Assets held for sale	147,347	0
Other current assets	45,151	58,660
Total current assets	1,571,075	1,337,283
Property, plant, and equipment, net	458,919	515,718
Goodwill	998,506	1,110,429
Other intangible assets, net	349,227	471,379
Other assets	21,784	23,465
Total assets	3,399,511	3,458,274
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt and short-term debt	1,069	1,334
Accounts payable	152,266	186,941
Accrued expenses	145,938	142,935
Income taxes payable	22,472	789
Deferred revenue	176,693	164,343
Liabilities held for sale	35,392	0
Other current liabilities	38,163	38,251
Total current liabilities	571,993	534,593
Long-term debt	953,279	958,604
Deferred tax liabilities, net	51,554	123,644
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefit costs	226,687	138,904
Long-term portion of environmental reserves	14,911	15,498
Other liabilities	102,654	134,326
Total liabilities	1,921,078	1,905,569
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, $1 par value,100,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2014 and 2013; 49,189,702 shares issued at December 31, 2014 and 2013; outstanding shares were 47,904,518 at December 31,2014 and 47,638,835 at December 31, 2013.	49,190	49,190
Additional paid in capital	158,043	150,618
Retained earnings	1,469,306	1,380,981
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-128,411	25,259
Common treasury stock, at cost (1,285,184 shares at December 31, 2014 and 1,550,867 shares at December 31, 2013)	-69,695	-53,343
Total stockholders' equity	1,478,433	1,552,705
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$3,399,511	$3,458,274

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_PA

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS PARENTHETICAL (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common Stock Par Value	$1	$1
Common stock authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
CommonStockSharesIssued	49,189,702	49,189,702
CommonStockSharesOutstanding	47,904,518	47,638,835
TreasuryStockShares	1,285,184	1,550,867

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net earnings	$113,338	$137,981	$113,844
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	118,931	121,497	93,896
(Gain)/Loss on sale of businesses	29,184		-29,912
(Gain) loss on fixed asset disposals	632	77	-414
(Gain on Bargain Purchase)	0	0	-910
Deferred income taxes	-27,241	5,928	-3,871
Share-based compensation	8,500	7,349	9,428
Impairment of assets	3,202	887	4,988
Impairment of assets held for sale	41,369	0	0
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired and divested:
Accounts receivable, net	12,845	6,599	26,524
Inventories, net	-19,375	-25,499	-30,100
Progress payments	-6,971	-6,131	-7,923
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	16,147	8,567	-7,290
Deferred revenue	24,471	-7,281	-34,436
Income taxes	38,946	-16,811	15,211
Net pension and postretirement liabilities	-26,431	-1,630	-1,132
Other current and long-term assets and liabilities	4,219	6,294	4,571
Net cash provided by operating activities	331,766	237,827	152,474
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales and disposals of long-lived assets	594	1,348	2,557
Proceeds from divestiture	152,965	0	52,123
Acquisitions of intangible assets	0	0	-1,761
Proceeds from insurance	2,357	0	0
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	-67,115	-72,242	-82,954
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	-34,364	-236,135	-460,439
Additional consideration of prior period acquisitions	-989	-6,663	-2,524
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	53,448	-313,692	-492,998
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	364,557	983,109	576,934
Borrowings of debt	0	500,000	0
Payment of revolving credit facility	-414,770	-1,229,148	-296,145
Principal payments on debt	-80	-125,033	0
Repurchases of common stock	-65,220	0	-25,705
Proceeds from share-based compensation	38,182	27,450	15,492
Dividends paid	-25,013	-18,377	-16,392
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities	296	0	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	9,610	2,137	57
Net cash provided by financing activities	-92,438	140,138	254,241
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash	-17,954	-1,002	3,919
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	274,822	63,271	-82,364
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	175,294	112,023	194,387
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	450,116	175,294	112,023
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	2,891	4,546	1,478
Recognition of asset retirement obligation	0	0	6,904
Property and equipment under build to suit transaction	$14,735	$6,225	$0

STATEMENT_OF_STOCKHOLDERS_EQUI

STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock Member	Additional Paid In Capital Member	Retained Earnings Member	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Member	Treasury Stock Member
In Thousands
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011		$48,879	$143,192	$1,163,925	($65,131)	($85,890)
Net earnings	113,844			113,844
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	9,623				9,623
Dividends paid				-16,392
Restricted Stock			-6,233			6,233
Stock options exercised, net		311	6,431			10,077
Other			-414			414
Share-based compensation			8,907			521
Repurchase of common stock						-25,705
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012		49,190	151,883	1,261,377	-55,508	-94,350
Net earnings	137,981			137,981
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	80,767				80,767
Dividends paid				-18,377
Restricted Stock			-2,127			5,796
Stock options exercised, net			-5,728			34,451
Other			-330			330
Share-based compensation			6,920			430
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	1,552,705	49,190	150,618	1,380,981	25,259	-53,343
Net earnings	113,338			113,338
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-153,670				-153,670
Dividends paid				-25,013
Restricted Stock			-722			3,155
Stock options exercised, net			311			45,049
Other			-430			430
Share-based compensation			8,266			234
Repurchase of common stock						-65,220
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$1,478,433	$49,190	$158,043	$1,469,306	($128,411)	($69,695)

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Curtiss-Wright Corporation and its subsidiaries (the Corporation or the Company) is a diversified multinational manufacturing and service company that designs, manufactures, and overhauls precision components and provides highly engineered products and services to the aerospace, defense, automotive, shipbuilding, processing, oil, petrochemical, agricultural equipment, railroad, power generation, security, and metalworking industries.
	A. Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.
	B. Use of Estimates
	The financial statements of the Corporation have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP), which requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the accompanying financial statements. The most significant of these estimates includes the estimate of costs to complete long-term contracts under the percentage-of-completion accounting methods, the estimate of useful lives for property, plant, and equipment, cash flow estimates used for testing the recoverability of assets, pension plan and postretirement obligation assumptions, estimates for inventory obsolescence, estimates for the valuation and useful lives of intangible assets and legal reserves. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
	C. Revenue Recognition
	The realization of revenue refers to the timing of its recognition in the accounts of the Corporation and is generally considered realized or realizable and earned when the earnings process is substantially complete and all of the following criteria are met: 1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; 2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; 3) the Corporation’s price to its customer is fixed or determinable; and 4) collectability is reasonably assured.
	We determine the appropriate method by which we recognize revenue by analyzing the terms and conditions of each contract or arrangement entered into with our customers. Revenue is recognized on product sales as production units are shipped and title and risk of loss have transferred. Revenue is recognized on service type contracts as services are rendered. The significant estimates we make in recognizing revenue are primarily for long-term contracts generally accounted for using the cost-to-cost method of percentage of completion accounting that are associated with the design, development and manufacture of highly engineered industrial products used in commercial and defense applications. Under the cost-to-cost percentage-of-completion method of accounting, profits are recorded pro rata, based upon current estimates of direct and indirect costs to complete such contracts. Changes in estimates of contract sales, costs, and profits are recognized using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting. This method recognizes in the current period the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods. The effect of the changes on future periods of contract performance is recognized as if the revised estimate had been the original estimate. A significant change in an estimate on one or more contracts could have a material effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In 2014 and 2013, there were no individual significant changes in estimated contract costs at completion. In 2012, the Corporation incurred unanticipated additional costs of $23.7 million on its long-term contract with Westinghouse for disassembly, inspection, and preparation for shipment costs related to the reactor coolant pumps (RCPs) that the Corporation is supplying for the AP1000 nuclear power plants in China. In addition, in 2012 the Corporation recorded a cumulative catch up benefit of $14.2 million related to a change in estimate on its technology transfer contract on the AP1000 nuclear program.
	Losses on contracts are provided for in the period in which the losses become determinable and the excess of billings over cost and estimated earnings on long-term contracts is included in deferred revenue.
	D. Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of money market funds and commercial paper that are readily convertible into cash, all with original maturity dates of three months or less.
	E. Inventory
	Inventories are stated at lower of cost or market. Production costs are comprised of direct material and labor and applicable manufacturing overhead.
	F. Progress Payments
	Certain long-term contracts provide for interim billings as costs are incurred on the respective contracts. Pursuant to contract provisions, agencies of the U.S. Government and other customers are granted title or a secured interest for materials and work-in-process included in inventory to the extent progress payments are received. Accordingly, these receipts have been reported as a reduction of unbilled receivables and inventories, as presented in Notes 4 and 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
	G. Property, Plant, and Equipment
	Property, plant, and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Major renewals and betterments are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the life of the asset are expensed in the period they are incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the respective assets.
	Average useful lives for property, plant, and equipment are as follows:
	Buildings and improvements	5 to 40 years
	Machinery, equipment, and other	3 to 15 years
	H. Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets are generally the result of acquisitions and consist primarily of purchased technology, customer related intangibles, trademarks, and technology licenses. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from 1 to 20 years. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on other intangible assets.
	I. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The Corporation reviews the recoverability of all long-lived assets, including the related useful lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset might not be recoverable. If required, the Corporation compares the estimated fair value determined by either the undiscounted future net cash flows or appraised value to the related asset’s carrying value to determine whether there has been an impairment. If an asset is considered impaired, the asset is written down to fair value in the period in which the impairment becomes known. The Corporation recognized no significant impairment charges on assets held in use during the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. For impairment charges on assets held for sale, refer to Note 2, Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale. In 2012, the Corporation recognized an impairment of $5.0 million in General and administrative expenses, in connection with its 2012 restructuring plan, a component of which was exiting a facility.
	J. Goodwill
	Goodwill results from business acquisitions. The Corporation accounts for business acquisitions by allocating the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair values, and the excess of the purchase price over the amounts allocated is recorded as goodwill. The recoverability of goodwill is subject to an annual impairment test or whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not result in an impairment. The impairment test is based on the estimated fair value of the underlying businesses. The Corporation’s goodwill impairment test is performed as of October 31 of each year. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on goodwill.
	K. Pre-Contract Costs
	The Corporation, from time to time, incurs costs to begin fulfilling the statement of work under a specific anticipated contract that has yet to be obtained from a customer. If it is determined that the recoveries of these costs are probable, the costs will be capitalized, excluding any start-up costs which are expensed as incurred. When circumstances change and the contract is no longer deemed probable, the capitalized costs will be recognized in earnings. Capitalized pre-contract costs were $2.7 million and $1.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	L. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Accounting guidance requires certain disclosures regarding the fair value of financial instruments. Due to the short maturities of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses, the net book value of these financial instruments is deemed to approximate fair value. See Notes 9 and 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the Corporation's financial instruments.
	M. Research and Development
	The Corporation funds research and development programs for commercial products and independent research and development and bid and proposal work related to government contracts. Development costs include engineering and field support for new customer requirements. Corporation-sponsored research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
	Research and development costs associated with customer-sponsored programs are capitalized to inventory and are recorded in cost of sales when products are delivered or services performed. Funds received under shared development contracts are a reduction of the total development expenditures under the shared contract and are shown net as research and development costs.
	N. Accounting for Share-Based Payments
	The Corporation follows the fair value based method of accounting for share-based employee compensation, which requires the Corporation to expense all share-based employee compensation. Share-based employee compensation is a non-cash expense since the Corporation settles these obligations by issuing the shares of Curtiss-Wright Corporation instead of settling such obligations with cash payments.
	Compensation expense for all non-qualified share options, performance shares, performance-based restricted shares, time-based restricted stock, and performance-based restricted stock units is recognized on a graded schedule over the requisite service period for the entire award based on the grant date fair value.
	O. Income Taxes
	The Corporation accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax laws is recognized in the results of operations in the period the new laws are enacted. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized.
	The Corporation records amounts related to uncertain income tax positions by 1) prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements and 2) the measurement of the income tax benefits recognized from such positions. The Corporation’s accounting policy is to classify uncertain income tax positions that are not expected to be resolved in one year as a non-current income tax liability and to classify interest and penalties as a component of Interest expense and General and administrative expenses, respectively. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
	P. Foreign Currency
	For operations outside the United States of America that prepare financial statements in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the Corporation translates assets and liabilities at period-end exchange rates and income statement amounts using weighted-average exchange rates for the period. The cumulative effect of translation adjustments is presented as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity. This balance is affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and by the acquisition of foreign entities. Gains and (losses) from foreign currency transactions are included in General and administrative expenses within the results of operations, which amounted to $2.9 million, $2.6 million, and ($2.3) million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Q. Derivatives
	Forward Foreign Exchange and Currency Option Contracts
	The Corporation uses financial instruments, such as forward exchange and currency option contracts, to hedge a portion of existing and anticipated foreign currency denominated transactions. The purpose of the Corporation’s foreign currency risk management program is to reduce volatility in earnings caused by exchange rate fluctuations. All of the derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value based upon quoted market prices for comparable instruments, with the gain or loss on these transactions recorded into earnings in the period in which they occur. These gains and (losses) are classified as General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and amounted to ($6.9) million, ($6.2) million, and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Corporation does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
	Interest Rate Risks and Related Strategies
	The Corporation’s primary interest rate exposure results from changes in U.S. dollar interest rates. The Corporation’s policy is to manage interest cost using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. The Corporation periodically uses interest rate swaps to manage such exposures. Under these interest rate swaps, the Corporation exchanges, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount.
	For interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges (i.e., hedges against the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset or a liability or an identified portion thereof that is attributable to a particular risk), changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps offset changes in the fair value of the fixed rate debt due to changes in market interest rates.
	R. Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	Standards Issued Not Yet Adopted
	Standard	Description	Effect on the financial statements
	ASU 2014-09 Revenue from contracts with customers	In May 2014, the FASB issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard which will supersede previous existing revenue recognition guidance. The standard creates a five-step model for revenue recognition that requires companies to exercise judgment when considering contract terms and relevant facts and circumstances. The five-step model includes (1) identifying the contract, (2) identifying the separate performance obligations in the contract, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the separate performance obligations and (5) recognizing revenue when each performance obligation has been satisfied. The standard also requires expanded disclosures surrounding revenue recognition. The standard is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and allows for either full	The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
		retrospective or modified retrospective adoption.
	Date of adoption: January 1, 2017
	ASU 2014-08 Reporting Discontinued Operations	In April 2014, new guidance was issued that amends the current discontinued operations guidance. The new guidance limits discontinued operation reporting to situations where the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results, and requires expanded disclosures for discontinued operations. The adoption of this new guidance will be effective prospectively for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted in certain instances.	The Corporation plans to adopt the provisions of the new guidance during the first quarter of 2015. The
			significance of this guidance is dependent on any future divestitures or disposals.
	Date of adoption: December 15, 2014

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
	As part of a strategic portfolio review conducted in 2014, the Corporation has identified certain businesses which it considers non-core. The Corporation considers businesses non-core when the business’ products or services do not complement its existing businesses and where the long-term growth prospects are below the Corporation’s expectations. As part of this initiative, the Corporation has divested four businesses in 2014. Additionally, during the third quarter of 2014, the Corporation classified certain other businesses as held for sale. The results of operations of these businesses are reported as discontinued operations within our Consolidated Statements of Earnings and prior year amounts have been restated to conform to the current year presentation.
	The aggregate financial results of all discontinued operations were as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014				2013			2012
	Net sales	$	363,869			$	392,690		$	285,194
	Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes (1)	(48,519		)		(3,097		)	(14,930		)
	Income tax benefit/(expense)	14,268				1,674			6,181
	Gain/(loss) on sale of businesses (2)	(22,360		)		—			18,512
	Earnings from discontinued operations	$	(56,611	)		$	(1,423	)	$	9,763
	(1) Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes includes approximately $41.4 million of held for sale impairment expense in the year ended December 31, 2014.
	(2) In the year ended December 31, 2014, the Corporation recognized aggregate after tax losses of $22.4 million on the sale of the Benshaw, 3D, Upstream and Vessels business. No businesses were sold in 2013. In 2012, the Corporation recognized an after tax gain of $18.5 million on the Heat Treat divestiture. Further details about these transactions are described below.
	Assets held for sale
	During the third quarter of 2014, the Corporation committed to a plan to sell two surface technology treatment facilities within the Commercial/Industrial segment. The Corporation also committed to a plan to sell its Engineered Packaging business and its Aviation Ground Support Equipment business, within the Defense segment, as well as its Downstream refining business, within the Energy segment. As of December 31, 2014, these businesses have been classified as held for sale and their results of operations have been presented as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.
	The aggregate components of the assets classified as held for sale, are as follows:
	(In thousands)				December 31, 2014
	Assets held for sale:
	Receivables, net				$	60,187
	Inventories, net				27,414
	Property, plant, and equipment, net				22,473
	Goodwill				42,395
	Other intangible assets, net				19,151
	Other assets				5,631
	Deferred tax assets, net				11,174
	Reserve for assets held for sale				(41,078		)
	Total assets held for sale, current				$	147,347
	Liabilities held for sale
	Accounts payable				$	12,579
	Accrued expenses				8,320
	Other current liabilities				13,930
	Other liabilities				563
	Total liabilities held for sale, current				$	35,392
	The following table outlines the net sales and earnings/(loss) before income taxes attributable to the assets held for sale:
		Net Sales										Earnings /(loss) before income taxes
	(In thousands)	2014				2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Commercial/Industrial
	Surface Technologies - Domestic	$	4,395			$	4,672		$	1,767		$	(2,264	)	$	(528	)	$	(319	)
	Defense
	Engineered Packaging	19,841				19,484			17,862			1,822			858			1,165
	Aviation Ground Support Equipment	29,331				28,022			28,585			(8,644		)	(122		)	27
	Energy
	Downstream	127,594				109,270			98,341			(32,284		)	(3,175		)	(12,388		)
	Total included in discontinued operations	$	181,161			$	161,448		$	146,555		$	(41,370	)	$	(2,967	)	$	(11,515	)
	As of December 31, 2014, the Corporation impaired long-lived assets held for sale in the amount of $1.9 million, $6.2 million, $33.1 million for certain Domestic Surface Technologies facilities, the Corporation’s Aviation Ground Support Equipment business, and the Corporation’s Downstream refining business, respectively. Impairment charges have been included in the figures above.
	Divestitures and facility closures
	During 2014, the Corporation disposed of four businesses aggregating to cash proceeds of $153 million from its Defense and Energy segments. The divestitures resulted in aggregate pre-tax losses in excess of $29 million, and tax benefits of approximately $6.7 million. During 2014, the Corporation also closed three international manufacturing facilities in its Surface Technologies business. During 2012, the Corporation disposed of its Heat Treat business for $52 million. The following table outlines the net sales and earnings/(loss) before income taxes attributable to discontinued operations. Gains and losses recognized in connection with the sale of the businesses have been included in discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings but have been excluded in the table presented below.
		Net Sales										Earnings /(loss) before income taxes
	(In thousands)	2014				2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Commercial/Industrial
	Surface Technologies - International	$	4,355			$	4,600		$	4,248		$	(6,123	)	$	(805	)	$	(989	)
	Heat Treat	—				—			10,785			—			—			4,929
	Defense
	Benshaw	29,029				70,741			89,183			(3,061		)	2,173			5,972
	3D Radar	344				5,165			7,444			(1,117		)	215			1,492
	Energy
	Upstream	143,182				145,609			9,335			14,267			10,898			(2,090		)
	Vessels	5,798				5,127			17,644			(11,115		)	(12,611		)	(12,729		)
	Total included in discontinued operations	$	182,708			$	231,242		$	138,639		$	(7,149	)	$	(130	)	$	(3,415	)
	2014 Divestitures and facility closures
	Surface Technologies - International
	During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Corporation closed certain of its international surface technology manufacturing facilities located in Canada, Italy, and Austria. As a result of the facility closures, the Company incurred $5.3 million of pre-tax closure costs, including a $3.2 million impairment on fixed assets, which are included in the figures presented above. All operations have ceased at these facilities as of December 31, 2014.
	Benshaw
	On June 30, 2014, the Corporation sold the assets of its Benshaw business, within our Defense segment, to Regal-Beloit Corporation for $49.7 million in cash, net of cash sold, and final working capital adjustments. The Corporation recognized a pre-tax loss on divestiture of $7.3 million. The Corporation recognized a tax benefit of $2.9 million in connection with the sale.
	3D Radar
	On April 30, 2014, the Corporation sold the assets of the 3D Radar business, within the Defense segment, to Chemring Group PLC for $2.4 million in cash, net of final working capital adjustments. The disposal resulted in a $0.6 million pre-tax gain.
Upstream
On December 17, 2014, the Corporation completed the sale of its upstream oil and gas business, within the Energy segment, for $98 million in cash, net of cash sold, and final working capital adjustments. The Corporation recognized a pre-tax loss on divestiture of $13.7 million. The Corporation recognized a tax benefit of $0.6 million in connection with the sale.
Vessels
During the third quarter of 2014, the Corporation completed the sale of its Vessels business, within the Energy segment, for $2 million in cash, net of transaction costs. The Corporation recognized a pre-tax loss on divestiture of $8.6 million. The Corporation recognized a tax benefit of $3.2 million in connection with the sale.
2012 Divestitures
Heat Treat
On March 30, 2012, the Corporation sold the assets and real estate of its heat treating business, which had been reported in the Commercial/Industrial segment, to Bodycote plc for $52 million. The heat treating business’ operating results are included in discontinued operations in the Corporation’s Consolidated Statement of Earnings for all periods presented. Discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 included net sales of $10.8 million and earnings before income taxes of $4.9 million, respectively. The Corporation recognized a pre-tax gain of $29.9 million in 2012 and has recorded the gain in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2012.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	3. ACQUISITIONS
	The Corporation continually evaluates potential acquisitions that either strategically fit within the Corporation’s existing portfolio or expand the Corporation’s portfolio into new product lines or adjacent markets.  The Corporation has completed a number of acquisitions that have been accounted for as business combinations and have resulted in the recognition of goodwill in the Corporation's financial statements.  This goodwill arises because the purchase prices for these businesses reflect the future earnings and cash flow potential in excess of the earnings and cash flows attributable to the current product and customer set at the time of acquisition.  Thus, goodwill inherently includes the know-how of the assembled workforce, the ability of the workforce to further improve the technology and product offerings, and the expected cash flows resulting from these efforts. Goodwill may also include expected synergies resulting from the complementary strategic fit these businesses bring to existing operations.
	The Corporation allocates the purchase price at the date of acquisition based upon its understanding of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. In the months after closing, as the Corporation obtains additional information about these assets and liabilities, including through tangible and intangible asset appraisals, and as the Corporation learns more about the newly acquired business, it is able to refine the estimates of fair value and more accurately allocate the purchase price. Only items identified as of the acquisition date are considered for subsequent adjustment.  The Corporation will make appropriate adjustments to the purchase price allocation prior to completion of the measurement period, as required.
	In 2014, the Corporation acquired three businesses for an aggregate purchase price of $34.4 million, net of cash acquired, all of which are described in more detail below. In 2013, the Corporation acquired five businesses for an aggregate purchase price of $236.1 million, net of cash acquired, all of which are described in more detail below. In 2012, the Corporation acquired eight businesses for an aggregate purchase price of $462.4 million, net of cash acquired.
	The Corporation’s Consolidated Statement of Earnings include $19.1 million of net sales and $0.2 million of net earnings from the Corporation’s 2014 acquisitions.
	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition for all acquisitions consummated during 2014, 2013, and 2012:
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Accounts receivable		$	2,991		$	25,972		$	53,753
	Inventory		304			30,930			52,225
	Property, plant, and equipment		2,802			18,066			40,915
	Other current assets		81			3,229			7,244
	Intangible assets		13,501			102,265			182,681
	Current and non-current liabilities		(1,754		)	(18,959		)	(44,617		)
	Pension and postretirement benefits		—			(6,472		)	(8,144		)
	Deferred income taxes		(2,199		)	(19,682		)	(50,367		)
	Debt assumed		—			—			(13,819		)
	Due to seller		—			(3,361		)	(240		)
	Net tangible and intangible assets		15,726			131,988			219,631
	(Gain on Bargain Purchase)		—			—			(910		)
	Purchase price		34,364			236,135			462,416
	Goodwill		$	18,638		$	104,147		$	243,695
	Supplemental Pro Forma Statements of Operations Data (Unaudited)
	The assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the businesses acquired in 2014 were not material to the Corporation’s consolidated financial position or results of operations and therefore pro forma financial information for the acquisitions are not presented.
	The following table presents unaudited consolidated pro forma financial information for the combined results of the Corporation and its completed business acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 as if the 2013 acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 2012. Pro forma results were previously disclosed for the 2012 acquisitions as if the 2012 acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 2011.
	(In thousands, except per share data)		2013			2012
	Net sales		$	2,184,715		$	2,157,815
	Net earnings from continuing operations		143,960			116,768
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations		3.04			2.46
	The unaudited pro forma consolidated results were prepared using the acquisition method of accounting and are based on the historical financial information for a 12 month period. The unaudited pro forma consolidated results are not necessarily indicative of what our consolidated results of operations actually would have been had we completed the acquisitions on January 1, 2012. In addition, the unaudited pro forma consolidated results do not purport to project the future results of operations of the combined company nor do they reflect the expected realization of any cost savings associated with the acquisition. The unaudited pro forma consolidated results reflect primarily the following pro forma pre-tax adjustments:
	•	Elimination of historical intangible asset amortization expense (approximately $0.7 million and $1.8 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively).
	•	Additional amortization expense (approximately $3.6 million and $18.5 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively) related to the fair value of identifiable intangible assets acquired.
	•	Additional depreciation expense (approximately $1.2 million and $1.6 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively) related to the fair value adjustment to property, plant, and equipment acquired.
	•	Elimination of the fair value adjustments to acquisition-date inventory that has been sold in 2013 of $3.7 million, and recognition in 2012 of the full value of the fair value adjustment to acquisition date inventory.
	•	Reclassification of $2.1 million of the Corporation’s 2013 acquisition costs directly attributable to the acquisition into 2012. Included in these costs are advisory, investment banking, and legal and regulatory costs incurred by the Corporation. The Corporation records acquisition costs in General and administrative expenses.
	•	Elimination of historical interest expense (approximately $0.6 million and $5.3 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively).
	•	Additional interest expense (approximately $4.2 million and $16.5 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively) associated with the incremental borrowings that would have been incurred to acquire these companies as of January 1, 2012.
	2014 Acquisitions
	COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL
	Component Coating and Repair Services Limited
	On January 10, 2014, the Corporation acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Component Coating and Repair Services Limited (CCRS) for approximately £15 million ($25 million) in cash, net of cash acquired. The Share Purchase Agreement contains a purchase price adjustment mechanism and representations and warranties customary for a transaction of this type, including a portion of the purchase price deposited into escrow as security for potential indemnification claims against the sellers. CCRS operates out of two locations in Glasgow and Alfreton in the United Kingdom and will operate within the Corporation's Commercial/Industrial segment. CCRS is a provider of corrosion resistant coatings and precision airfoil repair services for aerospace and industrial turbine applications. Revenues were approximately £6.4 million in the latest fiscal year ended May 31, 2013.
	ENERGY
	Nuclear Power Services Inc.
	On February 18, 2014, the Corporation acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Nuclear Power Services Inc. (NPSI) for approximately CAD 9 million (approximately $8.0 million) in cash. The Asset Purchase Agreement contains representations and warranties customary for a transaction of this type, including a portion of the purchase price held back as security for potential indemnification claims against the seller. NPSI is based in Ontario, Canada and will operate within the Corporation's Energy segment. NPSI provides qualified nuclear component sourcing, Equipment Qualification, Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD) services, and Instrumentation & Control component manufacturing primarily to the Canadian and International CANDU nuclear industry. NPSI generated revenues of approximately CAD 5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Engemasa Pressure Relief Valves
	On June 4, 2014, the Corporation acquired the valve division of Engemasa Engenharia E Materiais LTDA of Sao Carlos, Brazil
	for approximately $1.8 million in cash. The division will operate within the Corporation's Energy segment.
	The purchase price of the 2014 acquisitions have been allocated to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired with the remainder recorded as goodwill on the basis of estimated fair values. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocations for CCRS and NPSI.
	(In thousands)		CCRS			NPSI
	Accounts receivable		$	2,984		$	7
	Inventory		64			112
	Property, plant, and equipment		1,987			790
	Other current assets		71			10
	Intangible assets		9,560			3,406
	Current and non-current liabilities		(1,754		)	—
	Deferred income taxes		(2,041		)	—
	Net tangible and intangible assets		10,871			4,325
	Purchase price		24,645			7,965
	Goodwill		$	13,774		$	3,640
	Amount of tax deductible goodwill		$	—		$	3,640
	2013 Acquisitions
	COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL
	Phönix Group
	On February 28, 2013, the Corporation acquired all the outstanding shares of Phönix Holding GmbH for $97.9 million, net of cash acquired.  The Share Purchase and Transfer Agreement contains a purchase price adjustment mechanism and representations and warranties customary for a transaction of this type, including a portion of the purchase price deposited into escrow as security for potential indemnification claims against the seller.  Management funded the purchase from the Corporation’s revolving credit facility and excess cash at foreign locations.
	Phönix, headquartered in Germany, is a designer and manufacturer of valves, valve systems, and related support services to the global chemical, petrochemical, and power (both conventional and nuclear) markets.  Phönix has 282 employees and operates Phönix Valves in Volkmarsen, Germany; Strack, located in Barleben, Germany; and Daume Control Valves, located in Hanover, Germany. Phönix also owns sales subsidiaries with warehouses in Texas and France. Revenues of the acquired business were approximately $60 million for the year ended 2012.
Arens Controls
On October 4, 2013, the Corporation acquired 100% of the membership interests of Arens Controls, LLC (Arens) for $95.6 million in cash, net of purchase price adjustments and cash acquired. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, including a portion of the purchase price deposited into escrow as security for potential indemnification claims against the seller. Management funded the purchase from the Corporation’s revolving credit facility.
Arens is a designer and manufacturer of highly-engineered, precision operator interface controls and power management systems for commercial and off-road industrial vehicles. Arens has approximately 120 employees and is headquartered in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Revenues of the acquired business were approximately $57 million for the year ended 2012.
DEFENSE
Parvus
On October 1, 2013, the Corporation acquired 100% of the share capital of Parvus Corporation (Parvus) for $37.1 million in cash, net of cash acquired. The Stock Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, including a portion of the purchase price deposited into escrow as security for potential indemnification claims against the seller. Management funded the purchase from the Corporation’s revolving credit facility.
Parvus is a designer and manufacturer of rugged small form factor computers and communications subsystems for the aerospace, defense, homeland security, and industrial markets. Parvus has approximately 50 employees and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Revenues of the acquired business were approximately $20 million for the year ended 2012.
ENERGY
Other
During 2013, the Corporation acquired the assets of Ovalpath, Inc and Gulff33 Valve Pros, LLC through two separate transactions for a purchase price of $2.3 million and $3.3 million respectively. The Asset Purchase Agreements contain representations and warranties customary for a transaction of this type, including a portion of the purchase price held back as security for potential indemnification claims against the seller. Ovalpath has developed a proprietary software platform utilizing mobile technology to enable applications that provide significant efficiencies within a nuclear plant. Gulf33 provides valve repair and maintenance services to the offshore oil and gas market.
The purchase price of the 2013 acquisitions have been allocated to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired with the remainder recorded as goodwill on the basis of estimated fair values. Immaterial purchase price adjustments were made during 2014 to certain of the 2013 acquisitions and are included in the asset allocation herein:
(In thousands)		Phönix			Arens			Parvus			Other			Total
Accounts receivable		$	12,226		$	9,441		$	3,639		$	666		$	25,972
Inventory		20,358			5,349			5,122			101			30,930
Property, plant, and equipment		12,575			4,787			435			269			18,066
Other current assets		2,153			972			104			—			3,229
Intangible assets		42,305			43,100			15,000			1,860			102,265
Current and non-current liabilities		(7,497		)	(7,991		)	(3,854		)	383			(18,959		)
Pension and postretirement benefits		(6,472		)	—			—			—			(6,472		)
Deferred income taxes		(14,258		)	94			(5,518		)	—			(19,682		)
Due to seller		(119		)	—			(230		)	(3,012		)	(3,361		)
Net tangible and intangible assets		61,271			55,752			14,698			267			131,988
Purchase price		97,886			95,612			37,059			5,578			236,135
Goodwill		$	36,615		$	39,860		$	22,361		$	5,311		$	104,147
Amount of tax deductible goodwill		$	—		$	39,860		$	—		$	5,311		$	45,171

RECEIVABLES

RECEIVABLES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract]
RECEIVABLES	4. RECEIVABLES
	Receivables include current notes, amounts billed to customers, claims, other receivables, and unbilled revenue on long-term contracts, which consists of amounts recognized as sales but not billed. Substantially all amounts of unbilled receivables are expected to be billed and collected in the subsequent year. An immaterial amount of unbilled receivables are subject to retainage provisions. The amount of claims and unapproved change orders within our receivables balances are immaterial.
	Credit risk is diversified due to the large number of entities comprising the Corporation’s customer base and their geographic dispersion. The Corporation is either a prime contractor or subcontractor to various agencies of the U.S. Government. Revenues derived directly and indirectly from government sources (primarily the U.S. Government) were 33% and 34% of consolidated revenues in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Total receivables due primarily from the U.S Government were $157.9 million and $205.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Government (primarily the U.S. Government) unbilled receivables, net of progress payments, were $72.9 million and $82.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The composition of receivables is as follows as of December 31:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Billed receivables:
	Trade and other receivables	$	363,241		$	444,841
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(5,619		)	(6,857		)
	Net billed receivables	357,622			437,984
	Unbilled receivables:
	Recoverable costs and estimated earnings not billed	150,526			184,120
	Less: Progress payments applied	(12,668		)	(18,512		)
	Net unbilled receivables	137,858			165,608
	Receivables, net	$	495,480		$	603,592

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	5. INVENTORIES
	Inventoried costs contain amounts relating to long-term contracts and programs with long production cycles, a portion of which will not be realized within one year. Long term contract inventory includes an immaterial amount of claims or other similar items subject to uncertainty concerning their determination or realization. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. The composition of inventories as of December 31 is as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Raw material	$	201,998		$	231,219
	Work-in-process	89,423			114,372
	Finished goods	103,831			117,444
	Inventoried costs related to U.S. Government and other long-term contracts	59,070			58,796
	Gross inventories	454,322			521,831
	Less: Inventory reserves	(51,435		)	(54,400		)
	Progress payments applied, principally related to long-term contracts	(14,217		)	(15,344		)
	Inventories, net	$	388,670		$	452,087
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, inventory also includes capitalized contract development costs of $33.9 million and $37.1 million, respectively, related to certain aerospace and defense programs. These capitalized costs will be liquidated as production units are delivered to the customer. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, $7.2 million and $13.8 million, respectively, are scheduled to be liquidated under existing firm orders.

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT	6. PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT
	The composition of property, plant, and equipment is as follows as of December 31.
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Land	$	21,762		$	24,250
	Buildings and improvements	219,219			218,551
	Machinery, equipment, and other	750,006			800,573
	Property, plant, and equipment, at cost	990,987			1,043,374
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(532,068		)	(527,656		)
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	458,919		$	515,718
	Depreciation expense from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $66.6 million, $63.2 million, and $55.2 million, respectively.

GOODWILL

GOODWILL	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Abstract]
GOODWILL	7. GOODWILL
	In connection with the change in reportable segments discussed in Note 18, we reallocated the goodwill that existed as of December 31, 2012 to our new segments on a relative fair value basis.
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	Commercial/Industrial			Defense			Energy			Consolidated
	December 31, 2012	$	273,247		$	467,917		$	272,136		$	1,013,300
	Acquisitions	76,108			22,615			5,311			104,034
	Goodwill adjustments	(3,164		)	—			429			(2,735		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,628			(5,101		)	(697		)	(4,170		)
	December 31, 2013	$	347,819		$	485,431		$	277,179		$	1,110,429
	Acquisitions	$	13,773		$	—		$	4,863		$	18,636
	Assets held for sale	—			(6,525		)	(35,870		)	(42,395		)
	Divestitures	—			(11,695		)	(43,660		)	(55,355		)
	Goodwill adjustments	(1,096		)	(254		)	—			(1,350		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(9,634		)	(20,217		)	(1,608		)	(31,459		)
	December 31, 2014	$	350,862		$	446,740		$	200,904		$	998,506
	The purchase price allocations relating to the businesses acquired are initially based on estimates. The Corporation adjusts these estimates based upon final analysis including input from third party appraisals, when deemed appropriate. The determination of fair value is finalized no later than twelve months from acquisition. Goodwill adjustments represent subsequent adjustments to the purchase price allocation for acquisitions as determined by the respective accounting guidance requirements based on the date of acquisition.
	During 2014, the Corporation finalized the allocation of the purchase price for all businesses acquired prior to 2014. The adjustments to the Corporation's purchase price allocation were not material.
	The Corporation completed its annual goodwill impairment testing as of October 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 and concluded that there was no impairment of value. The estimated fair value of the reporting units substantially exceeded the recorded book value.

OTHER_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_NET

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET	8. OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
	Intangible assets are generally the result of acquisitions and consist primarily of purchased technology, customer related intangibles, and trademarks. Intangible assets are amortized over useful lives that generally range between 1 and 20 years.
	The following table summarizes the intangible assets acquired (including their weighted-average useful lives) by the Corporation during 2014 and 2013. No indefinite lived intangible assets were acquired in 2014 or 2013.
		2014				2013
	(In thousands, except years data)	Amount		Years		Amount				Years
	Technology	$	100	5		$	21,101			13.5
	Customer related intangibles	13,200		13.6		73,146				16.9
	Other intangible assets	200		1		8,504				3.3
	Total	$	13,500	13.3		$	102,751			15.1
	The following tables present the cumulative composition of the Corporation’s intangible assets as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
		2014									2013
	(In thousands)	Gross		Accumulated Amortization				Net			Gross		Accumulated			Net
													Amortization
	Technology	$	178,369	$	(84,584	)		$	93,785		$	213,888	$	(88,644	)	$	125,244
	Customer related intangibles	356,844		(122,920		)		233,924			430,604		(127,194		)	303,410
	Other intangible assets	38,460		(16,942		)		21,518			66,436		(23,711		)	42,725
	Total	$	573,673	$	(224,446	)		$	349,227		$	710,928	$	(239,549	)	$	471,379
	Amortization expense from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $38.3 million, $39.0 million, and $24.9 million, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense of intangible assets over the next five years is as follows:
	(In thousands)
	2015	$	34,766
	2016	34,264
	2017	33,775
	2018	32,680
	2019	30,848

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	9. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	Forward Foreign Exchange and Currency Option Contracts
	The Corporation has foreign currency exposure primarily in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Canada.  The Corporation uses financial instruments, such as forward and option contracts, to hedge a portion of existing and anticipated foreign currency denominated transactions.  The purpose of the Corporation’s foreign currency risk management program is to reduce volatility in earnings caused by exchange rate fluctuations.  Guidance on accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities requires companies to recognize all of the derivative financial instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Interest Rate Risks and Related Strategies
	The Corporation’s primary interest rate exposure results from changes in U.S. dollar interest rates. The Corporation’s policy is to manage interest cost using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. The Corporation periodically uses interest rate swaps to manage such exposures. Under these interest rate swaps, the Corporation exchanges, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount.
	For interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges (i.e., hedges against the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset or a liability or an identified portion thereof that is attributable to a particular risk), changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps offset changes in the fair value of the fixed rate debt due to changes in market interest rates.
	In March 2013, the Corporation entered into fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements to convert the interest payments of (i) the $100 million, 3.85% notes, due February 26, 2025, from a fixed rate to a floating interest rate based on 1-Month LIBOR plus a 1.77% spread, and (ii) the $75 million, 4.05% notes, due February 26, 2028, from a fixed rate to a floating interest rate based on 1-Month LIBOR plus a 1.73% spread.
	In January 2012, the Corporation entered into fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements to convert the interest payments of (i) the $200 million, 4.24% notes, due December 1, 2026, from a fixed rate to a floating interest rate based on 1-Month LIBOR plus a 2.02% spread, and (ii) $25 million of the $100 million, 3.84% notes, due December 1, 2021, from a fixed rate to a floating interest rate based on 1-Month LIBOR plus a 1.90% spread.
	The notional amounts of the Corporation’s outstanding interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges were $400 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	The fair value accounting guidance requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
	Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the company has the ability to access.
	Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data such as quoted prices, interest rates, and yield curves.
	Level 3: Inputs are unobservable data points that are not corroborated by market data.
	Based upon the fair value hierarchy, all of the forward foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swaps are valued at a Level 2.
	Effects on Consolidated Balance Sheets
	The location and amounts of derivative instrument fair values in the consolidated balance sheet are below.
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Assets
	Undesignated for hedge accounting
	Forward exchange contracts	$	605		$	605
	Total asset derivatives (1)	$	605		$	605
	Liabilities
	Designated for hedge accounting
	Interest rate swaps	$	5,121		$	49,845
	Undesignated for hedge accounting
	Forward exchange contracts	$	676		$	277
	Total liability derivatives (2)	$	5,797		$	50,122
	(1) Forward exchange derivatives are included in Other current assets and interest rate swap assets are included in Other assets.
	(2) Forward exchange derivatives are included in Other current liabilities and interest rate swap liabilities are included in Other liabilities.
	Effects on Consolidated Statements of Earnings
	Fair value hedge
	The location and amount of gains or losses on the hedged fixed rate debt attributable to changes in the market interest rates and the offsetting gain (loss) on the related interest rate swaps for the years ended December 31, were as follows:
		Gain/(Loss) on Swap									Gain/(Loss) on Borrowings
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012			2014			2013		2012
	Income statement classification:
	Other income (loss), net	$	44,724		$	(49,845	)	$	(742	)	$	(44,724	)	$	49,845	$	742
	Undesignated hedges
	The location and amount of gains and (losses) recognized in income on forward exchange derivative contracts not designated for hedge accounting for the years ended December 31, were as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Forward exchange contracts:
	General and administrative expenses	$	(6,880	)	$	(6,198	)	$	883
	Debt
	The estimated fair value amounts were determined by the Corporation using available market information, which is primarily based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues as of December 31, 2014. The fair value of our debt instruments are characterized as a Level 2 measurement in accordance with the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair values of the Corporation’s fixed rate debt instruments at December 31, 2014, aggregated $959 million compared to a carrying value of $945 million. The estimated fair values of the Corporation’s fixed rate debt instruments at December 31, 2013, aggregated $887 million compared to a carrying value of $900 million.
	The carrying amount of the variable interest rate debt approximates fair value because the interest rates are reset periodically to reflect current market conditions.
	The fair values described above may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, the use of different methodologies to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.
	Nonrecurring measurements
	As discussed in Note 2. Discontinued Operations and Assets Held For Sale, the Corporation classified certain businesses as held for sale during the third quarter. In accordance with the provisions of the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets guidance of FASB Codification Subtopic 360-10, the carrying amount of the disposal groups were written down to their estimated fair value, less costs to sell. For the year ended December 31, 2014, an impairment charge of $41.4 million was recorded in loss from discontinued operations. The fair value of the disposal groups were determined primarily by using non-binding quotes. In accordance with the fair value hierarchy, the impairment charges recorded were classified as a Level 3 measurement as it is based on significant other unobservable inputs.

ACCRUED_EXPENSES_AND_OTHER_CUR

ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities	10. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
	Accrued expenses consist of the following as of December 31:
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Accrued compensation	$	88,793	$	88,108
	Accrued commissions	10,783		12,834
	Accrued interest	9,688		9,730
	Accrued insurance	6,757		4,885
	Accrued 401K	7,050		—
	Other	22,867		27,378
	Total accrued expenses	$	145,938	$	142,935
	Other current liabilities consist of the following as of December 31:
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Warranty reserves	$	15,688	$	15,914
	Additional amounts due to sellers on acquisitions	1,739		5,250
	Reserves on loss contracts	2,979		4,067
	Deferred tax liability	2,448		3,175
	Pension and other postretirement liabilities	5,120		4,280
	Other	10,189		5,565
	Total other current liabilities	$	38,163	$	38,251

RESTRUCTURING_ACTIVITIES

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Reserve [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES	11. RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES
	The Corporation did not have any material restructuring initiatives in 2014 and 2013.
	2012 Restructuring Initiative
	The Corporation focuses on being the low-cost provider of its products by reducing operating costs and implementing lean manufacturing initiatives, which have in part led to the involuntary termination of certain positions and the consolidation of facilities and product lines.
	During the year ended 2012, the Corporation recorded restructuring costs by segment as follows:
	(In thousands)	Commercial/Industrial			Defense			Energy			Consolidated
	Cost of sales	$	7,413		$	3,227		$	138		$	10,778
	Selling expenses	—			417			13			430
	General and administrative	5,033			2,463			497			7,993
	Total	$	12,446		$	6,107		$	648		$	19,201
	During 2012, the Corporation committed to a plan to restructure existing operations through a reduction in workforce and consolidation of operating locations. The plan impacted all three of the Corporation’s reportable segments and resulted in costs incurred of $19 million. In the Commercial/Industrial segment, restructuring costs of $7 million, were primarily for severance and benefits costs and $5 million of non-cash costs for a fixed asset write-down due to the ceased use of an operating facility. In the Defense and Energy segments, restructuring costs of $6 million and $1 million, respectively, were primarily for severance and benefit costs associated with headcount reductions.
	The Corporation has completed its restructuring activities under the 2012 restructuring plan.
	The following table summarizes the cash components of the Corporation’s restructuring plans. Accrued restructuring costs are included in Other current liabilities in the accompanying balance sheet.
	(In thousands)	Severance and			Abandonment			Total
		Benefits			of facility costs
	December 31, 2012	$	1,020		$	6,106		$	7,126
	Provisions	—			—			—
	Payments	(774		)	(5,519		)	(6,293		)
	Adjustments	(246		)	(587		)	(833		)
	December 31, 2013	$	—		$	—		$	—

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES
	Earnings before income taxes for the years ended December 31 consist of:
	(In thousands)		2014				2013				2012
	Domestic		$	120,563			$	105,188			$	80,475
	Foreign		126,381				95,862				74,746
			$	246,944			$	201,050			$	155,221
	The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 consists of:
	(In thousands)		2014				2013				2012
	Current:
	Federal		$	70,609			$	29,323			$	27,882
	State		9,065				5,629				5,465
	Foreign		33,401				20,807				21,369
			113,075				55,759				54,716
	Deferred:
	Federal		(29,469		)		7,982				758
	State		(1,275		)		644				(1,122		)
	Foreign		(5,070		)		(802		)		(5,172		)
			(35,814		)		7,824				(5,536		)
	Valuation allowance		(266		)		(1,937		)		1,960
	Provision for income taxes		$	76,995			$	61,646			$	51,140
	The effective tax rate varies from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the years ended December 31, principally:
			2014			2013			2012
	U.S. federal statutory tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	Add (deduct):
	State and local taxes, net of federal benefit		2.4			1.6			1.7
	R&D tax credits		(1.3	)		(1.5	)		(0.9	)
	Foreign earnings (1)		(4.4	)		(3.7	)		(3.0	)
	All other, net		(0.5	)		(0.7	)		0.1
	Effective tax rate		31.2	%		30.7	%		32.9	%
	(1) Foreign earnings primarily include the net impact of differences between local statutory rates and the U.S. Federal statutory rate, the cost of repatriating foreign earnings, and the impact of changes to foreign valuation allowances.
	The components of the Corporation’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Capital loss carryover		$	17,555			$	—
	Environmental reserves		10,123				9,913
	Inventories		18,496				20,197
	Postretirement/postemployment benefits		13,326				12,641
	Incentive compensation		16,140				6,727
	Accrued vacation pay		4,968				5,745
	Warranty reserves		4,330				5,073
	Share-based payments		4,422				7,718
	Pension plans		84,493				43,684
	Net operating loss		8,909				9,826
	Other		12,609				14,793
	Total deferred tax assets		195,371				136,317
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Undistributed earnings		7,840				4,077
	Depreciation		33,117				52,242
	Goodwill amortization		74,555				65,644
	Other intangible amortization		62,777				81,634
	Other		1,612				4,119
	Total deferred tax liabilities		179,901				207,716
	Valuation allowance		23,478				6,321
	Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)		$	(8,008	)		$	(77,720	)
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected on the Corporation’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31 as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014				2013
	Net current deferred tax assets		$	44,311			$	47,650
	Net current deferred tax liabilities		2,448				3,175
	Net noncurrent deferred tax assets		1,683				1,449
	Net noncurrent deferred tax liabilities		51,554				123,644
	Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)		$	(8,008	)		$	(77,720	)
	The Corporation has income tax net operating loss carryforwards related to international operations of approximately $26.4 million of which $16.4 million have an indefinite life and $10.0 million expire through 2023. The Corporation has federal and state income tax net loss carryforwards of approximately $68.7 million, of which $21.0 million are net operating losses which expire through 2034 and $47.7 million are capital loss carryforwards which expire in 2019. The Corporation has recorded a deferred tax asset of $26.5 million reflecting the benefit of the loss carryforwards.
	Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to utilize the existing deferred tax assets. A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated was the cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ended December 31, 2014 in certain of the Corporation’s foreign locations. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence such as projections for future growth. The Corporation increased its valuation allowance by $17.2 million, to $23.5 million, as of December 31, 2014, in order to measure only the portion of the deferred tax asset that more likely than not will be realized. The valuation allowance increased $17.6 million principally as a result of the tax benefit associated with the capital loss carryforward incurred from the sale of its discontinued operations offset by various minor activities. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight may be given to subjective evidence such as projections for growth.
	Income tax payments of $35.0 million were made in 2014, $69.4 million in 2013, and $42.7 million in 2012.
The amount of undistributed foreign subsidiaries earnings considered to be permanently reinvested for which no provision has been made for U.S. federal or foreign taxes at December 31, 2014 was $295.2 million. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of tax that would be payable if these amounts were repatriated to the United States; however, foreign tax credits may partiality offset any tax liability.
The Corporation has recognized a liability in Other liabilities for interest of $1.7 million and penalties of $1.1 million as of December 31, 2014.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
(In thousands)		2014				2013				2012
Balance at January 1,		$	10,623			$	11,301			$	5,769
Additions for tax positions of prior periods		1,421				1,511				4,591
Additions for tax positions related to the current year		1,738				1,768				1,019
Settlements		(2,039		)		(3,868		)		(53		)
Lapses of statute of limitations		(41		)		(140		)		(28		)
Foreign currency translation		(142		)		51				3
Balance at December 31,		$	11,560			$	10,623			$	11,301
In many cases the Corporation’s uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by tax authorities.
The following describes the open tax years, by major tax jurisdiction, as of December 31, 2014:
United States (Federal)	2011	-	present
United States (Various states)	1998	-	present
United Kingdom	2007	-	present
Canada	2008	-	present
The Corporation does not expect any significant changes to the estimated amount of liability associated with its uncertain tax positions through the next twelve months. Included in the total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is $8.0 million, $7.6 million, and $9.0 million, respectively, which, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate.

DEBT

DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
DEBT	13. DEBT
	Debt consists of the following as of December 31:
	(In thousands)		2014		2014		2013		2013
			Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value
	Industrial revenue bond, due 2023		$	8,400	$	8,400	$	8,400	$	8,400
	Revolving credit agreement, due 2019		—		—		50,000		50,000
	5.51% Senior notes due 2017		150,000		162,617		150,000		163,059
	3.84% Senior notes due 2021		99,934		99,934		98,632		98,632
	3.70% Senior notes due 2023		225,000		225,748		225,000		209,140
	3.85% Senior notes due 2025		98,360		98,360		88,555		88,555
	4.24% Senior notes due 2026		197,237		197,237		173,557		173,557
	4.05% Senior notes due 2028		74,348		74,348		64,411		64,411
	4.11% Senior notes due 2028		100,000		100,801		100,000		89,252
	Other debt		1,069		1,069		1,383		1,383
	Total debt		954,348		968,514		959,938		946,389
	Less: current portion of long-term debt and short-term debt		1,069		1,069		1,334		1,334
	Total long-term debt		$	953,279	$	967,445	$	958,604	$	945,055
	The weighted-average interest rate of the Corporation’s Revolving Credit Agreement was 1.7% in 2014 and 2013.
	The debt outstanding had fixed and variable interest rates averaging 3% during the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Aggregate maturities of debt are as follows:
	(In thousands)
	2015	$	1,069
	2016	—
	2017	150,000
	2018	—
	2019	—
	Thereafter	803,279
	Total	$	954,348
	Interest payments of $33 million, $31 million, and $24 million were made in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Revolving Credit Agreement
	In August 2012, the Corporation refinanced its existing credit facility by entering into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of financial institutions, led by Bank of America N.A., Wells Fargo, N.A, and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. The proceeds available under the Credit Agreement are to be used for working capital, internal growth initiatives, funding of future acquisitions, and general corporate purposes. Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Corporation has borrowing capacity of $500 million. In addition, the Credit Agreement provides an accordion feature which allows the Corporation to borrow an additional $100 million. As of December 31, 2014, the Corporation had $54 million in letters of credit supported by the credit facility and no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility. As of December 31, 2014, letters of credit outstanding related to discontinuing operations was $9 million. The unused credit available under the credit facility at December 31, 2014 was $446 million, which we had the ability to borrow in full without violating our debt to capitalization covenant.
	In December, 2014, the Corporation amended its existing credit facility by entering into a Second Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of financial institutions, led by Bank of America N.A., Wells Fargo, N.A, and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. the amendment extends the maturity date of the agreement to November, 2019. No other material modifications were made to the 2012 Credit Agreement.
	The Credit Agreement contains covenants that the Corporation considers usual and customary for an agreement of this type for comparable commercial borrowers, including a maximum consolidated debt to capitalization ratio of 60%. The Credit Agreement has customary events of default, such as non-payment of principal when due; nonpayment of interest, fees, or other amounts; cross-payment default and cross-acceleration.
	Borrowings under the credit agreement will accrue interest based on (i) Libor or (ii) a base rate of the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, (b) BofA’s announced prime rate, or (c) the Eurocurrency rate plus 1%, plus a margin. The interest rate and level of facility fees are dependent on certain financial ratios, as defined in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement also provides customary fees, including administrative agent and commitment fees. In connection with the Credit Agreement, we paid customary transaction fees that have been deferred and are being amortized over the term of the Credit Agreement.
	Senior Notes
	On February 26, 2013, the Corporation issued $500 million of Senior Notes (the “2013 Notes”).  The 2013 Notes consist of $225 million of 3.70% Senior Notes that mature on February 26, 2023, $100 million of 3.85% Senior Notes that mature on February 26, 2025, and $75 million of 4.05% Senior Notes that mature on February 26, 2028.  $100 million of additional 4.11% Senior Notes were deferred and subsequently issued on September 26, 2013 that mature on September 26, 2028. The 2013 Notes are senior unsecured obligations, equal in right of payment to the Corporation’s existing senior indebtedness. The Corporation, at its option, can prepay at any time all or any part of the 2013 Notes, subject to a make-whole payment in accordance with the terms of the Note Purchase Agreement.  In connection with the issuance of the 2013 Notes, the Corporation paid customary fees that have been deferred and are being amortized over the term of the 2013 Notes.  Under the terms of the Note Purchase Agreement, the Corporation is required to maintain certain financial ratios, the most restrictive of which is a debt to capitalization limit of 60%. The debt to capitalization ratio (as defined per the Notes Purchase Agreement and Credit Agreement) is calculated using the same formula for all of the Corporation’s debt agreements and is a measure of the Corporation’s indebtedness to capitalization, where capitalization equals debt plus equity. The Corporation had the ability to borrow additional debt of $1.2 billion without violating our debt to capitalization covenant. The 2013 Notes also contain a cross default provision with respect to the Corporation’s other senior indebtedness.
	On December 8, 2011, the Corporation issued $300 million of Senior Notes (the “2011 Notes”). The 2011 Notes consist of $100 million of 3.84% Senior Notes that mature on December 1, 2021 and $200 million of 4.24% Senior Series Notes that mature on December 1, 2026. The 2011 Notes are senior unsecured obligations, equal in right of payment to our existing senior indebtedness. The Corporation, at its option, can prepay at any time all or any part of our 2011 Notes, subject to a make-whole payment in accordance with the terms of the Note Purchase Agreement. In connection with our 2011 Notes, the Corporation paid customary fees that have been deferred and are being amortized over the term of our 2011 Notes. Under the Note Purchase Agreement, the Corporation is required to maintain certain financial ratios, the most restrictive of which is a debt to capitalization limit of 60%. The 2011 Notes also contain a cross default provision with our other senior indebtedness.
	On December 1, 2005, the Corporation issued $150 million of 5.51% Senior Notes (the “2005 Notes”). The 2005 Notes mature on December 1, 2017. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations and are equal in right of payment to the Corporation’s existing senior indebtedness. The Corporation, at its option, can prepay at any time all or any part of the 2005 Notes, subject to a make-whole amount in accordance with the terms of the Note Purchase Agreement. In connection with the Notes, the Corporation paid customary fees that have been deferred and are being amortized over the terms of the Notes. The Corporation is required under the Note Purchase Agreement to maintain certain financial ratios, the most restrictive of which is a debt to capitalization limit of 60%. The 2005 Notes also contain a cross default provision with the Corporation’s other senior indebtedness.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	14. EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The Corporation is required to report both basic earnings per share (EPS), based on the weighted-average number of Common shares outstanding, and diluted earnings per share, based on the basic EPS adjusted for all potentially dilutive shares issuable.
	As of December 31, 2014, there were no options outstanding that were considered anti-dilutive. In December 31, 2013 and 2012 , there were 297,000, and 633,000 stock options outstanding, respectively, that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as the exercise price of these options was greater than their average market value, which would result in an anti-dilutive effect on diluted earnings per share.
	Earnings per share calculations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, are as follows:
	(In thousands, except per share data)	Earnings from		Weighted-	Earnings per share
		continuing		Average Shares	from continuing
		operations		Outstanding	operations
	2014
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	169,949	48,019	$	3.54
	Dilutive effect of stock options and deferred stock compensation			1,056
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	169,949	49,075	$	3.46
	2013
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	139,404	46,991	$	2.97
	Dilutive effect of stock options and deferred stock compensation			921
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	139,404	47,912	$	2.91
	2012
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	104,081	46,743	$	2.23
	Dilutive effect of stock options and deferred stock compensation			669
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	104,081	47,412	$	2.2

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	15. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
	In May 2014, the Corporation adopted the Curtiss Wright 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2014 Omnibus Plan”). The plan replaces the Corporation's existing 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan and the 2005 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors (collectively the “2005 Stock Plans”). Beginning May 2014, all awards were granted under the 2014 Omnibus Plan. The maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the 2014 Omnibus Plan will be 2,400,000 less one share of common stock for every one share of common stock granted under any Prior Plan after December 31, 2013 and prior to the effective date of the 2014 Omnibus Plan. In addition, any awards that were previously granted under any Prior Plan that terminate without issuance of shares, shall be eligible for issuance under the 2014 Omnibus Plan. Awards under the 2014 Omnibus Plan may be in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSU), other stock-based awards, and performance share units (PSU) or cash based performance units (PU).
	During 2014, the Corporation granted awards in the form of RSUs, PSUs, PUs, and restricted stock. Previous grants under the 2005 Stock Plans included non-qualified stock options. Under our employee benefit program, the Corporation also provides an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) available to most active employees. Certain awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control.
	The compensation cost for employee and non-employee director share-based compensation programs during 2014, 2013, and 2012 is as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Non-qualified stock options	$	—		$	238		$	942
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan	1,350			1,260			1,303
	Performance Share Units	3,728			3,495			3,179
	Restricted Share Units	2,655			1,700			3,237
	Other share-based payments	767			657			767
	Total share-based compensation expense before income taxes	$	8,500		$	7,350		$	9,428
	Other share-based payments include restricted stock awards to non-employee directors, who are treated as employees as prescribed by the accounting guidance on share-based payments. The compensation cost recognized follows the cost of the employee, which is primarily reflected as General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. No share-based compensation costs were capitalized during 2014, 2013, or 2012.
	The following table summarizes the cash received from share-based awards and the Corporation's tax benefit recognized on share-based compensation:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Cash received from share-based awards	$	38,183		$	29,194		$	15,137
	Recognized tax benefit on awards	$	9,610		$	3,199		$	1,371
	A summary of employee stock option activity is as follows:
		Shares		Weighted-			Weighted-		Aggregate
		(000’s)		Average			Average		Intrinsic
				Exercise			Remaining		Value
				Price			Contractual		(000’s)
							Term in
							Years
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	2,321		$	33.69
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	(872	)	33.45
	Forfeited	(6	)	29.66
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,443		$	33.86		4.3		$	53,002
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,443		$	33.86		4.3		$	53,002
	The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $28.3 million, $11.4 million, and $3.1 million, respectively.
	Performance Share Units
	The Corporation has granted performance share units to certain employees, whose 3 year cliff vesting is contingent upon how the Corporation's total shareholder return over the three-year term of the awards compares to that of a self-constructed peer group.  The non-vested shares are subject to forfeiture if established performance goals are not met or employment is terminated other than due to death, disability, or retirement. Share plans are denominated in share-based units based on the fair market value of the Corporation’s Common stock on the date of grant. The performance share unit’s compensation cost is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the three-year requisite service period. As forfeiture assumptions change, compensation cost will be adjusted on a cumulative basis in the period of the assumption change.
	Restricted Share Units
	Restricted share units cliff vest at the end of the awards’ vesting period. The restricted share units contain only a service condition, and thus compensation cost is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is typically 3 years. The non-vested restricted stock is subject to forfeiture if employment is terminated other than due to death or disability.
	A summary of the Corporation’s 2014 activity related to performance share units and restricted share units are as follows:
		Performance Share Units (PSUs)					Restricted Share Units (RSUs)
		Shares/Units		Weighted-			Shares/Units			Weighted-
		(000’s)		Average			(000’s)			Average
				Fair Value						Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	368		$	35.52		319			$	36.53
	Granted	51		82.79			38			70.28
	Vested	(89	)	29.88			(92	)		33.01
	Forfeited	(18	)	46.71			(19	)		37.02
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014	312		$	44.12		246			$	43.03
	Expected to vest at December 31, 2014	312		$	44.12		246			$	43.03
	Nonvested PSUs had an intrinsic value of $22.0 million and unrecognized compensation costs of $8.6 million as of December 31, 2014. Nonvested RSUs had an intrinsic value of $17.3 million and unrecognized compensation costs of $5.9 million. Unrecognized compensation costs related to PSUs and RSUs are expected to be recognized over periods of 2.3-2.7 years.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The Corporation’s ESPP enables eligible employees to purchase the Corporation’s Common stock at a price per share equal to 85% of the fair market value at the end of each offering period. Each offering period of the ESPP lasts six months, commencing on January 1st and July 1st of each year. The Corporation has reserved 1,200,000 shares from Treasury to satisfy the issuance of shares under the ESPP.
	During 2014, there were 166,948 shares purchased under the ESPP. As of December 31, 2014, the Corporation has withheld $4.5 million from employees, the equivalent of 73,929 shares. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the six-month vesting period during which employees perform related services.

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS	16. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
	The Corporation maintains thirteen separate and distinct pension and other postretirement defined benefit plans, consisting of three domestic plans and ten separate foreign pension plans. Effective December 31, 2014, the Corporation executed the following plan mergers: the two Williams Controls defined benefit pension plans were merged with the CW Pension Plan, resulting in one surviving domestic qualified plan, and the three domestic postretirement health-benefits plans (CW, EMD, and Williams Controls) were merged into one. Post-merger, the Corporation maintains the following domestic plans: a qualified pension plan, a non-qualified pension plan, and a postretirement health-benefits plan. The foreign plans consist of three defined benefit pension plans in the United Kingdom, three in Germany, two in Mexico, and one plan each in Canada and Switzerland. The German plans were added during 2013 as part of our February 28, 2013 acquisition of Phönix Holding GmbH.
	Domestic Plans
	Qualified Pension Plan
	The Corporation maintains a defined benefit pension plan (the “CW Pension Plan”) covering all employees under six benefit formulas: a non-contributory non-union and union formula for certain Curtiss-Wright (CW) employees, a contributory union and non-union benefit formula for employees at the EMD business unit, and two benefit formulas providing annuity benefits for participants in the former Williams Controls salaried and union plans.
	CW non-union employees hired prior to February 1, 2010 receive a “traditional” benefit based on years of credited service, using the five highest consecutive years’ compensation during the last ten years of service. These employees became participants under the CW Pension Plan after one year of service and were vested after three years of service. CW non-union employees hired on or after the effective date were eligible for a cash balance benefit through December 31, 2013, and were transitioned to the new defined contribution plan, further described below. CW union employees who have negotiated a benefit under the CW Pension Plan are entitled to a benefit based on years of service multiplied by a monthly pension rate.
	The formula for EMD employees covers both union and non-union employees and is designed to satisfy the requirements of relevant collective bargaining agreements. Employee contributions are withheld each pay period and are equal to 1.5% of salary. The benefits for the EMD employees are based on years of service and compensation. On December 31, 2012, the Corporation amended the CW Pension Plan to close the benefit to EMD employees hired after January 1, 2014.
	Participants of the former Williams Controls Retirement Income Plan for salaried employees are either deferred vested participants or currently receiving benefits, as benefit accruals under the plan were frozen to future accruals effective January 1, 2003. Benefits in the salaried plan are based on average compensation and years of service.
	Participants of the former Williams Controls UAW Local 492 Plan for union employees are entitled to a benefit based on years of service multiplied by a monthly pension rate, and may be eligible for supplemental benefits based upon attainment of certain age and service requirements.
	In May 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an amendment to the CW Pension Plan. Effective January 1, 2014, all active non-union employees participating in the final and career average pay formulas in the defined benefit plan will cease accruals 15 years from the effective date of the amendment.  In addition to the sunset provision, the “cash balance” benefit for non-union participants will be eliminated as of the effective date.  Non-Union employees who are not currently receiving final or career average pay benefits become eligible to participate in a new defined contribution plan which provides both employer match and non-elective contribution components, up to a maximum employer contribution of 6%.  The amendment does not affect CW employees that are subject to collective bargaining agreements.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Corporation had a noncurrent pension liability of $152.5 million and $79.5 million, respectively. This increase was primarily driven by a 75 basis point decrease in the discount rate, which was 4.00% as of December 31, 2014, and the adoption of updated mortality tables reflecting further increases in life expectancy. The merger of the Williams plans also contributed $4.3 million of this increase.
	The Corporation made $39.8 million of contributions to the CW Pension Plan in 2014, and made an additional elective contribution of $145.0 million in January 2015. Due to the large contribution in 2015, the Corporation does not expect to make any further contributions through 2019, but expects to make annual contributions to the new defined contribution plan, as further described below.
	Nonqualified Pension Plan
	The Corporation also maintains a non-qualified restoration plan (the “CW Restoration Plan”) covering those employees of CW and EMD whose compensation or benefits exceed the IRS limitation for pension benefits. Benefits under the CW Restoration Plan are not funded, and, as such, the Corporation had an accrued pension liability of $43.7 million and $31.7 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Corporation’s contributions to the CW Restoration Plan are expected to be $3.1 million in 2015.
	Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Plan
	Under the plan merger effective December 31, 2014, the Corporation provides post-employment benefits consisting of retiree health and life insurance to three distinct groups of employees/retirees: the CW Grandfathered plan, and plans assumed in the acquisition of EMD and Williams Controls.
	In 2002, the Corporation restructured the postemployment medical benefits for then-active CW employees, effectively freezing the plan. The plan continues to be maintained for certain retired CW employees.
	The Corporation also provides retiree health and life insurance benefits for substantially all of the Curtiss-Wright EMD employees. The plan provides basic health and welfare coverage for pre-65 participants based on years of service and are subject to certain caps. Effective January 1, 2011, the Corporation modified the benefit design for post-65 retirees by introducing Retiree Reimbursement Accounts (RRA’s) to participants in lieu of the traditional benefit delivery. Participant accounts are funded a set amount annually that can be used to purchase supplemental coverage on the open market, effectively capping the benefit.
	The plan also provides retiree health and life insurance benefits for certain retirees of the Williams Controls salaried and union pension plans. Benefits are available to those employees who retired prior to December 31, 1993 in the salaried plan, and prior to October 1, 2003 in the union plan. Effective August 31, 2013, the Corporation modified the benefit design for post-65 retirees by introducing Retiree Reimbursement Accounts (RRA’s) to align with the EMD delivery model.
	The Corporation had an accrued postretirement benefit liability at December 31, 2014 and 2013 of $23.2 million and $20.4 million, respectively. Pursuant to the EMD purchase agreement, the Corporation has a discounted receivable from Washington Group International to reimburse the Corporation for a portion of these postretirement benefit costs. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the discounted receivable included in other assets was $1.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively. The Corporation expects to contribute $1.6 million to the plan during 2015.
	Foreign Plans
	The foreign plans consist of three defined benefit pension plans in the United Kingdom, three in Germany, two in Mexico, and one plan each in Canada and Switzerland. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the total projected benefit obligation related to all foreign plans is $90.1 million and $87.6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Corporation had an accrued pension liability of $5.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively. The Corporation's contributions to the foreign plans are expected to be $3.0 million in 2015.
	In September 2013, the Corporation amended the Metal Improvement Company - Salaried Staff pension Scheme (U.K.) and the Penny & Giles Pension Plan (U.K.) to cease the accrual of future benefits effective December 31, 2013. The amendments to the plans resulted in a $7 million reduction to the projected benefit obligations and a curtailment gain of $2.8 million.
	Components of net periodic benefit expense
	The net pension and net postretirement benefit costs (income) consisted of the following:
		Pension Benefits											Postretirement Benefits
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2012			2014			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	25,262			$	40,170			$	40,274		$	246		$	373		$	448
	Interest cost	30,403				27,777				26,303			877			839			939
	Expected return on plan assets	(41,746		)		(36,303		)		(33,585		)	—			—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost	662				883				1,201			(657		)	(638		)	(629		)
	Recognized net actuarial loss	6,827				15,013				11,023			(811		)	(614		)	(682		)
	Cost of settlements/curtailments	377				13				—			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$	21,785			$	47,553			$	45,216		$	(345	)	$	(40	)	$	76
	Net periodic benefit cost has declined over the reported periods, mainly due to the reduction in service cost, increase in the expected return on plan assets, and reduction of recognized net actuarial loss. The plan redesign reduced service cost by eliminating the cash balance benefit earned in the plan for all participants, with those not participating in the traditional benefit being moved to a new defined contribution plan. Expected returns increased due to favorable asset performance and the incremental return generated from higher required cash contributions in recent years, while the recognized actuarial loss declined in 2014, due largely to a prior period increase in the discount rate.
	The Cost of settlements/curtailments indicated above represents events that are accounted for under guidance on employers’ accounting for settlements and curtailments of defined benefit pension plans. In 2014, the charge was due to a settlement in the CWAT plan in Switzerland. In 2013, the CW Pension Plan curtailment charge of $2.2 million and special termination benefits in the CW Restoration Plan were largely offset by the curtailment gain in the Penny & Giles Pension Plan.
	The following table outlines the Corporation's consolidated disclosure of the pension benefits and postretirement benefits information described previously. The Corporation had no foreign postretirement plans. All plans were valued using a December 31, 2014 measurement date.
		Pension Benefits								Postretirement Benefits
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Beginning of year	$	674,192			$	705,022			$	20,416		$	23,391
	Service cost	25,262				40,170				246			373
	Interest cost	30,403				27,777				877			839
	Plan participants’ contributions	1,734				2,331				364			350
	Amendments	178				—				—			(366		)
	Actuarial loss (gain)	114,763				(62,534		)		3,276			(2,752		)
	Benefits paid	(40,765		)		(34,253		)		(1,929		)	(1,419		)
	Business combinations	—				5,809				—			—
	Special termination benefits	—				533				—			—
	Curtailments/ settlements	—				(9,713		)		—			—
	Actual expenses	(1,299		)		(2,206		)		—			—
	Currency translation adjustments	(7,108		)		1,256				—			—
	End of year	$	797,360			$	674,192			$	23,250		$	20,416
	Change in plan assets:
	Beginning of year	$	558,567			$	460,202			$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets	37,574				82,863				—			—
	Employer contribution	46,306				48,074				1,565			1,069
	Plan participants’ contributions	1,734				2,331				364			350
	Business combinations	—				—				—			—
	Benefits paid	(40,765		)		(34,253		)		(1,929		)	(1,419		)
	Settlements	(1,299		)		(2,206		)		—			—
	Currency translation adjustments	(6,288		)		1,556				—			—
	End of year	$	595,829			$	558,567			$	—		$	—
	Funded status	$	(201,531	)		$	(115,625	)		$	(23,250	)	$	(20,416	)
	Pension Benefits								Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands)	2014				2013				2014			2013
Amounts recognized on the balance sheet
Noncurrent assets	$	6,041			$	7,142			$	—		$	—
Current liabilities	(3,523		)		(2,620		)		(1,603		)	(1,659		)
Noncurrent liabilities	(204,049		)		(120,147		)		(21,647		)	(18,757		)
Total	$	(201,531	)		$	(115,625	)		$	(23,250	)	$	(20,416	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	$	180,640			$	69,355			$	(8,264	)	$	(12,350	)
Prior service cost	1,990				2,537				(4,686		)	(5,343		)
Total	$	182,630			$	71,892			$	(12,950	)	$	(17,693	)
Amounts in AOCI expected to be recognized in net periodic cost in the coming year:
Loss (gain) recognition	$	15,470			$	5,933			$	(551	)	$	(811	)
Prior service cost recognition	$	619			$	631			$	(657	)	$	(657	)
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	753,878			$	641,892			N/A			N/A
Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	$	770,241			$	604,515			N/A			N/A
Accumulated benefit obligation	726,760				528,148				N/A			N/A
Fair value of plan assets	562,669				473,078				N/A			N/A
Plan Assumptions
	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Benefits
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Weighted-average assumptions in determination of benefit obligation:
Discount rate	3.88	%		4.62	%		3.75	%		4.47	%
Rate of compensation increase	3.37	%		3.94	%		N/A			N/A
Health care cost trends:
Rate assumed for subsequent year	N/A			N/A			5.5	%		8	%
Ultimate rate reached in 2019 and 2015, respectively	N/A			N/A			4.59	%		5	%
Weighted-average assumptions in determination of net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate	4.62	%		3.95	%		4.47	%		3.7	%
Expected return on plan assets	8.01	%		7.91	%		N/A			N/A
Rate of compensation increase	3.36	%		3.94	%		N/A			N/A
Health care cost trends:
Rate assumed for subsequent year	N/A			N/A			8	%		8	%
Ultimate rate reached in 2019 and 2015, respectively	N/A			N/A			5	%		5	%
The discount rate for each plan is determined by discounting the plan’s expected future benefit payments using a yield curve developed from high quality bonds that are rated Aa or better by Moody’s as of the measurement date. The yield curve calculation matches the notional cash inflows of the hypothetical bond portfolio with the expected benefit payments to arrive at one effective rate for each plan.
The overall expected return on assets assumption is based on a combination of historical performance of the pension fund and expectations of future performance. Expected future performance is determined by weighting the expected returns for each asset class by the plan’s asset allocation. The expected returns are based on long-term capital market assumptions utilizing a ten-year time horizon through consultation with investment advisors. While consideration is given to recent performance and historical returns, the assumption represents a long-term prospective return.
The effect on the Other Post-Employment Benefits plan of a 1% change in the health care cost trend is as follows:
(In thousands)	1% Increase				1% Decrease
Total service and interest cost components	$	15			$	(13	)
Postretirement benefit obligation	$	364			$	(301	)
Pension Plan Assets
The overall objective for plan assets is to earn a rate of return over time to meet anticipated benefit payments in accordance with plan provisions. The long-term investment objective of the domestic retirement plans is to achieve a total rate of return, net of fees, which exceeds the actuarial overall expected return on asset assumptions used for funding purposes and which provides an appropriate premium over inflation. The intermediate-term objective of the domestic retirement plans, defined as three to five years, is to outperform each of the capital markets in which assets are invested, net of fees. During periods of extreme market volatility, preservation of capital takes a higher precedence than outperforming the capital markets.
The Finance Committee of the Corporation’s Board of Directors is responsible for formulating investment policies, developing investment manager guidelines and objectives, and approving and managing qualified advisors and investment managers. The guidelines established define permitted investments within each asset class and apply certain restrictions such as limits on concentrated holdings, and prohibits selling securities short, buying on margin, and the purchase of any securities issued by the Corporation.
The Corporation maintains the funds of the CW Pension Plan under a trust that is diversified across investment classes and among investment managers to achieve an optimal balance between risk and return. As a part of its diversification strategy, the Corporation has established target allocations for each of the following assets classes: domestic equity securities, international equity securities, and debt securities. Below are the Corporation’s actual and established target allocations for the CW Pension Plan, representing 86% of consolidated assets:
	As of December 31,				Target		Expected
	2014		2013		Exposure		Range
Asset class
Domestic equities	53%		52%		50%		40%-60%
International equities	14%		15%		15%		10%-20%
Total equity	67%		67%		65%		55%-75%
Fixed income	33%		31%		35%		25%-45%
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, cash funds in the CW Pension Plan represented approximately 3% of portfolio assets.
Foreign plan assets represent 14% of consolidated plan assets, with the majority of the assets supporting the U.K. plans. The U.K. foreign plans follow a similar asset allocation strategy, while other foreign plans are more heavily weighted in fixed income resulting in a weighted expected return on assets assumption of 5.65% for all foreign plans.
The Corporation may from time to time require the reallocation of assets in order to bring the retirement plans into conformity with these ranges. The Corporation may also authorize alterations or deviations from these ranges where appropriate for achieving the objectives of the retirement plans.
Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents consolidated plan assets using the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2014:
Asset Category	Total				Quoted Prices				Significant			Significant
					in Active				Observable			Unobservable
					Markets for				Inputs			Inputs
					Identical				(Level 2)			(Level 3)
					Assets
					(Level 1)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	17,951			$	1,638			$	16,313		$	—
Equity securities- Mutual funds (1)	360,691				307,220				53,471			—
Bond funds (2)	168,348				115,988				52,360			—
Insurance Contracts (3)	10,795				—				—			10,795
Other (4)	782				—				—			782
31-Dec-13	$	558,567			$	424,846			$	122,144		$	11,577
Cash and cash equivalents	$	24,354			$	871			$	23,483		$	—
Equity securities- Mutual funds (1)	379,467				330,619				48,848			—
Bond funds (2)	183,068				122,790				60,278			—
Insurance Contracts (3)	8,169				—				—			8,169
Other (4)	771				—				—			771
31-Dec-14	$	595,829			$	454,280			$	132,609		$	8,940
(1) This category consists of domestic and international equity securities. It is comprised of U.S. securities benchmarked against the S&P 500 index and Russell 2000 index, international mutual funds benchmarked against the MSCI EAFE index, global equity index mutual funds associated with our U.K. based pension plans and balanced funds associated with the U.K. and Canadian based pension plans.
(2) This category consists of domestic and international bonds. The domestic fixed income securities are benchmarked against the Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond index, actively-managed bond mutual funds comprised of domestic investment grade debt, fixed income derivatives, and below investment-grade issues, U.S. mortgage backed securities, asset backed securities, municipal bonds, and convertible debt. International bonds consist of bond mutual funds for institutional investors associated with the CW Pension Plan, Switzerland, and U.K. based pension plans.
(3) This category consists of a guaranteed investment contract (GIC) in Switzerland. Amounts contributed to the plan are guaranteed by a foundation for occupational benefits that in turn entered into a group insurance contract and the foundation pays a guaranteed rate of interest that is reset annually.
(4) This category consists primarily of real estate investment trusts in Switzerland.
Valuation
Equity securities and exchange-traded equity and bond mutual funds are valued using a market approach based on the quoted market prices of identical instruments. Pooled institutional funds are valued at their net asset values and are calculated by the sponsor of the fund.
Fixed income securities are primarily valued using a market approach utilizing various underlying pricing sources and methodologies. Real estate investment trusts are priced at net asset value based on valuations of the underlying real estate holdings using inputs such as discounted cash flows, independent appraisals, and market-based comparable data.
Cash balances in the United States are held in a pooled fund and classified as a Level 2 asset. Non-U.S. cash is valued using a market approach based on quoted market prices of identical instruments.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Level 3 assets held during the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
(In thousands)	Insurance				Other				Total
	Contracts
December 31, 2012	$	10,917			$	728			$	11,645
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	162				35				197
Relating to assets sold during the period	—				—				—
Purchases, sales, and settlements	(542		)		—				(542		)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	—				—				—
Foreign currency translation adjustment	258				19				277
December 31, 2013	$	10,795			$	782			$	11,577
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	158				39				197
Relating to assets sold during the period	—				—				—
Purchases, sales, and settlements	(1,818		)		36				(1,782		)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	—				—				—
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(966		)		(86		)		(1,052		)
December 31, 2014	$	8,169			$	771			$	8,940
Benefit Payments
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid from the plans:
(In thousands)	Pension				Postretirement				Total
	Plans				Plans
2015	$	45,126			$	1,603			$	46,729
2016	45,914				1,564				47,478
2017	47,534				1,529				49,063
2018	49,763				1,535				51,298
2019	52,630				1,506				54,136
2020 — 2024	270,769				7,342				278,111
Defined Contribution Retirement Plans
The Corporation offers all of its domestic employees the opportunity to participate in a defined contribution plan. Costs incurred by the Corporation in the administration and record keeping of the defined contribution plan are paid for by the Corporation and are not considered material.
Effective January 1, 2014, all non-union employees who were not currently receiving final or career average pay benefits became eligible to receive employer contributions in the Corporation's sponsored 401(k) plan. The employer contributions include both employer match and non-elective contribution components, up to a maximum employer contribution of 6% of eligible compensation.  During the year ended December 31, 2014, the expense relating to the plan was $13.7 million.  The Corporation funded $6.4 million in matching contributions to the plan in 2014, and $7.3 million in a non-elective contribution in January 2015. Cumulative contributions of approximately $65.0 million are expected to be made from 2015 through 2019.
In addition, the Corporation had foreign pension costs under various defined contribution plans of $5.7 million, $5.1 million, and $4.8 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

LEASES

LEASES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
LEASES	17. LEASES
	The Corporation conducts a portion of its operations from leased facilities, which include manufacturing and service facilities, administrative offices, and warehouses. In addition, the Corporation leases vehicles, machinery, and office equipment under operating leases. The leases expire at various dates and may include renewals and escalations. Rental expenses for all operating leases amounted to $38.0 million, $35.3 million, and $29.7 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014, the approximate future minimum rental commitments under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:
	(In thousands)	Rental
		Commitments
	2015	$	27,615
	2016	24,039
	2017	20,514
	2018	16,058
	2019	11,899
	Thereafter	45,683
	Total	$	145,808

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	18. SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Prior to the first quarter of 2014, the Corporation reported its results of operations through three segments: Flow Control, Controls, and Surface Technologies. Beginning in the first quarter of 2014, the Corporation realigned its reportable segments with its end markets to strengthen its ability to service customers and recognize certain organizational efficiencies. As result of this realignment the Corporation has three new reportable segments: Commercial/Industrial, Defense, and Energy. The Corporation’s former Surface Technologies segment is consolidated within the new Commercial/Industrial segment. The commercial businesses which were in the former Controls segment form part of the new Commercial/Industrial segment. The Corporation’s defense businesses, which were primarily in the Corporation’s former Controls segment and to a lesser extent in the former Flow Control segment, are now consolidated within the new Defense segment. The Corporation's Oil and Gas and Nuclear divisions, which were in the former Flow Control segment, form the new Energy segment.
	The Corporation's measure of segment profit or loss is operating income. Interest expense and income taxes are not reported on an operating segment basis as they are not considered in the segments’ performance evaluation by the Corporation’s chief operating decision-maker, its Chief Executive Officer.
	Net sales and operating income by reportable segment are as follows:
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Net sales
	Commercial/Industrial	$	1,077,045		$	951,900		$	679,382
	Defense	739,805			769,190			770,318
	Energy	433,114			403,788			381,557
	Less: Intersegment Revenues	(6,838		)	(6,797		)	(7,950		)
	Total Consolidated	$	2,243,126		$	2,118,081		$	1,823,307
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Operating income (expense)
	Commercial/Industrial	$	142,831		$	105,245		$	66,576
	Defense	102,252			116,618			90,285
	Energy	67,602			57,204			55,643
	Corporate and Eliminations (1)	(30,312		)	(41,944		)	(31,110		)
	Total Consolidated	$	282,373		$	237,123		$	181,394
	Depreciation and amortization expense
	Commercial/Industrial	$	54,496		$	53,563		$	32,148
	Defense	33,198			32,351			33,372
	Energy	13,171			11,647			11,835
	Corporate	4,060			4,654			2,771
	Total Consolidated	$	104,925		$	102,215		$	80,126
	Segment assets
	Commercial/Industrial	$	1,324,679		$	1,309,232		$	1,027,787
	Defense	1,158,272			1,293,679			1,266,553
	Energy	632,009			798,330			781,837
	Corporate	284,551			57,033			38,411
	Total Consolidated	$	3,399,511		$	3,458,274		$	3,114,588
	Capital expenditures
	Commercial/Industrial	$	33,642		$	38,063		$	43,039
	Defense	18,111			11,468			20,605
	Energy	10,474			19,435			13,421
	Corporate	4,888			3,276			5,889
	Total Consolidated (2)	$	67,115		$	72,242		$	82,954
	(1) Corporate and Eliminations includes pension expense, environmental remediation and administrative expenses, legal, foreign currency transactional gains and losses, and other expenses.
	(2) Total capital expenditures included $4.9 million, $7.0 million, and $10.4 million of expenditures related to discontinued operations for the years ended 2014 , 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Within the Commercial/Industrial, Defense and Energy segments are $1.0 million, $25.1 million, and $121.2 million, respectively, of assets classified as held for sale.
	Reconciliations
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Earnings before taxes:
	Total segment operating income	$	312,685		$	279,067		$	212,504
	Corporate and administrative	(30,312		)	(41,944		)	(31,110		)
	Interest expense	(35,794		)	(37,053		)	(26,301		)
	Other income, net	365			980			128
	Total consolidated earnings before tax	$	246,944		$	201,050		$	155,221
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Assets:
	Total assets for reportable segments	$	3,114,960		$	3,401,241		$	3,076,177
	Non-segment cash	245,651			12,651			6,934
	Other assets	38,900			44,382			31,477
	Total consolidated assets	$	3,399,511		$	3,458,274		$	3,114,588
	Geographic Information
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Revenues
	United States of America	$	1,521,034		$	1,444,019		$	1,276,571
	United Kingdom	145,092			134,815			136,052
	Canada	72,392			66,234			61,916
	Other foreign countries	504,608			473,013			348,768
Consolidated total	$	2,243,126		$	2,118,081		$	1,823,307
Long-Lived Assets
United States of America	$	323,937		$	365,691		$	352,615
United Kingdom	45,625			43,434			43,341
Canada	20,257			27,975			31,740
Other foreign countries	69,100			78,618			61,897
Consolidated total	$	458,919		$	515,718		$	489,593

CONTINGENCIES_AND_COMMITMENTS

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS	. CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS
	Legal Proceedings
	The Corporation has been named in a number of lawsuits that allege injury from exposure to asbestos. To date, the Corporation has not been found liable for or paid any material sum of money in settlement in any case. The Corporation believes its minimal use of asbestos in its past and current operations and the relatively non-friable condition of asbestos in its products makes it unlikely that it will face material liability in any asbestos litigation, whether individually or in the aggregate. The Corporation maintains insurance coverage for these potential liabilities and believes adequate coverage exists to cover any unanticipated asbestos liability.
	In December 2013, the Corporation, along with other unaffiliated parties, received a claim, from Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) filed in the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta, Judicial District of Calgary. The claim pertains to a January 2011 fire and explosion at a delayed coker unit at its Fort McMurray refinery that resulted in the injury of five CNRL employees, damage to property and equipment, and various forms of consequential loss such as loss of profit, lost opportunities, and business interruption. The fire and explosion occurred when a CNRL employee bypassed certain safety controls and opened an operating coker unit. The total quantum of alleged damages arising from the incident has not been finalized, but is estimated to meet or exceed $1 billion.  The Corporation maintains various forms of commercial, property and casualty, product liability, and other forms of insurance; however, such insurance may not be adequate to cover the costs associated with a judgment against us. The Corporation is currently unable to estimate an amount or range of potential losses, if any, from this matter. The Corporation believes it has adequate legal defenses and intends to defend this matter vigorously. The Corporation's financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, could be materially affected during a future fiscal quarter or fiscal year by unfavorable developments or outcome regarding this claim.
	The Corporation is party to a number of legal actions and claims, none of which individually or in the aggregate, in the opinion of management, are expected to have a material effect on the Corporation’s results of operations or financial position.
	Letters of Credit and Other Arrangements
	The Corporation enters into standby letters of credit agreements and guarantees with financial institutions and customers primarily relating to guarantees of repayment, future performance on certain contracts to provide products and services, to secure advance payments from certain international customers, and to guarantee repayment of outstanding debt obligations held by certain subsidiaries. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were $54.3 million and $47.2 million in of stand-by letters of credit outstanding, respectively, and $20.7 million and $23.2 million of bank guarantees outstanding, respectively.  In addition, the Corporation is required to provide the Nuclear Regulatory Commission financial assurance demonstrating its ability to cover the cost of decommissioning its Cheswick, Pennsylvania facility upon closure, though the Corporation does not intend to close this facility.  The Corporation has provided this financial assurance in the form of a $52.9 million surety bond.
	AP1000 Program
	Within the Corporation’s Defense segment, our Electro-Mechanical Division is the reactor coolant pump (RCP) supplier for the Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear power plants under construction in China and the United States.  The terms of the AP1000 China and United States contracts include liquidated damage provisions for failure to meet contractual delivery dates if the Corporation caused the delay and the delay was not excusable. The Corporation would be liable for liquidated damages if the Corporation was deemed responsible for not meeting the delivery dates. On October 10, 2013, the Corporation received a letter from Westinghouse stating entitlements to the maximum amount of liquidated damages allowable under the AP1000 China contract from Westinghouse of approximately $25 million.  As of December 31, 2014, the Corporation has not met certain contractual delivery dates under its AP 1000 China and US contracts; however, there are significant counterclaims and uncertainties as to which parties are responsible for the delays.  Given the uncertainties surrounding the parties responsible for the delays, no accrual has been made for this matter.  As of December 31, 2014, the range of possible loss for liquidated damages is $0 to $40 million.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME LOSS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME LOSS	20. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	The total cumulative balance of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, is as follows:
	(In thousands)		Foreign currency translation adjustments, net			Total pension and postretirement adjustments, net			Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
	December 31, 2012		$	65,722		$	(121,230	)	$	(55,508	)
	Current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(6,619		)	87,386			80,767
	December 31, 2013		$	59,103		$	(33,844	)	$	25,259
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (1)		(79,386		)	(78,450		)	(157,836		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1)		—			4,166			4,166
	Net current period other comprehensive loss		(79,386		)	(74,284		)	(153,670		)
	December 31, 2014		$	(20,283	)	$	(108,128	)	$	(128,411	)
	(1)	All amounts are after tax.
	Details of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are below:
			Amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			Affected line item in the statement where net earnings is presented
	Defined benefit pension plan
	Amortization of prior service costs		(5		)	-1
	Amortization of actuarial losses		(6,016		)	-1
	Curtailments		(377		)
			(6,398		)	Total before tax
			2,232			Income tax benefit
	Total reclassifications		$	(4,166	)	Net of tax
	(1)	These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 16, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans.

QUARTERLY_RESULTS_OF_OPERATION

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	21. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
	(In thousands, except per share data)	First			Second			Third			Fourth
	2014
	Net sales	$	542,959		$	569,198		$	558,383		$	572,586
	Gross profit	184,614			198,231			193,331			200,340
	Earnings from continuing operations	36,430			43,009			44,378			46,132
	Loss from discontinued operations	(1,266		)	(6,618		)	(19,345		)	(29,382		)
	Net earnings	35,164			36,391			25,033			16,750
	Basic earnings per share *
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.76		$	0.9		$	0.92		$	0.96
	Loss from discontinued operations	(0.03		)	(0.14		)	(0.40		)	(0.61		)
	Total	$	0.73		$	0.76		$	0.52		$	0.35
	Diluted earnings per share *
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.74		$	0.87		$	0.9		$	0.94
	Loss from discontinued operations	(0.02		)	(0.13		)	(0.39		)	(0.60		)
	Total	$	0.72		$	0.74		$	0.51		$	0.34
	2013
	Net sales	$	494,395		$	524,139		$	511,380		$	588,167
	Gross profit	165,726			182,386			178,672			209,055
	Earnings from continuing operations	22,590			34,035			38,079			44,700
	Earnings/(loss) from discontinued operations	(1,647		)	(665		)	(1,718		)	2,607
	Net earnings	20,943			33,370			36,361			47,307
	Basic earnings per share *
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.48		$	0.73		$	0.81		$	0.95
	Earnings/(loss) from discontinued operations	(0.03		)	(0.02		)	(0.04		)	0.05
	Total	$	0.45		$	0.71		$	0.77		$	1
	Diluted earnings per share *
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.48		$	0.72		$	0.79		$	0.92
	Earnings/(loss) from discontinued operations	(0.04		)	(0.02		)	(0.03		)	0.05
	Total	$	0.44		$	0.7		$	0.76		$	0.97
	* May not add due to rounding

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	22. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	As a result of the previously announced discontinued operations, the Corporation realigned its segments and businesses during the first quarter of 2015. The Energy segment will be renamed as the new Power segment. The business serving the nuclear naval defense and new build (AP1000) power generation markets, which had previously operated within the Defense segment, will join the Nuclear aftermarket business in the new Power segment. The remaining Oil and Gas division businesses, which had previously operated within the Energy segment, will be reported in Commercial / Industrial segment, specifically the industrial valves group of companies. As a result, all of our industrial severe service valve businesses will operate within a single division. The Defense segment will be comprised primarily of the electronics businesses serving the ground and aerospace defense markets.
	On January 9, 2015, the Corporation sold the assets of its Engineered packaging business for £3 million. The assets of this business were reported as held for sale as of December 31, 2014 and its results of operations have been reflected as discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	On January 30, 2015, the Corporation made a voluntary $145 million contribution to its pension plan.

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
	SCHEDULE II – VALUATION and QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
	(In thousands)
					Additions
	Description		Balance at		Charged to			Charged to Other				Deductions		Balance at
			Beginning of		Costs and			Accounts				(Describe)		End of Period
			Period		Expenses			(Describe)
	Deducted from assets to which they apply:
	December 31, 2014
	Tax valuation allowance		6,321		18,535			(263		)	(A)	1,115		23,478
	Total		$	6,321	$	18,535		$	(263	)		$	1,115	$	23,478
	December 31, 2013
	Tax valuation allowance		8,531		(1,896		)	(314		)	(A)	—		6,321
	Total		$	8,531	$	(1,896	)	$	(314	)		$	—	$	6,321
	December 31, 2012
	Tax valuation allowance		5,518		1,665			1,348			(A)	—		8,531
	Total		$	5,518	$	1,665		$	1,348			$	—	$	8,531
	Notes:
	A.	Primarily foreign currency translation adjustments.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
ConsolidationPolicy	A. Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.
UseOfEstimates	B. Use of Estimates
	The financial statements of the Corporation have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP), which requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the accompanying financial statements. The most significant of these estimates includes the estimate of costs to complete long-term contracts under the percentage-of-completion accounting methods, the estimate of useful lives for property, plant, and equipment, cash flow estimates used for testing the recoverability of assets, pension plan and postretirement obligation assumptions, estimates for inventory obsolescence, estimates for the valuation and useful lives of intangible assets and legal reserves. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock	C. Revenue Recognition
	The realization of revenue refers to the timing of its recognition in the accounts of the Corporation and is generally considered realized or realizable and earned when the earnings process is substantially complete and all of the following criteria are met: 1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; 2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; 3) the Corporation’s price to its customer is fixed or determinable; and 4) collectability is reasonably assured.
	We determine the appropriate method by which we recognize revenue by analyzing the terms and conditions of each contract or arrangement entered into with our customers. Revenue is recognized on product sales as production units are shipped and title and risk of loss have transferred. Revenue is recognized on service type contracts as services are rendered. The significant estimates we make in recognizing revenue are primarily for long-term contracts generally accounted for using the cost-to-cost method of percentage of completion accounting that are associated with the design, development and manufacture of highly engineered industrial products used in commercial and defense applications. Under the cost-to-cost percentage-of-completion method of accounting, profits are recorded pro rata, based upon current estimates of direct and indirect costs to complete such contracts. Changes in estimates of contract sales, costs, and profits are recognized using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting. This method recognizes in the current period the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods. The effect of the changes on future periods of contract performance is recognized as if the revised estimate had been the original estimate. A significant change in an estimate on one or more contracts could have a material effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In 2014 and 2013, there were no individual significant changes in estimated contract costs at completion. In 2012, the Corporation incurred unanticipated additional costs of $23.7 million on its long-term contract with Westinghouse for disassembly, inspection, and preparation for shipment costs related to the reactor coolant pumps (RCPs) that the Corporation is supplying for the AP1000 nuclear power plants in China. In addition, in 2012 the Corporation recorded a cumulative catch up benefit of $14.2 million related to a change in estimate on its technology transfer contract on the AP1000 nuclear program.
	Losses on contracts are provided for in the period in which the losses become determinable and the excess of billings over cost and estimated earnings on long-term contracts is included in deferred revenue.
CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock	D. Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of money market funds and commercial paper that are readily convertible into cash, all with original maturity dates of three months or less.
InventoryPolicyTextBlock	E. Inventory
	Inventories are stated at lower of cost or market. Production costs are comprised of direct material and labor and applicable manufacturing overhead.
GovernmentContractorsContractsInProgressPolicyPolicyTextBlock	F. Progress Payments
	Certain long-term contracts provide for interim billings as costs are incurred on the respective contracts. Pursuant to contract provisions, agencies of the U.S. Government and other customers are granted title or a secured interest for materials and work-in-process included in inventory to the extent progress payments are received. Accordingly, these receipts have been reported as a reduction of unbilled receivables and inventories, as presented in Notes 4 and 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock	G. Property, Plant, and Equipment
	Property, plant, and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Major renewals and betterments are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the life of the asset are expensed in the period they are incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the respective assets.
	Average useful lives for property, plant, and equipment are as follows:
	Buildings and improvements	5 to 40 years
	Machinery, equipment, and other	3 to 15 years
GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsPolicy	H. Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets are generally the result of acquisitions and consist primarily of purchased technology, customer related intangibles, trademarks, and technology licenses. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from 1 to 20 years. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on other intangible assets.
ImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsPolicyTextBlock	I. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The Corporation reviews the recoverability of all long-lived assets, including the related useful lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset might not be recoverable. If required, the Corporation compares the estimated fair value determined by either the undiscounted future net cash flows or appraised value to the related asset’s carrying value to determine whether there has been an impairment. If an asset is considered impaired, the asset is written down to fair value in the period in which the impairment becomes known. The Corporation recognized no significant impairment charges on assets held in use during the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. For impairment charges on assets held for sale, refer to Note 2, Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale. In 2012, the Corporation recognized an impairment of $5.0 million in General and administrative expenses, in connection with its 2012 restructuring plan, a component of which was exiting a facility.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	J. Goodwill
	Goodwill results from business acquisitions. The Corporation accounts for business acquisitions by allocating the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair values, and the excess of the purchase price over the amounts allocated is recorded as goodwill. The recoverability of goodwill is subject to an annual impairment test or whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not result in an impairment. The impairment test is based on the estimated fair value of the underlying businesses. The Corporation’s goodwill impairment test is performed as of October 31 of each year. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on goodwill.
PrecontractCostsPolicyTextBlock	K. Pre-Contract Costs
	The Corporation, from time to time, incurs costs to begin fulfilling the statement of work under a specific anticipated contract that has yet to be obtained from a customer. If it is determined that the recoveries of these costs are probable, the costs will be capitalized, excluding any start-up costs which are expensed as incurred. When circumstances change and the contract is no longer deemed probable, the capitalized costs will be recognized in earnings. Capitalized pre-contract costs were $2.7 million and $1.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy	L. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Accounting guidance requires certain disclosures regarding the fair value of financial instruments. Due to the short maturities of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses, the net book value of these financial instruments is deemed to approximate fair value. See Notes 9 and 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information
ResearchAndDevelopmentExpensePolicy	M. Research and Development
	The Corporation funds research and development programs for commercial products and independent research and development and bid and proposal work related to government contracts. Development costs include engineering and field support for new customer requirements. Corporation-sponsored research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
	Research and development costs associated with customer-sponsored programs are capitalized to inventory and are recorded in cost of sales when products are delivered or services performed. Funds received under shared development contracts are a reduction of the total development expenditures under the shared contract and are shown net as research and development costs.
ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy	N. Accounting for Share-Based Payments
	The Corporation follows the fair value based method of accounting for share-based employee compensation, which requires the Corporation to expense all share-based employee compensation. Share-based employee compensation is a non-cash expense since the Corporation settles these obligations by issuing the shares of Curtiss-Wright Corporation instead of settling such obligations with cash payments.
	Compensation expense for all non-qualified share options, performance shares, performance-based restricted shares, time-based restricted stock, and performance-based restricted stock units is recognized on a graded schedule over the requisite service period for the entire award based on the grant date fair value.
IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock	O. Income Taxes
	The Corporation accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax laws is recognized in the results of operations in the period the new laws are enacted. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized.
	The Corporation records amounts related to uncertain income tax positions by 1) prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements and 2) the measurement of the income tax benefits recognized from such positions. The Corporation’s accounting policy is to classify uncertain income tax positions that are not expected to be resolved in one year as a non-current income tax liability and to classify interest and penalties as a component of Interest expense and General and administrative expenses, respectively. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
ForeignCurrencyTransactionsAndTranslationsPolicyTextBlock	P. Foreign Currency
	For operations outside the United States of America that prepare financial statements in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the Corporation translates assets and liabilities at period-end exchange rates and income statement amounts using weighted-average exchange rates for the period. The cumulative effect of translation adjustments is presented as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity. This balance is affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and by the acquisition of foreign entities. Gains and (losses) from foreign currency transactions are included in General and administrative expenses within the results of operations, which amounted to $2.9 million, $2.6 million, and ($2.3) million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
DerivativesPolicyTextBlock	Q. Derivatives
	Forward Foreign Exchange and Currency Option Contracts
	The Corporation uses financial instruments, such as forward exchange and currency option contracts, to hedge a portion of existing and anticipated foreign currency denominated transactions. The purpose of the Corporation’s foreign currency risk management program is to reduce volatility in earnings caused by exchange rate fluctuations. All of the derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value based upon quoted market prices for comparable instruments, with the gain or loss on these transactions recorded into earnings in the period in which they occur. These gains and (losses) are classified as General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and amounted to ($6.9) million, ($6.2) million, and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Corporation does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
	Interest Rate Risks and Related Strategies
	The Corporation’s primary interest rate exposure results from changes in U.S. dollar interest rates. The Corporation’s policy is to manage interest cost using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. The Corporation periodically uses interest rate swaps to manage such exposures. Under these interest rate swaps, the Corporation exchanges, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount.
	For interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges (i.e., hedges against the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset or a liability or an identified portion thereof that is attributable to a particular risk), changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps offset changes in the fair value of the fixed rate debt due to changes in market interest rates.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	R. Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	Standards Issued Not Yet Adopted
	Standard	Description	Effect on the financial statements
	ASU 2014-09 Revenue from contracts with customers	In May 2014, the FASB issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard which will supersede previous existing revenue recognition guidance. The standard creates a five-step model for revenue recognition that requires companies to exercise judgment when considering contract terms and relevant facts and circumstances. The five-step model includes (1) identifying the contract, (2) identifying the separate performance obligations in the contract, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the separate performance obligations and (5) recognizing revenue when each performance obligation has been satisfied. The standard also requires expanded disclosures surrounding revenue recognition. The standard is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and allows for either full	The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
		retrospective or modified retrospective adoption.
	Date of adoption: January 1, 2017
	ASU 2014-08 Reporting Discontinued Operations	In April 2014, new guidance was issued that amends the current discontinued operations guidance. The new guidance limits discontinued operation reporting to situations where the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results, and requires expanded disclosures for discontinued operations. The adoption of this new guidance will be effective prospectively for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted in certain instances.	The Corporation plans to adopt the provisions of the new guidance during the first quarter of 2015. The
			significance of this guidance is dependent on any future divestitures or disposals.
	Date of adoption: December 15, 2014

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Table

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]
		Net Sales										Earnings /(loss) before income taxes
	(In thousands)	2014				2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Commercial/Industrial
	Surface Technologies - International	$	4,355			$	4,600		$	4,248		$	(6,123	)	$	(805	)	$	(989	)
	Heat Treat	—				—			10,785			—			—			4,929
	Defense
	Benshaw	29,029				70,741			89,183			(3,061		)	2,173			5,972
	3D Radar	344				5,165			7,444			(1,117		)	215			1,492
	Energy
	Upstream	143,182				145,609			9,335			14,267			10,898			(2,090		)
	Vessels	5,798				5,127			17,644			(11,115		)	(12,611		)	(12,729		)
	Total included in discontinued operations	$	182,708			$	231,242		$	138,639		$	(7,149	)	$	(130	)	$	(3,415	)
	(In thousands)	2014				2013			2012
	Net sales	$	363,869			$	392,690		$	285,194
	Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes (1)	(48,519		)		(3,097		)	(14,930		)
	Income tax benefit/(expense)	14,268				1,674			6,181
	Gain/(loss) on sale of businesses (2)	(22,360		)		—			18,512
	Earnings from discontinued operations	$	(56,611	)		$	(1,423	)	$	9,763
	(In thousands)				December 31, 2014
	Assets held for sale:
	Receivables, net				$	60,187
	Inventories, net				27,414
	Property, plant, and equipment, net				22,473
	Goodwill				42,395
	Other intangible assets, net				19,151
	Other assets				5,631
	Deferred tax assets, net				11,174
	Reserve for assets held for sale				(41,078		)
	Total assets held for sale, current				$	147,347
	Liabilities held for sale
	Accounts payable				$	12,579
	Accrued expenses				8,320
	Other current liabilities				13,930
	Other liabilities				563
	Total liabilities held for sale, current				$	35,392
		Net Sales										Earnings /(loss) before income taxes
	(In thousands)	2014				2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Commercial/Industrial
	Surface Technologies - Domestic	$	4,395			$	4,672		$	1,767		$	(2,264	)	$	(528	)	$	(319	)
	Defense
	Engineered Packaging	19,841				19,484			17,862			1,822			858			1,165
	Aviation Ground Support Equipment	29,331				28,022			28,585			(8,644		)	(122		)	27
	Energy
	Downstream	127,594				109,270			98,341			(32,284		)	(3,175		)	(12,388		)
	Total included in discontinued operations	$	181,161			$	161,448		$	146,555		$	(41,370	)	$	(2,967	)	$	(11,515	)

ACQUISITIONS_Table

ACQUISITIONS (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Accounts receivable	$	2,991		$	25,972		$	53,753
	Inventory	304			30,930			52,225
	Property, plant, and equipment	2,802			18,066			40,915
	Other current assets	81			3,229			7,244
	Intangible assets	13,501			102,265			182,681
	Current and non-current liabilities	(1,754		)	(18,959		)	(44,617		)
	Pension and postretirement benefits	—			(6,472		)	(8,144		)
	Deferred income taxes	(2,199		)	(19,682		)	(50,367		)
	Debt assumed	—			—			(13,819		)
	Due to seller	—			(3,361		)	(240		)
	Net tangible and intangible assets	15,726			131,988			219,631
	(Gain on Bargain Purchase)	—			—			(910		)
	Purchase price	34,364			236,135			462,416
	Goodwill	$	18,638		$	104,147		$	243,695
	(In thousands)	Phönix			Arens			Parvus			Other			Total
	Accounts receivable	$	12,226		$	9,441		$	3,639		$	666		$	25,972
	Inventory	20,358			5,349			5,122			101			30,930
	Property, plant, and equipment	12,575			4,787			435			269			18,066
	Other current assets	2,153			972			104			—			3,229
	Intangible assets	42,305			43,100			15,000			1,860			102,265
	Current and non-current liabilities	(7,497		)	(7,991		)	(3,854		)	383			(18,959		)
	Pension and postretirement benefits	(6,472		)	—			—			—			(6,472		)
	Deferred income taxes	(14,258		)	94			(5,518		)	—			(19,682		)
	Due to seller	(119		)	—			(230		)	(3,012		)	(3,361		)
	Net tangible and intangible assets	61,271			55,752			14,698			267			131,988
	Purchase price	97,886			95,612			37,059			5,578			236,135
	Goodwill	$	36,615		$	39,860		$	22,361		$	5,311		$	104,147
	Amount of tax deductible goodwill	$	—		$	39,860		$	—		$	5,311		$	45,171
	(In thousands)	CCRS			NPSI
	Accounts receivable	$	2,984		$	7
	Inventory	64			112
	Property, plant, and equipment	1,987			790
	Other current assets	71			10
	Intangible assets	9,560			3,406
	Current and non-current liabilities	(1,754		)	—
	Deferred income taxes	(2,041		)	—
	Net tangible and intangible assets	10,871			4,325
	Purchase price	24,645			7,965
	Goodwill	$	13,774		$	3,640
	Amount of tax deductible goodwill	$	—		$	3,640
BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock
	(In thousands, except per share data)	2013			2012
	Net sales	$	2,184,715		$	2,157,815
	Net earnings from continuing operations	143,960			116,768
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	3.04			2.46

RECEIVABLES_Table

RECEIVABLES (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accounts Notes Loans And Financing Receivable [Text Block]
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Billed receivables:
	Trade and other receivables	$	363,241		$	444,841
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(5,619		)	(6,857		)
	Net billed receivables	357,622			437,984
	Unbilled receivables:
	Recoverable costs and estimated earnings not billed	150,526			184,120
	Less: Progress payments applied	(12,668		)	(18,512		)
	Net unbilled receivables	137,858			165,608
	Receivables, net	$	495,480		$	603,592

INVENTORIES_Table

INVENTORIES (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Schedule Of Inventory [Text Block]
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Raw material	$	201,998		$	231,219
	Work-in-process	89,423			114,372
	Finished goods	103,831			117,444
	Inventoried costs related to U.S. Government and other long-term contracts	59,070			58,796
	Gross inventories	454,322			521,831
	Less: Inventory reserves	(51,435		)	(54,400		)
	Progress payments applied, principally related to long-term contracts	(14,217		)	(15,344		)
	Inventories, net	$	388,670		$	452,087

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_T

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Land	$	21,762		$	24,250
	Buildings and improvements	219,219			218,551
	Machinery, equipment, and other	750,006			800,573
	Property, plant, and equipment, at cost	990,987			1,043,374
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(532,068		)	(527,656		)
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	458,919		$	515,718

GOODWILL_Table

GOODWILL (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Abstract]
Schedule Of Goodwill [Text Block]
	(In thousands)	Commercial/Industrial			Defense			Energy			Consolidated
	December 31, 2012	$	273,247		$	467,917		$	272,136		$	1,013,300
	Acquisitions	76,108			22,615			5,311			104,034
	Goodwill adjustments	(3,164		)	—			429			(2,735		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,628			(5,101		)	(697		)	(4,170		)
	December 31, 2013	$	347,819		$	485,431		$	277,179		$	1,110,429
	Acquisitions	$	13,773		$	—		$	4,863		$	18,636
	Assets held for sale	—			(6,525		)	(35,870		)	(42,395		)
	Divestitures	—			(11,695		)	(43,660		)	(55,355		)
	Goodwill adjustments	(1,096		)	(254		)	—			(1,350		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(9,634		)	(20,217		)	(1,608		)	(31,459		)
	December 31, 2014	$	350,862		$	446,740		$	200,904		$	998,506

OTHER_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_NET_Ta

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block]
		2014				2013
	(In thousands, except years data)	Amount		Years		Amount				Years
	Technology	$	100	5		$	21,101			13.5
	Customer related intangibles	13,200		13.6		73,146				16.9
	Other intangible assets	200		1		8,504				3.3
	Total	$	13,500	13.3		$	102,751			15.1
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
		2014									2013
	(In thousands)	Gross		Accumulated Amortization				Net			Gross		Accumulated			Net
													Amortization
	Technology	$	178,369	$	(84,584	)		$	93,785		$	213,888	$	(88,644	)	$	125,244
	Customer related intangibles	356,844		(122,920		)		233,924			430,604		(127,194		)	303,410
	Other intangible assets	38,460		(16,942		)		21,518			66,436		(23,711		)	42,725
	Total	$	573,673	$	(224,446	)		$	349,227		$	710,928	$	(239,549	)	$	471,379
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
	(In thousands)
	2015	$	34,766
	2016	34,264
	2017	33,775
	2018	32,680
	2019	30,848

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU1

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Assets
	Undesignated for hedge accounting
	Forward exchange contracts	$	605		$	605
	Total asset derivatives (1)	$	605		$	605
	Liabilities
	Designated for hedge accounting
	Interest rate swaps	$	5,121		$	49,845
	Undesignated for hedge accounting
	Forward exchange contracts	$	676		$	277
	Total liability derivatives (2)	$	5,797		$	50,122
Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]
		Gain/(Loss) on Swap									Gain/(Loss) on Borrowings
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012			2014			2013		2012
	Income statement classification:
	Other income (loss), net	$	44,724		$	(49,845	)	$	(742	)	$	(44,724	)	$	49,845	$	742
Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Forward exchange contracts:
	General and administrative expenses	$	(6,880	)	$	(6,198	)	$	883

ACCRUED_EXPENSES_AND_OTHER_CUR1

ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Accrued compensation	$	88,793	$	88,108
	Accrued commissions	10,783		12,834
	Accrued interest	9,688		9,730
	Accrued insurance	6,757		4,885
	Accrued 401K	7,050		—
	Other	22,867		27,378
	Total accrued expenses	$	145,938	$	142,935
Schedule Of Other Liabilities [Table Text Block]
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Warranty reserves	$	15,688	$	15,914
	Additional amounts due to sellers on acquisitions	1,739		5,250
	Reserves on loss contracts	2,979		4,067
	Deferred tax liability	2,448		3,175
	Pension and other postretirement liabilities	5,120		4,280
	Other	10,189		5,565
	Total other current liabilities	$	38,163	$	38,251

RESTRUCTURING_ACTIVITIES_Table

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Reserve [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]
	(In thousands)	Commercial/Industrial			Defense			Energy			Consolidated
	Cost of sales	$	7,413		$	3,227		$	138		$	10,778
	Selling expenses	—			417			13			430
	General and administrative	5,033			2,463			497			7,993
	Total	$	12,446		$	6,107		$	648		$	19,201
	(In thousands)	Severance and			Abandonment			Total
		Benefits			of facility costs
	December 31, 2012	$	1,020		$	6,106		$	7,126
	Provisions	—			—			—
	Payments	(774		)	(5,519		)	(6,293		)
	Adjustments	(246		)	(587		)	(833		)
	December 31, 2013	$	—		$	—		$	—

INCOME_TAXES_Table

INCOME TAXES (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Income Before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]
	(In thousands)		2014				2013				2012
	Domestic		$	120,563			$	105,188			$	80,475
	Foreign		126,381				95,862				74,746
			$	246,944			$	201,050			$	155,221
Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes [Table Text Block]
	(In thousands)		2014				2013				2012
	Current:
	Federal		$	70,609			$	29,323			$	27,882
	State		9,065				5,629				5,465
	Foreign		33,401				20,807				21,369
			113,075				55,759				54,716
	Deferred:
	Federal		(29,469		)		7,982				758
	State		(1,275		)		644				(1,122		)
	Foreign		(5,070		)		(802		)		(5,172		)
			(35,814		)		7,824				(5,536		)
	Valuation allowance		(266		)		(1,937		)		1,960
	Provision for income taxes		$	76,995			$	61,646			$	51,140
Schedule Of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
			2014			2013			2012
	U.S. federal statutory tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	Add (deduct):
	State and local taxes, net of federal benefit		2.4			1.6			1.7
	R&D tax credits		(1.3	)		(1.5	)		(0.9	)
	Foreign earnings (1)		(4.4	)		(3.7	)		(3.0	)
	All other, net		(0.5	)		(0.7	)		0.1
	Effective tax rate		31.2	%		30.7	%		32.9	%
Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The components of the Corporation’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Capital loss carryover		$	17,555			$	—
	Environmental reserves		10,123				9,913
	Inventories		18,496				20,197
	Postretirement/postemployment benefits		13,326				12,641
	Incentive compensation		16,140				6,727
	Accrued vacation pay		4,968				5,745
	Warranty reserves		4,330				5,073
	Share-based payments		4,422				7,718
	Pension plans		84,493				43,684
	Net operating loss		8,909				9,826
	Other		12,609				14,793
	Total deferred tax assets		195,371				136,317
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Undistributed earnings		7,840				4,077
	Depreciation		33,117				52,242
	Goodwill amortization		74,555				65,644
	Other intangible amortization		62,777				81,634
	Other		1,612				4,119
	Total deferred tax liabilities		179,901				207,716
	Valuation allowance		23,478				6,321
	Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)		$	(8,008	)		$	(77,720	)
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected on the Corporation’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31 as follows:
	(In thousands)		2014				2013
	Net current deferred tax assets		$	44,311			$	47,650
	Net current deferred tax liabilities		2,448				3,175
	Net noncurrent deferred tax assets		1,683				1,449
	Net noncurrent deferred tax liabilities		51,554				123,644
	Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)		$	(8,008	)		$	(77,720	)
Summary Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Table Text Block]
	(In thousands)		2014				2013				2012
	Balance at January 1,		$	10,623			$	11,301			$	5,769
	Additions for tax positions of prior periods		1,421				1,511				4,591
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year		1,738				1,768				1,019
	Settlements		(2,039		)		(3,868		)		(53		)
	Lapses of statute of limitations		(41		)		(140		)		(28		)
	Foreign currency translation		(142		)		51				3
	Balance at December 31,		$	11,560			$	10,623			$	11,301
Summary Of Open Tax Years [Table Text Block]
	United States (Federal)	2011	-	present
	United States (Various states)	1998	-	present
	United Kingdom	2007	-	present
	Canada	2008	-	present

DEBT_Table

DEBT (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock
	(In thousands)		2014		2014		2013		2013
			Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value
	Industrial revenue bond, due 2023		$	8,400	$	8,400	$	8,400	$	8,400
	Revolving credit agreement, due 2019		—		—		50,000		50,000
	5.51% Senior notes due 2017		150,000		162,617		150,000		163,059
	3.84% Senior notes due 2021		99,934		99,934		98,632		98,632
	3.70% Senior notes due 2023		225,000		225,748		225,000		209,140
	3.85% Senior notes due 2025		98,360		98,360		88,555		88,555
	4.24% Senior notes due 2026		197,237		197,237		173,557		173,557
	4.05% Senior notes due 2028		74,348		74,348		64,411		64,411
	4.11% Senior notes due 2028		100,000		100,801		100,000		89,252
	Other debt		1,069		1,069		1,383		1,383
	Total debt		954,348		968,514		959,938		946,389
	Less: current portion of long-term debt and short-term debt		1,069		1,069		1,334		1,334
	Total long-term debt		$	953,279	$	967,445	$	958,604	$	945,055
ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock
	(In thousands)
	2015	$	1,069
	2016	—
	2017	150,000
	2018	—
	2019	—
	Thereafter	803,279
	Total	$	954,348

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Table

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
	(In thousands, except per share data)	Earnings from		Weighted-	Earnings per share
		continuing		Average Shares	from continuing
		operations		Outstanding	operations
	2014
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	169,949	48,019	$	3.54
	Dilutive effect of stock options and deferred stock compensation			1,056
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	169,949	49,075	$	3.46
	2013
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	139,404	46,991	$	2.97
	Dilutive effect of stock options and deferred stock compensation			921
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	139,404	47,912	$	2.91
	2012
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	104,081	46,743	$	2.23
	Dilutive effect of stock options and deferred stock compensation			669
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	104,081	47,412	$	2.2

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule Of Compensation Cost For Share Based Payment Arrangements Allocation Of Share Based Compensation Costs By Plan [Table Text Block]
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Non-qualified stock options	$	—		$	238		$	942
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan	1,350			1,260			1,303
	Performance Share Units	3,728			3,495			3,179
	Restricted Share Units	2,655			1,700			3,237
	Other share-based payments	767			657			767
	Total share-based compensation expense before income taxes	$	8,500		$	7,350		$	9,428
Schedule of Cash Proceeds Received from Share-based Payment Awards [Table Text Block]
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Cash received from share-based awards	$	38,183		$	29,194		$	15,137
	Recognized tax benefit on awards	$	9,610		$	3,199		$	1,371
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]
		Shares		Weighted-			Weighted-		Aggregate
		(000’s)		Average			Average		Intrinsic
				Exercise			Remaining		Value
				Price			Contractual		(000’s)
							Term in
							Years
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	2,321		$	33.69
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	(872	)	33.45
	Forfeited	(6	)	29.66
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,443		$	33.86		4.3		$	53,002
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,443		$	33.86		4.3		$	53,002
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]
		Performance Share Units (PSUs)					Restricted Share Units (RSUs)
		Shares/Units		Weighted-			Shares/Units			Weighted-
		(000’s)		Average			(000’s)			Average
				Fair Value						Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	368		$	35.52		319			$	36.53
	Granted	51		82.79			38			70.28
	Vested	(89	)	29.88			(92	)		33.01
	Forfeited	(18	)	46.71			(19	)		37.02
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014	312		$	44.12		246			$	43.03
	Expected to vest at December 31, 2014	312		$	44.12		246			$	43.03

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME1

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
ScheduleOfChangesInFairValueOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock
	Asset Category	Total				Quoted Prices				Significant			Significant
						in Active				Observable			Unobservable
						Markets for				Inputs			Inputs
						Identical				(Level 2)			(Level 3)
						Assets
						(Level 1)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	17,951			$	1,638			$	16,313		$	—
	Equity securities- Mutual funds (1)	360,691				307,220				53,471			—
	Bond funds (2)	168,348				115,988				52,360			—
	Insurance Contracts (3)	10,795				—				—			10,795
	Other (4)	782				—				—			782
	31-Dec-13	$	558,567			$	424,846			$	122,144		$	11,577
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	24,354			$	871			$	23,483		$	—
	Equity securities- Mutual funds (1)	379,467				330,619				48,848			—
	Bond funds (2)	183,068				122,790				60,278			—
	Insurance Contracts (3)	8,169				—				—			8,169
	Other (4)	771				—				—			771
	31-Dec-14	$	595,829			$	454,280			$	132,609		$	8,940
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]
		Pension Benefits											Postretirement Benefits
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2012			2014			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	25,262			$	40,170			$	40,274		$	246		$	373		$	448
	Interest cost	30,403				27,777				26,303			877			839			939
	Expected return on plan assets	(41,746		)		(36,303		)		(33,585		)	—			—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost	662				883				1,201			(657		)	(638		)	(629		)
	Recognized net actuarial loss	6,827				15,013				11,023			(811		)	(614		)	(682		)
	Cost of settlements/curtailments	377				13				—			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$	21,785			$	47,553			$	45,216		$	(345	)	$	(40	)	$	76
ScheduleOfChangesInProjectedBenefitObligationsTableTextBlock
		Pension Benefits								Postretirement Benefits
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Beginning of year	$	674,192			$	705,022			$	20,416		$	23,391
	Service cost	25,262				40,170				246			373
	Interest cost	30,403				27,777				877			839
	Plan participants’ contributions	1,734				2,331				364			350
	Amendments	178				—				—			(366		)
	Actuarial loss (gain)	114,763				(62,534		)		3,276			(2,752		)
	Benefits paid	(40,765		)		(34,253		)		(1,929		)	(1,419		)
	Business combinations	—				5,809				—			—
	Special termination benefits	—				533				—			—
	Curtailments/ settlements	—				(9,713		)		—			—
	Actual expenses	(1,299		)		(2,206		)		—			—
	Currency translation adjustments	(7,108		)		1,256				—			—
	End of year	$	797,360			$	674,192			$	23,250		$	20,416
	Change in plan assets:
	Beginning of year	$	558,567			$	460,202			$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets	37,574				82,863				—			—
	Employer contribution	46,306				48,074				1,565			1,069
	Plan participants’ contributions	1,734				2,331				364			350
	Business combinations	—				—				—			—
	Benefits paid	(40,765		)		(34,253		)		(1,929		)	(1,419		)
	Settlements	(1,299		)		(2,206		)		—			—
	Currency translation adjustments	(6,288		)		1,556				—			—
	End of year	$	595,829			$	558,567			$	—		$	—
	Funded status	$	(201,531	)		$	(115,625	)		$	(23,250	)	$	(20,416	)
		Pension Benefits								Postretirement Benefits
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2014			2013
	Amounts recognized on the balance sheet
	Noncurrent assets	$	6,041			$	7,142			$	—		$	—
	Current liabilities	(3,523		)		(2,620		)		(1,603		)	(1,659		)
	Noncurrent liabilities	(204,049		)		(120,147		)		(21,647		)	(18,757		)
	Total	$	(201,531	)		$	(115,625	)		$	(23,250	)	$	(20,416	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI)
	Net actuarial loss (gain)	$	180,640			$	69,355			$	(8,264	)	$	(12,350	)
	Prior service cost	1,990				2,537				(4,686		)	(5,343		)
	Total	$	182,630			$	71,892			$	(12,950	)	$	(17,693	)
	Amounts in AOCI expected to be recognized in net periodic cost in the coming year:
	Loss (gain) recognition	$	15,470			$	5,933			$	(551	)	$	(811	)
	Prior service cost recognition	$	619			$	631			$	(657	)	$	(657	)
	Accumulated benefit obligation	$	753,878			$	641,892			N/A			N/A
	Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
	Projected benefit obligation	$	770,241			$	604,515			N/A			N/A
	Accumulated benefit obligation	726,760				528,148				N/A			N/A
	Fair value of plan assets	562,669				473,078				N/A			N/A
ScheduleOfAssumptionsUsedTableTextBlock
		Pension Benefits						Postretirement Benefits
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Weighted-average assumptions in determination of benefit obligation:
	Discount rate	3.88	%		4.62	%		3.75	%		4.47	%
	Rate of compensation increase	3.37	%		3.94	%		N/A			N/A
	Health care cost trends:
	Rate assumed for subsequent year	N/A			N/A			5.5	%		8	%
	Ultimate rate reached in 2019 and 2015, respectively	N/A			N/A			4.59	%		5	%
	Weighted-average assumptions in determination of net periodic benefit cost:
	Discount rate	4.62	%		3.95	%		4.47	%		3.7	%
	Expected return on plan assets	8.01	%		7.91	%		N/A			N/A
	Rate of compensation increase	3.36	%		3.94	%		N/A			N/A
	Health care cost trends:
	Rate assumed for subsequent year	N/A			N/A			8	%		8	%
	Ultimate rate reached in 2019 and 2015, respectively	N/A			N/A			5	%		5	%
ScheduleOfEffectOfOnePercentagePointChangeInAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesTableTextBlock
	(In thousands)	1% Increase				1% Decrease
	Total service and interest cost components	$	15			$	(13	)
	Postretirement benefit obligation	$	364			$	(301	)
ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock
		As of December 31,				Target		Expected
		2014		2013		Exposure		Range
	Asset class
	Domestic equities	53%		52%		50%		40%-60%
	International equities	14%		15%		15%		10%-20%
	Total equity	67%		67%		65%		55%-75%
	Fixed income	33%		31%		35%		25%-45%
ScheduleOfExpectedBenefitPaymentsTableTextBlock
	(In thousands)	Pension				Postretirement				Total
		Plans				Plans
	2015	$	45,126			$	1,603			$	46,729
	2016	45,914				1,564				47,478
	2017	47,534				1,529				49,063
	2018	49,763				1,535				51,298
	2019	52,630				1,506				54,136
	2020 — 2024	270,769				7,342				278,111
Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
ScheduleOfChangesInFairValueOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock
	(In thousands)	Insurance				Other				Total
		Contracts
	December 31, 2012	$	10,917			$	728			$	11,645
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	162				35				197
	Relating to assets sold during the period	—				—				—
	Purchases, sales, and settlements	(542		)		—				(542		)
	Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	—				—				—
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	258				19				277
	December 31, 2013	$	10,795			$	782			$	11,577
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	158				39				197
	Relating to assets sold during the period	—				—				—
	Purchases, sales, and settlements	(1,818		)		36				(1,782		)
	Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	—				—				—
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(966		)		(86		)		(1,052		)
	December 31, 2014	$	8,169			$	771			$	8,940

LEASES_Table

LEASES (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
ScheduleOfFutureMinimumRentalPaymentsForOperatingLeasesTableTextBlock
	(In thousands)	Rental
		Commitments
	2015	$	27,615
	2016	24,039
	2017	20,514
	2018	16,058
	2019	11,899
	Thereafter	45,683
	Total	$	145,808

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Table

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Text Block]
	Depreciation and amortization expense
	Commercial/Industrial	$	54,496		$	53,563		$	32,148
	Defense	33,198			32,351			33,372
	Energy	13,171			11,647			11,835
	Corporate	4,060			4,654			2,771
	Total Consolidated	$	104,925		$	102,215		$	80,126
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Earnings before taxes:
	Total segment operating income	$	312,685		$	279,067		$	212,504
	Corporate and administrative	(30,312		)	(41,944		)	(31,110		)
	Interest expense	(35,794		)	(37,053		)	(26,301		)
	Other income, net	365			980			128
	Total consolidated earnings before tax	$	246,944		$	201,050		$	155,221
	Capital expenditures
	Commercial/Industrial	$	33,642		$	38,063		$	43,039
	Defense	18,111			11,468			20,605
	Energy	10,474			19,435			13,421
	Corporate	4,888			3,276			5,889
	Total Consolidated (2)	$	67,115		$	72,242		$	82,954
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Net sales
	Commercial/Industrial	$	1,077,045		$	951,900		$	679,382
	Defense	739,805			769,190			770,318
	Energy	433,114			403,788			381,557
	Less: Intersegment Revenues	(6,838		)	(6,797		)	(7,950		)
	Total Consolidated	$	2,243,126		$	2,118,081		$	1,823,307
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Operating income (expense)
	Commercial/Industrial	$	142,831		$	105,245		$	66,576
	Defense	102,252			116,618			90,285
	Energy	67,602			57,204			55,643
	Corporate and Eliminations (1)	(30,312		)	(41,944		)	(31,110		)
	Total Consolidated	$	282,373		$	237,123		$	181,394
Reconciliation Of Assets From Segment To Consolidated [Text Block]
	Segment assets
	Commercial/Industrial	$	1,324,679		$	1,309,232		$	1,027,787
	Defense	1,158,272			1,293,679			1,266,553
	Energy	632,009			798,330			781,837
	Corporate	284,551			57,033			38,411
	Total Consolidated	$	3,399,511		$	3,458,274		$	3,114,588
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Assets:
	Total assets for reportable segments	$	3,114,960		$	3,401,241		$	3,076,177
	Non-segment cash	245,651			12,651			6,934
	Other assets	38,900			44,382			31,477
	Total consolidated assets	$	3,399,511		$	3,458,274		$	3,114,588
ScheduleOfRevenueFromExternalCustomersAttributedToForeignCountriesByGeographicAreaTextBlock
		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Revenues
	United States of America	$	1,521,034		$	1,444,019		$	1,276,571
	United Kingdom	145,092			134,815			136,052
	Canada	72,392			66,234			61,916
	Other foreign countries	504,608			473,013			348,768
	Consolidated total	$	2,243,126		$	2,118,081		$	1,823,307
ScheduleOfEntityWideDisclosureOnGeographicAreasLongLivedAssetsInIndividualForeignCountriesByCountryTextBlock
	Long-Lived Assets
	United States of America	$	323,937		$	365,691		$	352,615
	United Kingdom	45,625			43,434			43,341
	Canada	20,257			27,975			31,740
	Other foreign countries	69,100			78,618			61,897
	Consolidated total	$	458,919		$	515,718		$	489,593

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME LOSS (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
	(In thousands)	Foreign currency translation adjustments, net			Total pension and postretirement adjustments, net			Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
	December 31, 2012	$	65,722		$	(121,230	)	$	(55,508	)
	Current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,619		)	87,386			80,767
	December 31, 2013	$	59,103		$	(33,844	)	$	25,259
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (1)	(79,386		)	(78,450		)	(157,836		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1)	—			4,166			4,166
	Net current period other comprehensive loss	(79,386		)	(74,284		)	(153,670		)
	December 31, 2014	$	(20,283	)	$	(108,128	)	$	(128,411	)
		Amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			Affected line item in the statement where net earnings is presented
	Defined benefit pension plan
	Amortization of prior service costs	(5		)	-1
	Amortization of actuarial losses	(6,016		)	-1
	Curtailments	(377		)
		(6,398		)	Total before tax
		2,232			Income tax benefit
	Total reclassifications	$	(4,166	)	Net of tax

QUARTERLY_RESULTS_OF_OPERATION1

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock
	(In thousands, except per share data)	First			Second			Third			Fourth
	2014
	Net sales	$	542,959		$	569,198		$	558,383		$	572,586
	Gross profit	184,614			198,231			193,331			200,340
	Earnings from continuing operations	36,430			43,009			44,378			46,132
	Loss from discontinued operations	(1,266		)	(6,618		)	(19,345		)	(29,382		)
	Net earnings	35,164			36,391			25,033			16,750
	Basic earnings per share *
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.76		$	0.9		$	0.92		$	0.96
	Loss from discontinued operations	(0.03		)	(0.14		)	(0.40		)	(0.61		)
	Total	$	0.73		$	0.76		$	0.52		$	0.35
	Diluted earnings per share *
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.74		$	0.87		$	0.9		$	0.94
	Loss from discontinued operations	(0.02		)	(0.13		)	(0.39		)	(0.60		)
	Total	$	0.72		$	0.74		$	0.51		$	0.34
	2013
	Net sales	$	494,395		$	524,139		$	511,380		$	588,167
	Gross profit	165,726			182,386			178,672			209,055
	Earnings from continuing operations	22,590			34,035			38,079			44,700
	Earnings/(loss) from discontinued operations	(1,647		)	(665		)	(1,718		)	2,607
	Net earnings	20,943			33,370			36,361			47,307
	Basic earnings per share *
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.48		$	0.73		$	0.81		$	0.95
	Earnings/(loss) from discontinued operations	(0.03		)	(0.02		)	(0.04		)	0.05
	Total	$	0.45		$	0.71		$	0.77		$	1
	Diluted earnings per share *
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.48		$	0.72		$	0.79		$	0.92
	Earnings/(loss) from discontinued operations	(0.04		)	(0.02		)	(0.03		)	0.05
	Total	$	0.44		$	0.7		$	0.76		$	0.97

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL1

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SummaryOfValuationAllowanceTextBlock
				Additions
	Description	Balance at		Charged to			Charged to Other				Deductions		Balance at
		Beginning of		Costs and			Accounts				(Describe)		End of Period
		Period		Expenses			(Describe)
	Deducted from assets to which they apply:
	December 31, 2014
	Tax valuation allowance	6,321		18,535			(263		)	(A)	1,115		23,478
	Total	$	6,321	$	18,535		$	(263	)		$	1,115	$	23,478
	December 31, 2013
	Tax valuation allowance	8,531		(1,896		)	(314		)	(A)	—		6,321
	Total	$	8,531	$	(1,896	)	$	(314	)		$	—	$	6,321
	December 31, 2012
	Tax valuation allowance	5,518		1,665			1,348			(A)	—		8,531
	Total	$	5,518	$	1,665		$	1,348			$	—	$	8,531

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Revenue Recognition) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Other Current Assets Capitalized Costs		$2.70	$1.80
Changes In Contract Estimates Leading Decrease In Earnings From Continuing Operations		0	0
Technology Transfer Contract [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Changes In Contract Estimates Leading Increase In Earnings From Continuing Operations	14.2
AP1000 [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Changes In Contract Estimates Leading Decrease In Earnings From Continuing Operations	$23.70

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Property Plant And Equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	15 years

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Intangible Assets) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	20 years

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Impairment of Long-Lived Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment of assets	$3,202	$887	$4,988
General and Administrative Expense [Member] | Facility Closing [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment of assets			$5,000

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT6

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Foreign Currency) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Foreign Currency [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized	$2.90	$2.60	($2.30)

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT7

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Derivatives) (Details) (General and Administrative Expense [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	($6,880)	($6,198)	$883

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Detail

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended						0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 17, 2014
Income Statement Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales									$363,869		$392,690		$285,194
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes									-48,519	[1]	-3,097	[1]	-14,930	[1]
Provision for income taxes									14,268		1,674		6,181
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax									-22,360	[2]	0	[2]	18,512	[2]
Gain/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	-29,382	-19,345	-6,618	-1,266	2,607	-1,718	-665	-1,647	-56,611		-1,423		9,763
Surface Technologies Domestic [Member] | Commercial Industrial [Member]
Income Statement Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales									4,395		4,672		1,767
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes									-2,264		-528		-319
Surface Technologies International [Member] | Commercial Industrial [Member]
Income Statement Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales									4,355		4,600		4,248
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes									-6,123		-805		-989
Heat Treating [Member] | Commercial Industrial [Member]
Income Statement Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales													10,785
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes													4,929
Benshaw [Member] | Defense [Member]
Income Statement Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales									29,029		70,741		89,183
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes									-3,061		2,173		5,972
Provision for income taxes															-2,900
3 D Radar [Member] | Defense [Member]
Income Statement Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales									344		5,165		7,444
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes									-1,117		215		1,492
Upstream [Member] | Energy [Member]
Income Statement Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales									143,182		145,609		9,335
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes									14,267		10,898		-2,090
Provision for income taxes																-600
Vessels [Member] | Energy [Member]
Income Statement Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales									5,798		5,127		17,644
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes									-11,115		-12,611		-12,729
Provision for income taxes		-3,200
Engineered Packaging [Member] | Defense [Member]
Income Statement Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales									19,841		19,484		17,862
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes									1,822		858		1,165
Aviation Ground Support [Member] | Defense [Member]
Income Statement Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales									29,331		28,022		28,585
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes									-8,644		-122		27
Downstream [Member] | Energy [Member]
Income Statement Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales									127,594		109,270		98,341
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes									-32,284		-3,175		-12,388
Assets Held-for-sale [Member]
Income Statement Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales									181,161		161,448		146,555
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes									-41,370		-2,967		-11,515
Divestitures and facility closures [Member]
Income Statement Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales									182,708		231,242		138,639
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes									($7,149)		($130)		($3,415)
[1]	Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes includes approximately $41.4 million of held for sale impairment expense in the year ended DecemberB 31, 2014.
[2]	In the year ended DecemberB 31, 2014, the Corporation recognized aggregate after tax losses of $22.4 million on the sale of the Benshaw, 3D, Upstream and Vessels business. No businesses were sold in 2013. In 2012, the Corporation recognized an after tax gain of $18.5 million on the Heat Treat divestiture. Further details about these transactions are described below.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Narrat

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended						0 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Jun. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Dec. 17, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 30, 2012	Mar. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposable Group, Including Discontinued Business, Number of Facilities to be Disposed of	4
Impairment of assets held for sale	($41,369,000)		$0		$0
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax	-22,360,000	[1]	0	[1]	18,512,000	[1]
Proceeds from divestiture	152,965,000		0		52,123,000
Impairment of assets	3,202,000		887,000		4,988,000
Net sales	363,869,000		392,690,000		285,194,000
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes	-48,519,000	[2]	-3,097,000	[2]	-14,930,000	[2]
Gain (loss) on divestiture	-29,184,000				29,912,000
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation	-14,268,000		-1,674,000		-6,181,000
Surface Technologies Domestic [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of assets held for sale	-1,900,000
Surface Technologies Domestic [Member] | Commercial Industrial [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales	4,395,000		4,672,000		1,767,000
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes	-2,264,000		-528,000		-319,000
Surface Technologies International [Member] | Commercial Industrial [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales	4,355,000		4,600,000		4,248,000
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes	-6,123,000		-805,000		-989,000
Aviation Ground Support [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of assets held for sale	-6,200,000
Aviation Ground Support [Member] | Defense [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales	29,331,000		28,022,000		28,585,000
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes	-8,644,000		-122,000		27,000
Downstream [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of assets held for sale	-33,100,000
Downstream [Member] | Energy [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales	127,594,000		109,270,000		98,341,000
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes	-32,284,000		-3,175,000		-12,388,000
Benshaw [Member] | Defense [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sales of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets							49,700,000
Disposal Date							30-Jun-14
Net sales	29,029,000		70,741,000		89,183,000
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes	-3,061,000		2,173,000		5,972,000
Gain (loss) on divestiture							7,300,000
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation							2,900,000
3 D Radar [Member] | Defense [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sales of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets								2,400,000
Disposal Date								30-Apr-14
Net sales	344,000		5,165,000		7,444,000
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes	-1,117,000		215,000		1,492,000
Gain (loss) on divestiture								600,000
Upstream [Member] | Energy [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sales of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets									98,000,000
Disposal Date									17-Dec-14
Net sales	143,182,000		145,609,000		9,335,000
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes	14,267,000		10,898,000		-2,090,000
Gain (loss) on divestiture									-13,700,000
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation									600,000
Vessels [Member] | Energy [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sales of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets										2,000,000
Net sales	5,798,000		5,127,000		17,644,000
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes	-11,115,000		-12,611,000		-12,729,000
Gain (loss) on divestiture										-8,600,000
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation										3,200,000
Heat Treating [Member] | Commercial Industrial [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sales of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets												52,000,000
Disposal Date											30-Mar-12
Net sales					10,785,000
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes					4,929,000
Gain (loss) on divestiture					29,900,000
Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Abandonment [Member] | Surface Technologies International [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Payments for Removal Costs													5,300,000
General and Administrative Expense [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Surface Technologies International [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of assets													$3,200,000
[1]	In the year ended DecemberB 31, 2014, the Corporation recognized aggregate after tax losses of $22.4 million on the sale of the Benshaw, 3D, Upstream and Vessels business. No businesses were sold in 2013. In 2012, the Corporation recognized an after tax gain of $18.5 million on the Heat Treat divestiture. Further details about these transactions are described below.
[2]	Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes includes approximately $41.4 million of held for sale impairment expense in the year ended DecemberB 31, 2014.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_DISCON

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]
Receivables, net	$60,187
Inventories, net	27,414
Property, plant, and equipment, net	22,473
Goodwill	42,395
Other intangible assets, net	19,151
Other assets	5,631
Deferred tax assets, net	11,174
Reserve for assets held for sale	-41,078
Total assets held for sale, current	147,347
Accounts payable	12,579
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Liabilities, Current	8,320
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current	13,930
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	563
Liabilities held for sale	$35,392	$0

ACQUISITIONS_Detail

ACQUISITIONS (Detail)	12 Months Ended												12 Months Ended				0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended				0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 10, 2014	Jan. 10, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 18, 2014	Feb. 18, 2014	Oct. 01, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 04, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Commercial Industrial [Member]	Commercial Industrial [Member]	Commercial Industrial [Member]	Energy [Member]	Energy [Member]	Energy [Member]	Defense [Member]	Defense [Member]	Defense [Member]	2012 Acquisitions [Member]	2013 Acquisitions [Member]	2014 acquisitions [Member]	Component Coating and Repair Services [Member]	Component Coating and Repair Services [Member]	Component Coating and Repair Services [Member]	NPSI [Member]	NPSI [Member]	NPSI [Member]	Parvus Corporation [Member]	Parvus Corporation [Member]	Arens Controls [Member]	Arens Controls [Member]	Phonix Group [Member]	Phonix Group [Member]	other acquisitions [Member]	other acquisitions [Member]	Gulf33 [Member]	Ovalpath [Member]
				USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Commercial Industrial [Member]	Commercial Industrial [Member]	USD ($)	Energy [Member]	Energy [Member]	Defense [Member]	Defense [Member]	Commercial Industrial [Member]	Commercial Industrial [Member]	Commercial Industrial [Member]	Commercial Industrial [Member]	Energy [Member]	Energy [Member]	Energy [Member]	Energy [Member]
																	USD ($)	GBP (£)		USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable													$53,753	$25,972	$2,991	$2,984			$7				$3,639		$9,441		$12,226		$666
Inventory													52,225	30,930	304	64			112				5,122		5,349		20,358		101
Property, plant, and equipment													40,915	18,066	2,802	1,987			790				435		4,787		12,575		269
Other current assets													7,244	3,229	81	71			10				104		972		2,153		0
Intangible assets													182,681	102,265	13,501	9,560			3,406				15,000		43,100		42,305		1,860
Current and non-current liabilities													-44,617	-18,959	-1,754	-1,754			0				-3,854		-7,991		-7,497		383
Pension and postretirement benefits													-8,144	-6,472	0								0		0		-6,472		0
Deferred income taxes													-50,367	-19,682	-2,199	-2,041			0				-5,518		94		-14,258		0
Debt assumed													-13,819	0	0
Due to seller													-240	-3,361									-230		0		-119		-3,012
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net													219,631	131,988	15,726	10,871			4,325				14,698		55,752		61,271		267
(Gain on Bargain Purchase)	0	0	-910										-910	0	0
Purchase price													462,416	236,135	34,364	24,645	25,000	15,000	7,965	8,000	9,000	37,059		95,612		97,886		5,578		3,300	2,300
Goodwill	998,506	1,110,429	1,013,300	350,862	347,819	273,247	200,904	277,179	272,136	446,740	485,431	467,917	243,695	104,147	18,638	13,774			3,640				22,361		39,860		36,615		5,311
Expected deductible tax amount														$45,171		$0			$3,640				$0		$39,860		$0		$5,311

ACQUISITiONS_Proforma_Detail

ACQUISITiONS (Proforma) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Net sales	$2,184,715	$2,157,815
Net earnings from continuing operations	$143,960	$116,768
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$3.04	$2.46

ACQUISITIONS_Narrative_Detail

ACQUISITIONS (Narrative) (Detail)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

31-May-13

Jan. 10, 2014

Jan. 10, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Feb. 18, 2014

Feb. 18, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 04, 2014

Oct. 01, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 01, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 04, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 04, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

USD ($)

NumberAcquisitions

NumberAcquisitions

2012 Acquisitions [Member]

2013 Acquisitions [Member]

2014 acquisitions [Member]

Component Coating and Repair Services [Member]

Component Coating and Repair Services [Member]

Component Coating and Repair Services [Member]

Component Coating and Repair Services [Member]

NPSI [Member]

NPSI [Member]

NPSI [Member]

NPSI [Member]

Engemasa Pressure Relief Valve [Member]

Parvus Corporation [Member]

Parvus Corporation [Member]

Parvus Corporation [Member]

other acquisitions [Member]

other acquisitions [Member]

Arens Controls [Member]

Arens Controls [Member]

Arens Controls [Member]

Phonix Group [Member]

Phonix Group [Member]

Gulf33 [Member]

Ovalpath [Member]

NumberAcquisitions

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

Commercial Industrial [Member]

Commercial Industrial [Member]

USD ($)

Energy [Member]

Energy [Member]

Energy [Member]

Energy [Member]

Defense [Member]

Defense [Member]

Defense [Member]

Energy [Member]

Energy [Member]

Commercial Industrial [Member]

Commercial Industrial [Member]

Commercial Industrial [Member]

Commercial Industrial [Member]

Commercial Industrial [Member]

Energy [Member]

Energy [Member]

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

CAD

CAD

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

NumberAcquisitions

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

employee

employee

employee

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Payments to acquire business

$462,416,000

$236,135,000

$34,364,000

$24,645,000

$25,000,000

£ 15,000,000

$7,965,000

$8,000,000

9,000,000

$1,800,000

$37,059,000

$5,578,000

$95,612,000

$97,886,000

$3,300,000

$2,300,000

Number of Businesses Acquired

3

5

8

Effective date of acquisition

10-Jan-14

10-Jan-14

18-Feb-14

18-Feb-14

4-Jun-14

1-Oct-13

4-Oct-13

28-Feb-13

Percentage acquired

100.00%

100.00%

Employee Date of Acquisition

50

120

282

Business Acquisition, Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period

6,400,000

5,000,000

20,000,000

57,000,000

60,000,000

Business Combination, Number of Separate Transactions

2

Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual

19,100,000

Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual

$200,000

ACQUISITIONS_Proforma_Narrativ

ACQUISITIONS (Proforma Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Elimination Of Intangible Asset Amortization	$0.70	$1.80
Additional Amortization Of Intangible Assets	3.6	18.5
Additional depreciation expense	1.2	1.6
Elimination Of Acquisition Costs	2.1
Elimination Of Historical Interest Expense	0.6	5.3
Additional Interest Expense	4.2	16.5
Inventory [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Adjustment	$3.70

RECEIVABLES_Detail

RECEIVABLES (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Billed receivables:
Trade and other receivables	$363,241	$444,841
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	-5,619	-6,857
Net billed receivables	357,622	437,984
Unbilled receivables:
Recoverable costs and estimated earnings not billed	150,526	184,120
Less: Progress payments applied	-12,668	-18,512
Net unbilled receivables	137,858	165,608
Receivables, net	$495,480	$603,592

RECEIVABLES_Narrative_Detail

RECEIVABLES (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ConcentrationRiskLineItems
Unbilled Receivables, Not Billable	$137,858,000	$165,608,000
GovernmentContractsConcentrationRiskMember
ConcentrationRiskLineItems
Accounts Receivable, Gross	157,900,000	205,100,000
ConcentrationRiskPercentage	33.00%	34.00%
Unbilled Receivables, Not Billable	$72,900,000	$82,500,000

INVENTORIES_Detail

INVENTORIES (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Raw material	$201,998	$231,219
Work-in-process	89,423	114,372
Finished goods and component parts	103,831	117,444
Inventory costs related to U.S. Government and other long-term contracts	59,070	58,796
Gross inventories	454,322	521,831
Less: Inventory reserves	-51,435	-54,400
Progress payments applied, principally related to long-term contracts	-14,217	-15,344
Inventories, net	$388,670	$452,087

INVENTORIES_Narrative_Detail

INVENTORIES (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Other Inventory, Capitalized Costs	$33.90	$37.10
Other Inventory Capitalized Costs To Be Liquidated Under Firm Orders	$7.20	$13.80

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_D

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
land	$21,762	$24,250
BuildingsAndImprovementsGross	219,219	218,551
MachineryAndEquipmentGross	750,006	800,573
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	990,987	1,043,374
AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment	-532,068	-527,656
Property, plant, and equipment, net	$458,919	$515,718	$489,593

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_N

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$66.60	$63.20	$55.20

GOODWILL_Detail

GOODWILL (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$1,110,429	$1,013,300
Acquisitions	18,636	104,034
Goodwill, Written off Related to Assets Held For Sale	-42,395
Divestitures	-55,355
Goodwill adjustments	-1,350	-2,735
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	-31,459	-4,170
Goodwill	998,506	1,110,429
Energy [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	277,179	272,136
Acquisitions	4,863	5,311
Goodwill, Written off Related to Assets Held For Sale	-35,870
Divestitures	-43,660
Goodwill adjustments	0	429
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	-1,608	-697
Goodwill	200,904	277,179
Defense [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	485,431	467,917
Acquisitions	0	22,615
Goodwill, Written off Related to Assets Held For Sale	-6,525
Divestitures	-11,695
Goodwill adjustments	-254	0
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	-20,217	-5,101
Goodwill	446,740	485,431
Commercial Industrial [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	347,819	273,247
Acquisitions	13,773	76,108
Goodwill, Written off Related to Assets Held For Sale	0
Divestitures	0
Goodwill adjustments	-1,096	-3,164
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	-9,634	1,628
Goodwill	$350,862	$347,819

OTHER_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_NET_De

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Gross	$573,673	$710,928
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization	-224,446	-239,549
Other intangible assets, net	349,227	471,379
Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Gross	178,369	213,888
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization	-84,584	-88,644
Other intangible assets, net	93,785	125,244
Customer Related Intangibles [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Gross	356,844	430,604
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization	-122,920	-127,194
Other intangible assets, net	233,924	303,410
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Gross	38,460	66,436
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization	-16,942	-23,711
Other intangible assets, net	$21,518	$42,725

OTHER_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_NET_Ac

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Acquisition) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$13,500	$102,751
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	13 years 3 months 18 days	15 years 1 month 6 days
Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	100	21,101
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years	13 years 6 months
Customer Related Intangibles [Member]
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	13,200	73,146
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	13 years 7 months 6 days	16 years 10 months 24 days
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$200	$8,504
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	1 year	3 years 3 months 18 days

OTHER_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_NET_Am

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Amort) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$38,300,000	$39,000,000	$24,900,000
Future Amortization Expense Year One	34,766,000
Future Amortization Expense Year Two	34,264,000
Future Amortization Expense Year Three	33,775,000
Future Amortization Expense Year Four	32,680,000
Future Amortization Expense Year Five	$30,848,000

OTHER_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_NET_OT

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Narrative) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	20 years

FAIR_VALUE_Detail

FAIR VALUE (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$605	[1]	$605	[1]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	5,797	[2]	50,122	[2]
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	5,121		49,845
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	605		605
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$676		$277
[1]	Forward exchange derivatives are included in Other current assets and interest rate swap assets are included in Other assets.
[2]	Forward exchange derivatives are included in Other current liabilities and interest rate swap liabilities are included in Other liabilities.

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU2

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Income Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	($6,880)	($6,198)	$883
Swap [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Hedged Item in Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge	44,724	-49,845	-742
Borrowings [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Hedged Item in Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge	($44,724)	$49,845	$742

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU3

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held				3
Derivative, Notional Amount	400
Two Thousand Eleven Notes [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Inception Date	1-Jan-12
Two Thousand Thirteen Senior Notes [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Inception Date	1-Mar-13
Senior Notes Three Eighty Five [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		3.85%
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.77%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis		LIBOR
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	26-Feb-25
Derivative, Notional Amount		100
Senior Notes Four Zero Five [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.05%
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.73%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis		LIBOR
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	26-Feb-28
Derivative, Notional Amount		75
Senior Notes Four Twenty Four [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			200
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			4.24%
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			2.02%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis			LIBOR
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	1-Dec-26			1-Dec-26
Derivative, Notional Amount			200
Senior Notes Three Eighty Four [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			100
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			3.84%
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.90%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis			LIBOR
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	1-Dec-21			1-Dec-21
Derivative, Notional Amount			$25

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU4

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Debt Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount	$959	$887
Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount	$945	$900

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU5

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Nonrecurring) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	$41,369	$0	$0

ACCRUED_EXPENSES_AND_OTHER_CUR2

ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Accrued Expenses) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued compensation	$88,793	$88,108
Accrued commissions	10,783	12,834
Accrued interest	9,688	9,730
Accrued insurance	6,757	4,885
Accrued 401K	7,050	0
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	22,867	27,378
Accrued expenses	$145,938	$142,935

ACCRUED_EXPENSES_AND_OTHER_CUR3

ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Other Current Liabilities) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Warranty	$15,688	$15,914
Additional amounts due to sellers on acquisitions	1,739	5,250
Reserves on loss contracts	2,979	4,067
Deferred tax liability	2,448	3,175
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	5,120	4,280
Other Sundry Liabilities, Current	10,189	5,565
Other current liabilities	$38,163	$38,251

RESTRUCTURING_ACTIVITIES_Detai

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring And Related Cost Cost Incurred To Date	$19,201
Cost Of Sales [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring And Related Cost Cost Incurred To Date	10,778
Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring And Related Cost Cost Incurred To Date	430
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring And Related Cost Cost Incurred To Date	7,993
Commercial Industrial [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring And Related Cost Cost Incurred To Date	12,446
Commercial Industrial [Member] | Cost Of Sales [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring And Related Cost Cost Incurred To Date	7,413
Commercial Industrial [Member] | Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring And Related Cost Cost Incurred To Date	0
Commercial Industrial [Member] | General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring And Related Cost Cost Incurred To Date	5,033
Defense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring And Related Cost Cost Incurred To Date	6,107
Defense [Member] | Cost Of Sales [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring And Related Cost Cost Incurred To Date	3,227
Defense [Member] | Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring And Related Cost Cost Incurred To Date	417
Defense [Member] | General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring And Related Cost Cost Incurred To Date	2,463
Energy [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring And Related Cost Cost Incurred To Date	648
Energy [Member] | Cost Of Sales [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring And Related Cost Cost Incurred To Date	138
Energy [Member] | Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring And Related Cost Cost Incurred To Date	13
Energy [Member] | General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring And Related Cost Cost Incurred To Date	$497

RESTRUCTURING_ACTIVITIES_Rollf

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Rollforward) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	$7,126
Restructuring Charges	0
Restructuring Reserve Settled With Cash	-6,293
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-833
Restructuring Reserve	0
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	1,020
Restructuring Charges	0
Restructuring Reserve Settled With Cash	-774
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-246
Restructuring Reserve	0
Facility Closing [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	6,106
Restructuring Charges	0
Restructuring Reserve Settled With Cash	-5,519
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-587
Restructuring Reserve	$0

INCOME_TAXES_Income_Before_Inc

INCOME TAXES (Income Before Income Tax) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$120,563	$105,188	$80,475
Foreign	126,381	95,862	74,746
Earnings before income taxes	$246,944	$201,050	$155,221

INCOME_TAXES_Provision_for_Inc

INCOME TAXES (Provision for Income Taxes) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal	$70,609	$29,323	$27,882
State	9,065	5,629	5,465
Foreign	33,401	20,807	21,369
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	113,075	55,759	54,716
Federal	-29,469	7,982	758
State	-1,275	644	-1,122
Foreign	-5,070	-802	-5,172
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	-35,814	7,824	-5,536
Deferred Other Tax Expense (Benefit)	-266	-1,937	1,960
Provision for income taxes	$76,995	$61,646	$51,140

INCOME_TAXES_Effective_Income_

INCOME TAXES (Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. federal statutory tax rate	35.00%		35.00%		35.00%
State and local taxes, net of federal benefit	2.40%		1.60%		1.70%
R&D tax credits	-1.30%		-1.50%		-0.90%
Foreign rate differential	-4.40%	[1]	-3.70%	[1]	-3.00%	[1]
All other, net	-0.50%		-0.70%		0.10%
Effective tax rate	31.20%		30.70%		32.90%
[1]	Foreign earnings primarily include the net impact of differences between local statutory rates and the U.S. Federal statutory rate, the cost of repatriating foreign earnings, and the impact of changes to foreign valuation allowances.

INCOME_TAXES_Deferred_Tax_Asse

INCOME TAXES (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilties) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred tax assets:
Capital loss carryover	$17,555,000	$0
Environmental reserves	10,123,000	9,913,000
Inventories	18,496,000	20,197,000
Postretirement/postemployment benefits	13,326,000	12,641,000
Incentive compensation	16,140,000	6,727,000
Accrued vacation pay	4,968,000	5,745,000
Warranty reserves	4,330,000	5,073,000
Share-based payments	4,422,000	7,718,000
Pension plans	84,493,000	43,684,000
Net operating loss	8,909,000	9,826,000
Other	12,609,000	14,793,000
Total deferred tax assets	195,371,000	136,317,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings	7,840,000	4,077,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Undistributed foreign subsidiaries earnings	295,200,000
Depreciation	33,117,000	52,242,000
Goodwill amortization	74,555,000	65,644,000
Other intangible amortization	62,777,000	81,634,000
Other	1,612,000	4,119,000
Total deferred tax liabilities	179,901,000	207,716,000
Valuation allowance	23,478,000	6,321,000
Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)	($8,008,000)	($77,720,000)

INCOME_TAXES_Net_Deferred_Tax_

INCOME TAXES (Net Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net current deferred tax assets	$44,311	$47,650
Net current deferred tax liabilities	2,448	3,175
Net noncurrent deferred tax assets	1,683	1,449
Net noncurrent deferred tax liabilities	51,554	123,644
Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)	($8,008)	($77,720)

INCOME_TAXES_Unrecognized_Tax_

INCOME TAXES (Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits (beginning balance)	$10,623	$11,301	$5,769
Additions for tax positions of prior periods	1,421	1,511	4,591
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	1,738	1,768	1,019
Settlements	-2,039	-3,868	-53
Lapses of statute of limitations	-41	-140	-28
Foreign currency translation	-142	51	3
Unrecognized tax benefits (ending balance)	$11,560	$10,623	$11,301

INCOME_TAXES_Open_Tax_Years_De

INCOME TAXES (Open Tax Years) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
United States (Various states)
IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems
Open Tax Year	1998
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | United States (Federal)
IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems
Open Tax Year	2011
United Kingdom | Foreign Tax Authority
IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems
Open Tax Year	2007
Canada | Foreign Tax Authority
IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems
Open Tax Year	2008

INCOME_TAXES_Narrative_Detail

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems
Operating loss carryforward	$26,500,000
Valuation allowance increase	17,200,000
Valuation allowance	23,478,000	6,321,000
Income tax payments	35,000,000	69,400,000	42,700,000
Undistributed foreign subsidiaries earnings	295,200,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective income tax rate	8,000,000	7,600,000	9,000,000
Foreign Tax Authority
OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems
Operating loss carryforwards related to international operations	26,400,000
Indefinite lived operating loss carryforwards,	16,400,000
Operating loss carryforwards subject to expiration	10,000,000
Operating loss carryforward, expiration date	31-Dec-23
State And Local Jurisdiction [Member]
OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems
Operating loss carryforwards subject to expiration	21,000,000
Operating loss carryforward, expiration date	31-Dec-34
Operating loss carryforwards state and local	68,700,000
Capital Loss Carryforward [Member]
OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems
Tax credit carryforward amount	47,700,000
Valuation allowance increase	17,600,000
Capital Loss Carryforward [Member] | State And Local Jurisdiction [Member]
OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems
Capital loss carryforwards expiration date	31-Dec-19
Other Liabilities [Member]
OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems
Interest on income taxes accrued	1,700,000
Income tax penalties accrued	$1,100,000

DEBT_Detail

DEBT (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Current portion of long-term debt and short-term debt	$1,069	$1,334
Long-term debt	953,279	958,604
Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long-term Debt	954,348	959,938
Current portion of long-term debt and short-term debt	1,069	1,334
Long-term debt	953,279	958,604
Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Industrial Revenue Bond [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long-term Debt	8,400	8,400
Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long-term Debt	0	50,000
Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Senior Notes Five Fifty One [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long-term Debt	150,000	150,000
Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Senior Notes Three Eighty Four [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long-term Debt	99,934	98,632
Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Senior Notes Three Seventy [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long-term Debt	225,000	225,000
Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Senior Notes Three Eighty Five [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long-term Debt	98,360	88,555
Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Senior Notes Four Twenty Four [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long-term Debt	197,237	173,557
Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Senior Notes Four Zero Five [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long-term Debt	74,348	64,411
Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Senior Notes Four Eleven [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long-term Debt	100,000	100,000
Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Other Debt Obligations [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long-term Debt		1,383
Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long Term Debt Fair Value	968,514	946,389
Current portion of long-term debt and short-term debt	1,069	1,334
Long-term debt	967,445	945,055
Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Industrial Revenue Bond [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long Term Debt Fair Value	8,400	8,400
Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long Term Debt Fair Value	0	50,000
Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Senior Notes Five Fifty One [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long Term Debt Fair Value	162,617	163,059
Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Senior Notes Three Eighty Four [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long Term Debt Fair Value	99,934	98,632
Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Senior Notes Three Seventy [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long Term Debt Fair Value	225,748	209,140
Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Senior Notes Three Eighty Five [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long Term Debt Fair Value	98,360	88,555
Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Senior Notes Four Twenty Four [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long Term Debt Fair Value	197,237	173,557
Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Senior Notes Four Zero Five [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long Term Debt Fair Value	74,348	64,411
Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Senior Notes Four Eleven [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long Term Debt Fair Value	100,801	89,252
Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Other Debt Obligations [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Long Term Debt Fair Value	$1,069	$1,383

DEBT_Maturity_Detail

DEBT (Maturity) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths	$1,069
LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo	0
LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree	150,000
LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour	0
LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive	0
LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive	803,279
Long Term Debt Maturities Total	$954,348

DEBT_Narrative_Detail

DEBT (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 08, 2011	Feb. 26, 2013	Sep. 26, 2013	Dec. 01, 2005
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$80,000	$125,033,000	$0
DebtInstrumentCovenantDescription	0.6
LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDescription	Borrowings under the credit agreement will accrue interest based on (i) Libor or (ii) a base rate of the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, (b) BofAbs announced prime rate, or (c) the Eurocurrency rate plus 1%, plus a margin. The interest rate and level of facility fees are dependent on certain financial ratios, as defined in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement also provides customary fees, including administrative agent and commitment fees. In connection with the Credit Agreement, we paid customary transaction fees that have been deferred and are being amortized over the term of the Credit Agreement.
Debt Instrument, Covenant Ratio, Debt To Capitalization Limit	60.00%
InterestPaid	33,000,000	31,000,000	24,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate	1.70%	1.69%
LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity	500,000,000
Line Of Credit Facility Additional Borrowing Capacity	100,000,000
Letters of Credit Supported by Credit Facility	54,000,000
Debt Covenant, Amount of Borrowing Available	446,000,000
Long-term Debt [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate	3.00%
Debt Covenant, Amount of Borrowing Available	1,200,000,000
Senior Notes Four Twenty Four [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	1-Dec-26
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				200,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				4.24%
Senior Notes Four Zero Five [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	26-Feb-28
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					75,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					4.05%
Senior Notes Four Eleven [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
DebtInstrumentIssuanceDate	26-Sep-13
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	26-Sep-28
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						100,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage						4.11%
Senior Notes Three Eighty Four [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	1-Dec-21
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				100,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				3.84%
Senior Notes Three Seventy [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	26-Feb-23
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					225,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					3.70%
Senior Notes Three Eighty Five [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	26-Feb-25
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					100,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					3.85%
Two Thousand Thirteen Senior Notes [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
DebtInstrumentIssuanceDate	26-Feb-13
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					500,000,000
Two Thousand Eleven Notes [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
DebtInstrumentIssuanceDate	8-Dec-11
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				300,000,000
Two Thousand Five [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
DebtInstrumentIssuanceDate	1-Dec-05
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	1-Dec-17
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							150,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage							5.51%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date	31-Aug-12
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
DebtInstrumentLineItems
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$9,000,000

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Detail

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]
Basic									48,019	46,991	46,743
Dilutive effect of stock options and deferred stock compensation									1,056	921	669
Diluted									49,075	47,912	47,412
Earnings from continuing operations	$0.96	$0.92	$0.90	$0.76	$0.95	$0.81	$0.73	$0.48	$3.54	$2.97	$2.23
Earnings from continuing operations	$0.94	$0.90	$0.87	$0.74	$0.92	$0.79	$0.72	$0.48	$3.46	$2.91	$2.20
Earnings from continuing operations	$46,132	$44,378	$43,009	$36,430	$44,700	$38,079	$34,035	$22,590	$169,949	$139,404	$104,081

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_AntiDilutiv

EARNINGS PER SHARE (AntiDilutive) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount	0	297,000	633,000

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_1

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Non-qualified stock options	$0	$238	$942
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	1,350	1,260	1,303
Performance Share Units	3,728	3,495	3,179
Restricted Share Units	2,655	1,700	3,237
Other share-based payments	767	657	767
Total share-based compensation expense before income taxes	$8,500	$7,350	$9,428

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_2

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Cash Proceeds and Tax Benefit) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Cash received from share-based awards	$38,183	$29,194	$15,137
Recognized tax benefit on awards	$9,610	$3,199	$1,371

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_3

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (LTI) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding (in shares)	2,321,000
Granted (in shares)	0
Exercised (in shares)	-872,000
Forfeited (in shares)	-6,000
Outstanding (in shares)	1,443,000
Exercisable (in shares)	1,443,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$33.69
Granted (in dollars per share)	$0
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$33.45
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$29.66
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$33.86
Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$33.86
Outstanding, weighted-average remaining contractual term in years	4 years 3 months 26 days
Exercisable. weighted-average remaining contractual term in years	4 years 3 months 26 days
Outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value	$53,002
Exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value	$53,002

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_4

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Restricted Units) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding (in shares)	319
Granted (in shares)	38
Vested (in shares)	-92
Forfeited (in shares)	-19
Outstanding (in shares)	246
Expected to vest (in shares)	246
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$36.53
Granted (in dollars per share)	$70.28
Vested (in dollars per share)	$33.01
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$37.02
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$43.03
Expected to vest (in dollars per share)	$43.03
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding (in shares)	368
Granted (in shares)	51
Vested (in shares)	-89
Forfeited (in shares)	-18
Outstanding (in shares)	312
Expected to vest (in shares)	312
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$35.52
Granted (in dollars per share)	$82.79
Vested (in dollars per share)	$29.88
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$46.71
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$44.12
Expected to vest (in dollars per share)	$44.12

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_5

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
2014 Omnibus Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock authorized	2,400,000
Non Qualfied Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$28.30	$11.40	$3.10
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested intrinsic value	22
Unrecognized compensation cost	8.6
Unrecognized compensation expense, period of recognition	2 years 3 months 18 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite service period	3 years
Nonvested intrinsic value	17.3
Unrecognized compensation cost	5.9
Unrecognized compensation expense, period of recognition	2 years 8 months 1 day
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Purchase price percentage of fair market value	85.00%
Authorized shares reserved	1,200,000
Shares purchased under plan	166,948
Proceeds from shares purchased under plan	$4.50
Number of shares equivalent related to purchase	73,929

PENSION_PLANS_Detail

PENSION PLANS (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$25,262	$40,170	$40,274
Interest cost	30,403	27,777	26,303
Expected return on plan assets	-41,746	-36,303	-33,585
Prior service cost	662	883	1,201
Recognized net actuarial loss	6,827	15,013	11,023
Curtailment charge	377	13	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	21,785	47,553	45,216
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	246	373	448
Interest cost	877	839	939
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Prior service cost	-657	-638	-629
Recognized net actuarial loss	-811	-614	-682
Curtailment charge	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	($345)	($40)	$76

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME2

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member]
DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Beginning Balance	$674,192	$705,022
Service cost	25,262	40,170	40,274
Interest cost	30,403	27,777	26,303
DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants	1,734	2,331
DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments	178	0
DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss	114,763	-62,534
DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid	-40,765	-34,253
DefinedBenefitPlanBusinessCombinationsAndAcquisitionsBenefitObligation	0	5,809
DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits	0	533
DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements	0	-9,713
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Expense	-1,299	-2,206
DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation	-7,108	1,256
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Ending Balance	797,360	674,192	705,022
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Beginning Balance	20,416	23,391
Service cost	246	373	448
Interest cost	877	839	939
DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants	364	350
DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments	0	-366
DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss	3,276	-2,752
DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid	-1,929	-1,419
DefinedBenefitPlanBusinessCombinationsAndAcquisitionsBenefitObligation	0	0
DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits	0	0
DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Expense	0	0
DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Ending Balance	$23,250	$20,416	$23,391

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME3

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Plan Asset) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	$595,829	$558,567
DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	-5,120	-4,280
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefit costs	-226,687	-138,904
Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member]
DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Beginning Balance	-558,567	-460,202
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets	37,574	82,863
Contributions made by employer	46,306	48,074
DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants	1,734	2,331
DefinedBenefitPlanBusinessCombinationsAndAcquisitionsPlanAssets	0	0
DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid	-40,765	-34,253
DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets	-1,299	-2,206
DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets	-6,288	1,556
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	595,829	558,567
DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan	-201,531	-115,625
DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent	6,041	7,142
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	-3,523	-2,620
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefit costs	-204,049	-120,147
DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet	-201,531	-115,625
DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxAbstract
DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax	180,640	69,355
DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax	1,990	2,537
DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax	182,630	71,892
DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsThatWillBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossInNextFiscalYearAbstract
DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfNetGainsLosses	15,470	5,933
DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfNetPriorServiceCostCredit	619	631
DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation	753,878	641,892
DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAbstract
DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateProjectedBenefitObligation	770,241	604,515
DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation	726,760	528,148
DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets	562,669	473,078
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent	6,041	7,142
Domestic Other Post-Employment Benefits Plan
DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Beginning Balance	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets	0	0
Contributions made by employer	1,565	1,069
DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants	364	350
DefinedBenefitPlanBusinessCombinationsAndAcquisitionsPlanAssets	0	0
DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid	-1,929	-1,419
DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets	0	0
DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	0	0
DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan	-23,250	-20,416
DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent	0	0
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	-1,603	-1,659
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefit costs	-21,647	-18,757
DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet	-23,250	-20,416
DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxAbstract
DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax	-8,264	-12,350
DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax	-4,686	-5,343
DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax	-12,950	-17,693
DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsThatWillBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossInNextFiscalYearAbstract
DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfNetGainsLosses	-551	-811
DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfNetPriorServiceCostCredit	-657	-657
DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAbstract
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent	$0	$0

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME4

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Plan Assumptions) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member]
DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingBenefitObligationAbstract
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	3.88%	4.62%
DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease	3.37%	3.94%
DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract
DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate	4.62%	3.95%
DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets	8.01%	7.91%
DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease	3.36%	3.94%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Year That Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate Net Periodic	2019	2015
DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingBenefitObligationAbstract
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	3.75%	4.47%
DefinedBenefitPlanAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract
DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYear	5.50%	8.00%
DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate	4.59%	5.00%
DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract
DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate	4.47%	3.70%
Defined Benefit Plan Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates Net Periodic [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Fiscal Year Net Periodic	8.00%	8.00%
Defined Benefit Plan Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Net Periodic	5.00%	5.00%

PENSION_Percentage_Detail

PENSION (Percentage) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One-Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract]
DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointIncreaseOnServiceAndInterestCostComponents	$15
DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointDecreaseOnServiceAndInterestCostComponents	-13
DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointIncreaseOnAccumulatedPostretirementBenefitObligation	364
DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointDecreaseOnAccumulatedPostretirementBenefitObligation	($301)

PENSION_Asset_Class_Detail

PENSION (Asset Class) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Domestic Equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations	53.00%	52.00%
DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocations	50.00%
DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMinimum		40.00%
DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMaximum		60.00%
International Equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations	14.00%	15.00%
DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocations	15.00%
DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMinimum		10.00%
DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMaximum		20.00%
EquitySecuritiesMember
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations	67.00%	67.00%
DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocations	65.00%
DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMinimum		55.00%
DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMaximum		75.00%
FixedIncomeFundsMember
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations	33.00%	31.00%
DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocations	35.00%
DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMinimum		25.00%
DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMaximum		45.00%

PENSION_Fair_Value_Detail

PENSION (Fair Value) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	$595,829		$558,567
CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	24,354		17,951
EquitySecuritiesMember
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	379,467	[1]	360,691	[1]
DebtSecuritiesMember
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	183,068	[2]	168,348	[2]
Alternative Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	8,169	[3]	10,795	[3]
Other Assets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	771	[4]	782	[4]
FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	454,280		424,846
FairValueInputsLevel1Member | CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	871		1,638
FairValueInputsLevel1Member | EquitySecuritiesMember
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	330,619	[1]	307,220	[1]
FairValueInputsLevel1Member | DebtSecuritiesMember
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	122,790	[2]	115,988	[2]
FairValueInputsLevel1Member | Alternative Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	0	[3]	0	[3]
FairValueInputsLevel1Member | Other Assets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	0	[4]	0	[4]
FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	132,609		122,144
FairValueInputsLevel2Member | CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	23,483		16,313
FairValueInputsLevel2Member | EquitySecuritiesMember
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	48,848	[1]	53,471	[1]
FairValueInputsLevel2Member | DebtSecuritiesMember
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	60,278	[2]	52,360	[2]
FairValueInputsLevel2Member | Alternative Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	0	[3]	0	[3]
FairValueInputsLevel2Member | Other Assets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	0	[4]	0	[4]
FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	8,940		11,577		11,645
FairValueInputsLevel3Member | CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	0		0
FairValueInputsLevel3Member | EquitySecuritiesMember
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	0	[1]	0	[1]
FairValueInputsLevel3Member | DebtSecuritiesMember
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	0	[2]	0	[2]
FairValueInputsLevel3Member | Alternative Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	8,169	[3]	10,795	[3]
FairValueInputsLevel3Member | Other Assets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Disclosure [Line Items]
DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	$771	[4]	$782	[4]	$728
[1]	This category consists of domestic and international equity securities. It is comprised of U.S. securities benchmarked against the S&P 500 index and Russell 2000 index, international mutual funds benchmarked against the MSCI EAFE index, global equity index mutual funds associated with our U.K. based pension plans and balanced funds associated with the U.K. and Canadian based pension plans.
[2]	This category consists of domestic and international bonds. The domestic fixed income securities are benchmarked against the Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond index, actively-managed bond mutual funds comprised of domestic investment grade debt, fixed income derivatives, and below investment-grade issues, U.S. mortgage backed securities, asset backed securities, municipal bonds, and convertible debt. International bonds consist of bond mutual funds for institutional investors associated with the CW Pension Plan, Switzerland, and U.K. based pension plans.
[3]	This category consists of a guaranteed investment contract (GIC) in Switzerland. Amounts contributed to the plan are guaranteed by a foundation for occupational benefits that in turn entered into a group insurance contract and the foundation pays a guaranteed rate of interest that is reset annually.
[4]	This category consists primarily of real estate investment trusts in Switzerland.

PENSION_Plan_Assets_Detail

PENSION (Plan Assets) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	$595,829		$558,567
FairValueInputsLevel3Member
FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Beginning Balance	-11,577		-11,645
DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssetsStillHeld	197		197
DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssetsSoldDuringPeriod	0		0
DefinedBenefitPlanPurchasesSalesAndSettlements	-1,782		-542
DefinedBenefitPlanTransfersBetweenMeasurementLevels	0		0
DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets	-1,052		277
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	8,940		11,577
Insurance Contracts [Member] | FairValueInputsLevel3Member
FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Beginning Balance	-10,795		-10,917
DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssetsStillHeld	158		162
DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssetsSoldDuringPeriod	0		0
DefinedBenefitPlanPurchasesSalesAndSettlements	-1,818		-542
DefinedBenefitPlanTransfersBetweenMeasurementLevels	0		0
DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets	-966		258
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	8,169		10,795
Other Assets [Member]
FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	771	[1]	782	[1]
Other Assets [Member] | FairValueInputsLevel3Member
FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Beginning Balance	-782	[1]	-728
DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssetsStillHeld	39		35
DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssetsSoldDuringPeriod	0		0
DefinedBenefitPlanPurchasesSalesAndSettlements	36		0
DefinedBenefitPlanTransfersBetweenMeasurementLevels	0		0
DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets	-86		19
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance	$771	[1]	$782	[1]
[1]	This category consists primarily of real estate investment trusts in Switzerland.

PENSION_Future_Service_Detail

PENSION (Future Service) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	$46,729
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two	47,478
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three	49,063
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four	51,298
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five	54,136
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	278,111
Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	45,126
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two	45,914
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three	47,534
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four	49,763
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five	52,630
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	270,769
Domestic Other Post-Employment Benefits Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	1,603
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two	1,564
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three	1,529
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four	1,535
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five	1,506
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	$7,342

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME5

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Defined Contribution Retirement Plan) (Narrative) (Details) (Curtiss-Wright [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Contribution Retirement Plan [Member] | UNITED STATES
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expense relating to the defined contribution plan	$13.70
Employer contributions made to the defined contribution plan	6.4
Non-elective estimated employer contribution to the defined contribution plan	7.3
Expected cumulative employer contributions to the defined contribution plan	65
Defined Contribution Retirement Plan [Member] | Non-US [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension expense	$5.70	$5.10	$4.80
Maximum [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum employer contribution match percentage	6.00%
Maximum [Member] | Defined Contribution Retirement Plan [Member] | UNITED STATES
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum employer contribution match percentage	6.00%

PENSION_AND_POSTRETIREMENT_BEN

PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Defined Benefit Plans) (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	pension_plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of pension and other post retirement defined benefit plans	13
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan and Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of pension and other post retirement defined benefit plans	3
Domestic Qualified Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets as a percentage of consolidated assets		86.00%
Domestic Qualified Pension Plan | CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets as a percentage of consolidated assets	3.00%	3.00%
Domestic Other Post-Employment Benefits Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of pension and other post retirement defined benefit plans merged into parent plan	3
Contributions made by employer	1,565,000	1,069,000
Domestic Non-Qualified Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of pension and other post retirement defined benefit plans	1
Foreign Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of pension and other post retirement defined benefit plans	10
Plan assets as a percentage of consolidated assets	14.00%
Expected return on assets assumption	5.65%
SWITZERLAND | Foreign Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of pension and other post retirement defined benefit plans	1
United Kingdom [Member] | Foreign Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of pension and other post retirement defined benefit plans	3
GERMANY | Foreign Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of pension and other post retirement defined benefit plans	3
MEXICO | Foreign Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of pension and other post retirement defined benefit plans	2
Canada [Member] | Foreign Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of pension and other post retirement defined benefit plans	1
Curtiss-Wright [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of years of service	1 year
Vesting period	3 years
Period after which accruals will cease	15 years
Curtiss-Wright [Member] | Domestic Qualified Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of pension and other post retirement defined benefit plans	1
Noncurrent pension liability	152,500,000	79,500,000
Discount rate decrease	0.75%
Discount rate	4.00%
Increase (decrease) in funded status of plan due to merger of plans	-4,300,000
Contributions made by employer	39,800,000
Expected employer contributions	145,000,000
Curtailment charge		2,200,000
Curtiss-Wright [Member] | Domestic Other Post-Employment Benefits Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of pension and other post retirement defined benefit plans	1
Expected employer contributions	1,600,000
Postretirement benefit liability	23,200,000	20,400,000
Curtiss-Wright [Member] | Domestic Non-Qualified Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Noncurrent pension liability	43,700,000	31,700,000
Expected employer contributions	3,100,000
Curtiss-Wright [Member] | Foreign Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Noncurrent pension liability	5,300,000	2,100,000
Expected employer contributions	3,000,000
Total projected benefit obligation	90,100,000	87,600,000
Plan amendment reducing projected benefit obligation			7,000,000
Plan amendment gain due to curtailment			2,800,000
EMD [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percent of employees' gross pay withheld	1.50%
Willams Controls [Member] | Domestic Qualified Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of pension and other post retirement defined benefit plans merged into parent plan	2
Other Assets [Member] | Curtiss-Wright [Member] | Domestic Other Post-Employment Benefits Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discounted receivable	1,400,000	1,800,000

LEASES_Detail

LEASES (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]
OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent	$27,615
OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears	24,039
OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears	20,514
OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears	16,058
OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears	11,899
OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter	45,683
OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue	$145,808

LEASES_Narrative_Detail

LEASES (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Leases [Abstract]
OperatingLeasesRentExpenseNet	$38	$35.30	$29.70

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Detail

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	$147,347,000				$0				$147,347,000	$0
Net sales	572,586,000	558,383,000	569,198,000	542,959,000	588,167,000	511,380,000	524,139,000	494,395,000	2,243,126,000	2,118,081,000	1,823,307,000
Operating income									282,373,000	237,123,000	181,394,000
Depreciation and amortization									118,931,000	121,497,000	93,896,000
Total assets	3,399,511,000				3,458,274,000				3,399,511,000	3,458,274,000	3,114,588,000
Capital expenditures related to discontinued operations									4,900,000	7,000,000	10,400,000
Commercial Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	1,000,000								1,000,000
Defense [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	25,100,000								25,100,000
Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	121,200,000								121,200,000
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income									-30,312,000	-41,944,000	-31,110,000
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									2,243,126,000	2,118,081,000	1,823,307,000
Operating income									282,373,000	237,123,000	181,394,000
Depreciation and amortization									104,925,000	102,215,000	80,126,000
Total assets	3,399,511,000				3,458,274,000				3,399,511,000	3,458,274,000	3,114,588,000
PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions									67,115,000	72,242,000	82,954,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Commercial Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment									1,077,045,000	951,900,000	679,382,000
Operating income									142,831,000	105,245,000	66,576,000
Depreciation and amortization									54,496,000	53,563,000	32,148,000
Total assets	1,324,679,000				1,309,232,000				1,324,679,000	1,309,232,000	1,027,787,000
PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions									33,642,000	38,063,000	43,039,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Defense [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment									739,805,000	769,190,000	770,318,000
Operating income									102,252,000	116,618,000	90,285,000
Depreciation and amortization									33,198,000	32,351,000	33,372,000
Total assets	1,158,272,000				1,293,679,000				1,158,272,000	1,293,679,000	1,266,553,000
PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions									18,111,000	11,468,000	20,605,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment									433,114,000	403,788,000	381,557,000
Operating income									67,602,000	57,204,000	55,643,000
Depreciation and amortization									13,171,000	11,647,000	11,835,000
Total assets	632,009,000				798,330,000				632,009,000	798,330,000	781,837,000
PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions									10,474,000	19,435,000	13,421,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income									-30,312,000	-41,944,000	-31,110,000
Depreciation and amortization									4,060,000	4,654,000	2,771,000
Total assets	284,551,000				57,033,000				284,551,000	57,033,000	38,411,000
PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions									4,888,000	3,276,000	5,889,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment									($6,838,000)	($6,797,000)	($7,950,000)

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Reconcilia

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Reconciliation) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$282,373	$237,123	$181,394
Interest expense	-35,794	-37,053	-26,301
Other income, net	365	980	128
Earnings before income taxes	246,944	201,050	155,221
Assets
Total assets	3,399,511	3,458,274	3,114,588
Non Segment Cash [Member]
Assets
Total assets	245,651	12,651	6,934
Non Segment Other Assets [Member]
Assets
Total assets	38,900	44,382	31,477
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	-30,312	-41,944	-31,110
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	312,685	279,067	212,504
Assets
Total assets	$3,114,960	$3,401,241	$3,076,177

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Geographic

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Geographic) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems
Net sales	$572,586	$558,383	$569,198	$542,959	$588,167	$511,380	$524,139	$494,395	$2,243,126	$2,118,081	$1,823,307
Property, plant, and equipment, net	458,919				515,718				458,919	515,718	489,593
UNITED STATES
RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems
Net sales									1,521,034	1,444,019	1,276,571
Property, plant, and equipment, net	323,937				365,691				323,937	365,691	352,615
United Kingdom [Member]
RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems
Net sales									145,092	134,815	136,052
Property, plant, and equipment, net	45,625				43,434				45,625	43,434	43,341
Canada [Member]
RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems
Net sales									72,392	66,234	61,916
Property, plant, and equipment, net	20,257				27,975				20,257	27,975	31,740
Other Foreign Countries [Member]
RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems
Net sales									504,608	473,013	348,768
Property, plant, and equipment, net	$69,100				$78,618				$69,100	$78,618	$61,897

CONTINGENCIES_AND_COMMITMENTS_

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Surety Bond Outstanding		$52,900,000
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	1,000,000,000
Standby Letters Of Credit [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	47,200,000	54,300,000
Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	23,200,000	20,700,000
Failure to Meet Contractual Obligations [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value		25,000,000
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum		0
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum		$40,000,000

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME LOSS (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$25,259	($55,508)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-157,836
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	4,166
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-153,670	80,767	9,623
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-128,411	25,259	-55,508
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	59,103	65,722
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-79,386
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-79,386	-6,619
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-20,283	59,103
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-33,844	-121,230
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-78,450
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	4,166
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-74,284	87,386
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	($108,128)	($33,844)

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME LOSS ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Reclass) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes									$246,944		$201,050	$155,221
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									76,995		61,646	51,140
Net earnings	16,750	25,033	36,391	35,164	47,307	36,361	33,370	20,943	113,338		137,981	113,844
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax									-5	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax									6,016	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Curtailments, before Tax									-377
Earnings before income taxes									-6,398
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									-2,232
Net earnings									($4,166)
[1]	These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 16, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans.

QUARTERLY_RESULTS_OF_OPERATION2

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$572,586	$558,383	$569,198	$542,959	$588,167	$511,380	$524,139	$494,395	$2,243,126	$2,118,081	$1,823,307
Gross Profit	200,340	193,331	198,231	184,614	209,055	178,672	182,386	165,726	776,516	735,839	612,419
Earnings from continuing operations	46,132	44,378	43,009	36,430	44,700	38,079	34,035	22,590	169,949	139,404	104,081
Earnings from discontinued operations	-29,382	-19,345	-6,618	-1,266	2,607	-1,718	-665	-1,647	-56,611	-1,423	9,763
Net earnings	$16,750	$25,033	$36,391	$35,164	$47,307	$36,361	$33,370	$20,943	$113,338	$137,981	$113,844
Basic earnings per share
Earnings from continuing operations	$0.96	$0.92	$0.90	$0.76	$0.95	$0.81	$0.73	$0.48	$3.54	$2.97	$2.23
Earnings from discontinued operations	($0.61)	($0.40)	($0.14)	($0.03)	$0.05	($0.04)	($0.02)	($0.03)	($1.18)	($0.03)	$0.21
Total	$0.35	$0.52	$0.76	$0.73	$1	$0.77	$0.71	$0.45	$2.36	$2.94	$2.44
Diluted earnings per share
Earnings from continuing operations	$0.94	$0.90	$0.87	$0.74	$0.92	$0.79	$0.72	$0.48	$3.46	$2.91	$2.20
Earnings from discontinued operations	($0.60)	($0.39)	($0.13)	($0.02)	$0.05	($0.03)	($0.02)	($0.04)	($1.15)	($0.03)	$0.21
Total	$0.34	$0.51	$0.74	$0.72	$0.97	$0.76	$0.70	$0.44	$2.31	$2.88	$2.41

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS_Detail

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Detail) (Subsequent Event [Member])	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 30, 2015	Jan. 09, 2015
	USD ($)	GBP (£)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Pension Contributions	$145
Discontinued Operations, Proceeds from Sale of Assets		£ 3

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL2

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance, Beginning Balance	$6,321	$8,531	$5,518
ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense	18,535	-1,896	1,665
ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToOtherAccounts	-263	-314	1,348
ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions	1,115	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance, Ending Balance	23,478	6,321	8,531
ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember
ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance, Beginning Balance	6,321	8,531	5,518
ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense	18,535	-1,896	1,665
ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToOtherAccounts	-263	-314	1,348
ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions	1,115	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance, Ending Balance	$23,478	$6,321	$8,531