Roper (ROP) 10-K 20 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Roper Industries Inc
Entity Central Index Key	882835
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$14,653,055,923
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	100,356,523
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$610,430	$459,720
Accounts receivable, net	511,538	519,075
Inventories, net	193,766	204,923
Deferred taxes	54,199	64,464
Unbilled Receivables	96,409	86,945
Other current assets	45,763	38,210
Total current assets	1,512,105	1,373,337
Property, plant and equipment, net	110,876	117,310
Goodwill	4,710,691	4,549,998
Other intangible assets, net	1,978,729	2,039,136
Deferred taxes	27,496	28,773
Other assets	73,037	76,427
Total assets	8,412,934	8,184,981
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Accounts payable	143,847	150,313
Accrued Compensation	117,374	107,953
Deferred revenue	190,953	209,332
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	160,738	153,712
Accrued liabilities	160,738	153,712
Income taxes payable	0	4,275
Deferred taxes	3,943	6,490
Current portion of long-term debt, net	11,092	11,016
Total current liabilities	627,947	643,091
Long-term debt, net of current portion	2,203,031	2,453,836
Deferred taxes	735,826	783,805
Other liabilities	90,770	91,199
Total liabilities	3,657,574	3,971,931
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	1,021	1,013
Additional paid-in capital	1,325,338	1,229,233
Retained earnings	3,520,201	2,959,196
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings	-71,927	43,083
Treasury stock	-19,273	-19,475
Total stockholders' equity	4,755,360	4,213,050
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$8,412,934	$8,184,981

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000	1,000
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	350,000	350,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	102,069	101,276
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	100,126	99,312
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	1,943	1,964

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
Consolidated Statements of Earnings [Abstract]
Net sales	$3,549,494	$3,238,128	$2,993,489
Cost of sales	1,447,595	1,355,200	1,321,772
Gross profit	2,101,899	1,882,928	1,671,717
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,102,426	1,040,567	914,130
Income from operations	999,473	842,361	757,587
Interest expense	78,637	88,039	67,525
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	1,043
Other income, net	620	-192	-2,338
Earnings before income taxes	921,456	754,130	686,681
Income taxes	275,423	215,837	203,321
Net earnings	$646,033	$538,293	$483,360
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$6.47	$5.43	$4.95
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$6.40	$5.37	$4.86
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	99,916	99,123	97,702
Diluted (in shares)	100,884	100,209	99,558
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.85	$0.70	$0.58

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$646,033	$538,293	$483,360
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-115,010	-15,454	23,633
Unrecognized Pension Gain	0	0	1,104
Total other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax	-115,010	-15,454	24,737
Comprehensive income	$531,023	$522,839	$508,097

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$987	$1,117,093	$2,063,110	$33,800	($19,894)	$3,195,096
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	96,679,000
Net earnings	0	0	483,360	0	0	483,360
Stock option exercises	14	56,086	0	0	0	56,100
Stock option exercises (in shares)	1,389,000
Treasury stock sold	0	1,977	0	0	218	2,195
Treasury stock sold (in shares)	22,000
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	0	0	0	23,633	0	23,633
Stock based compensation	0	39,808	0	0	0	39,808
Restricted stock activity	2	-18,424	0	0	0	-18,422
Restricted stock activity (in shares)	187,000
Stock option tax benefit, net of shortfalls	0	30,840	0	0	0	30,840
Conversion of senior subordinated convertible notes	3	-69,379	0	0	0	-69,376
Conversion of senior subordinated convertible notes (in shares)	327,000
Deferred Pension Gain	0	0	0	1,104	0	1,104
Dividends declared	0	0	-56,612	0	0	-56,612
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	1,006	1,158,001	2,489,858	58,537	-19,676	3,687,726
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	98,604,000
Net earnings	0	0	538,293	0	0	538,293
Stock option exercises	4	23,995	0	0	0	23,999
Stock option exercises (in shares)	434,000
Treasury stock sold	0	2,248	0	0	201	2,449
Treasury stock sold (in shares)	20,000
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	0	0	0	-15,454	0	-15,454
Stock based compensation	0	53,417	0	0	0	53,417
Restricted stock activity	3	-16,046	0	0	0	-16,043
Restricted stock activity (in shares)	254,000
Stock option tax benefit, net of shortfalls	0	16,000	0	0	0	16,000
Conversion of senior subordinated convertible notes	0	-8,382	0	0	0	-8,382
Conversion of senior subordinated convertible notes (in shares)	0
Dividends declared	0	0	-68,955	0	0	-68,955
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	1,013	1,229,233	2,959,196	43,083	-19,475	4,213,050
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	99,312,000					99,312
Net earnings	0	0	646,033	0	0	646,033
Stock option exercises	6	32,517	0	0	0	32,523
Stock option exercises (in shares)	581,000
Treasury stock sold	0	2,549	0	0	202	2,751
Treasury stock sold (in shares)	20,000
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	0	0	0	-115,010	0	-115,010
Stock based compensation	0	63,025	0	0	0	63,025
Restricted stock activity	2	-22,064	0	0	0	-22,062
Restricted stock activity (in shares)	213,000
Stock option tax benefit, net of shortfalls	0	21,481	0	0	0	21,481
Conversion of senior subordinated convertible notes	0	-1,403	0	0	0	-1,403
Dividends declared	0	0	-85,028	0	0	-85,028
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$1,021	$1,325,338	$3,520,201	($71,927)	($19,273)	$4,755,360
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	100,126,000					100,126

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha1

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity Parenthetical (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Currency translation adjustments, tax	$3,916	$2,406	$907
Conversion of senior subordinated convertible notes, tax	$115
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$0.85	$0.70	$0.58

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
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$646,033	$538,293	$483,360
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment	40,890	37,756	37,888
Amortization of intangible assets	156,394	151,434	116,860
Amortization of deferred financing costs	4,003	3,918	2,399
Non-cash stock compensation	63,027	53,133	40,773
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquired businesses:
Accounts receivable	-404	32,800	-16,455
Inventories	6,349	-12,687	18,361
Unbilled Receivables	-10,305	-14,754	-5,122
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-20,455	23,305	9,209
Income taxes payable	-46,619	-6,427	-15,988
Other, net	1,528	-4,218	6,567
Cash provided by operating activities	840,441	802,553	677,852
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	-305,379	-1,074,413	-1,467,772
Capital expenditures	-37,644	-42,528	-38,405
Proceeds from sale of assets	1,506	2,174	1,315
Other, net	-6,588	-1,096	-683
Cash used in investing activities	-348,105	-1,115,863	-1,505,545
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from senior notes	0	800,000	900,000
Payment of senior notes	0	-500,000	0
Borrowings/(payments) under revolving line of credit, net	-250,000	150,000	100,000
Principal payments on convertible notes	-561	-3,702	-57,304
Debt issuance costs	0	-7,717	-12,213
Cash dividends to stockholders	-79,859	-49,092	-69,903
Treasury stock sales	2,751	2,449	2,195
Stock award tax excess windfall benefit	21,081	11,709	30,747
Proceeds from stock based compensation, net	10,463	7,944	37,679
Redemption Premium Convertible Debt	-1,518	-9,124	-76,641
Other	-461	1,166	-690
Cash used in financing activities	-298,104	403,633	853,870
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash	-43,522	-1,193	6,312
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	150,710	89,130	32,489
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	459,720	370,590	338,101
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	610,430	459,720	370,590
Cash paid for:
Interest	74,446	94,648	67,804
Income taxes, net of refunds received	300,969	210,540	188,560
Noncash investing activities:
Fair value of assets, including goodwill	324,717	1,275,827	1,824,453
Liabilities assumed	-19,338	-201,414	-356,681
Cash paid, net of cash acquired	$305,379	$1,074,413	$1,467,772

Summary_of_Accounting_Policies

Summary of Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Accounting Policies [Text Block]
	-1	Summary of Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation - These financial statements present consolidated information for Roper Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Roper" or the "Company"). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Nature of the Business - Roper is a diversified technology company.  The Company operates businesses that design and develop software (both license and software-as-a-service) and engineered products and solutions for a variety of niche end markets; including healthcare, transportation, food, energy, water, education and academic research.
	Accounts Receivable - Accounts receivable are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts and sales allowances of $13.7 million and $15.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Outstanding accounts receivable balances are reviewed periodically, and allowances are provided at such time that management believes it is probable that an account receivable is uncollectible. The returns and other sales credit allowance is an estimate of customer returns, exchanges, discounts or other forms of anticipated concessions and is treated as a reduction in revenue.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents - Roper considers highly liquid financial instruments with remaining maturities at acquisition of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Roper had $40 million in cash equivalents at December 31, 2014 and none at December 31, 2013.
	Contingencies - Management continually assesses the probability of any adverse judgments or outcomes to its potential contingencies.  Disclosure of the contingency is made if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss or an additional loss may have been incurred.  In the assessment of contingencies as of December 31, 2014, management concluded that no accrual was necessary and that there were no matters for which there was a reasonable possibility of a material loss.
	Earnings per Share - Basic earnings per share were calculated using net earnings and the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the respective year. Diluted earnings per share were calculated using net earnings and the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and potential common stock outstanding during the respective year. Potentially dilutive common stock consisted of stock options and the premium over the conversion price on Roper's senior subordinated convertible notes based upon the trading price of the Company's common stock. The effects of potential common stock were determined using the treasury stock method (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding		99,916		99,123		97,702
	Effect of potential common stock:
	Common stock awards		816		891		1,040
	Senior subordinated convertible notes		152		195		816
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding		100,884		100,209		99,558
	As of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were 764,333, 614,850 and 547,591 outstanding stock options, respectively, that were not included in the determination of diluted earnings per share because doing so would have been antidilutive.
	Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions - Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar were translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses were translated at average exchange rates for the period in which those entities were included in Roper's financial results.  Translation adjustments are reflected as a component of other comprehensive income.  Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded in the income statement as other income/(expense).  The gain or loss included in pre-tax income was a net gain of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, a net loss of $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and a net loss of $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Roper accounts for goodwill in a purchase business combination as the excess of the cost over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired. Business combinations can also result in other intangible assets being recognized. Amortization of intangible assets, if applicable, occurs over their estimated useful lives. Goodwill, which is not amortized, is tested for impairment on an annual basis (or an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value) using a two-step process. The first step of the process utilizes both an income approach (discounted cash flows) and a market approach consisting of a comparable public company earnings multiples methodology to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit.  To determine the reasonableness of the estimated fair values, the Company reviews the assumptions to ensure that neither the income approach nor the market approach provides significantly different valuations.  If the estimated fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further work is required and no impairment loss is recognized.  If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value, the goodwill of the reporting unit is potentially impaired and then the second step would be completed in order to measure the impairment loss by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible net assets (including unrecognized intangible assets) of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit.  If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, a non-cash impairment loss would be recognized.
	Key assumptions used in the income and market methodologies are updated when the analysis is performed for each reporting unit.  Various assumptions are utilized including forecasted operating results, strategic plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, the weighted-average cost of capital, comparable transactions, market data and earnings multiples.  The assumptions that have the most significant effect on the fair value calculations are the anticipated future cash flows, discount rates, and the earnings multiples.  While the Company uses reasonable and timely information to prepare its cash flow and discount rate assumptions, actual future cash flows or market conditions could differ significantly resulting in future impairment charges related to recorded goodwill balances.
	The Company has 29 reporting units with individual goodwill amounts ranging from zero to $994 million.  The Company concluded that the fair value of each of its reporting units was in excess of its carrying value, with no impairment indicated as of December 31, 2014.  Negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to its business, actual results significantly below expected results, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in the use of the assets, divestitures and market capitalization declines may have a negative effect on the fair value of Roper's reporting units.
	The following events or circumstances, although not comprehensive, would be considered to determine whether interim testing of goodwill would be required:
		●	a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate;
		●	an adverse action or assessment by a regulator;
		●	unanticipated competition;
		●	a loss of key personnel;
		●	a more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of;
		●	the testing for recoverability under the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets of a significant asset group within a reporting unit; and
		●	recognition of a goodwill impairment loss in the financial statements of a subsidiary that is a component of a reporting unit.
	Business combinations can also result in other intangible assets being recognized. Amortization of intangible assets, if applicable, occurs over their estimated useful lives. Trade names that are determined to have an indefinite useful economic life are not amortized, but separately tested for impairment during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year or on an interim basis if an event occurs that indicates the fair value is more likely than not below the carrying value.  Roper conducts these reviews for all of its reporting units using the relief-from-royalty method, which management believes to be an acceptable methodology due to its common use by valuations specialists in determining the fair value of intangible assets.  This methodology assumes that, in lieu of ownership, a third party would be willing to pay a royalty in order to exploit the related benefits of these assets.  The fair value of each trade name is determined by applying a royalty rate to a projection of net sales discounted using a risk adjusted rate of capital.  Each royalty rate is determined based on the profitability of the reporting unit to which it relates and observed market royalty rates.  Sales growth rates are determined after considering current and future economic conditions, recent sales trends, discussions with customers, planned timing of new product launches or other variables.
	The assessment of fair value for impairment purposes requires significant judgments to be made by management.  Although forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management is using to operate the underlying businesses, there is significant judgment in determining the expected results attributable to the reporting units.  Changes in estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results. No impairment resulted from the annual reviews performed in 2014.
	Roper evaluates whether there has been an impairment of identifiable intangible assets with definite useful economic lives, or of the remaining life of such assets, when certain indicators of impairment are present. In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the cost or remaining period of amortization of any asset may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability would be performed. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future gross, undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset would be compared to the asset's carrying amount to determine if a write-down to fair value or a revision in the remaining amortization period is required.
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - The Company determines whether there has been an impairment of long-lived assets, excluding goodwill and identifiable intangible assets that are determined to have indefinite useful economic lives, when certain indicators of impairment are present. In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the cost or life of any long-lived assets may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability would be performed. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future gross, undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset would be compared to the asset's carrying amount to determine if a write-down to fair value or revision to remaining life is required. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying long-lived assets could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the long-lived assets that may not be reflected in the assets' current carrying value, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge or acceleration of depreciation or amortization expense in the future.
	Income Taxes - Roper is a U.S.-based multinational company and the calculation of its worldwide provision for income taxes requires analysis of many factors, including income tax systems that vary from country to country, and the United States' treatment of non-U.S. earnings. The Company provides U.S. income taxes for unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are not considered permanently reinvested overseas. As of December 31, 2014, the amount of earnings of foreign subsidiaries that the Company considers permanently reinvested and for which deferred taxes have not been provided was approximately $1.1 billion. Because of the availability of U.S. foreign tax credits, it is not practicable to determine the U.S. federal income tax liability that would be payable if such earnings were not reinvested indefinitely.
	Although it is the Company's intention to permanently reinvest these earnings indefinitely there are certain events that would cause these earnings to become taxable.  These events include, but are not limited to, changes in U.S. tax laws, dividends paid between foreign subsidiaries in the absence of Section 954(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("IRC"), foreign subsidiary guarantees of U.S. parent debt and the liquidation of foreign subsidiaries or actual distributions by foreign subsidiaries into a U.S. affiliate.
	The Company recognizes in the consolidated financial statements only those tax positions determined to be "more likely than not" of being sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the positions.  Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified as a component of income tax expense.
	The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, both positive and negative, for each respective tax jurisdictions, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of such deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Available evidence which is considered in determining the amount of valuation allowance required includes, but is not limited to, the Company's estimate of future taxable income and any applicable tax-planning strategies.
	Certain assets and liabilities have different bases for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Deferred income taxes have been provided for these differences at the tax rates expected to be paid.
	Interest Rate Risk - The Company manages interest rate risk by maintaining a combination of fixed- and variable-rate debt, which may include interest rate swaps to convert fixed-rate debt to variable-rate debt, or to convert variable-rate debt to fixed-rate debt.  Interest rate swaps are recorded at fair value in the balance sheet as an asset or liability, and the changes in fair values of both the swap and the hedged item are recorded as interest expense in current earnings.  There were no interest rate swaps outstanding at December 31, 2014.
	Inventories - Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. The Company writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence or excess inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.
	Other Comprehensive Income - Comprehensive income includes net earnings and all other non-owner sources of changes in a company's net assets.
	Product Warranties - The Company sells certain of its products to customers with a product warranty that allows customers to return a defective product during a specified warranty period following the purchase in exchange for a replacement product, repair at no cost to the customer or the issuance of a credit to the customer. The Company accrues its estimated exposure to warranty claims based upon current and historical product sales data, warranty costs incurred and any other related information known to the Company.
	Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation and Amortization - Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided for using principally the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
	Buildings	20-30 years
	Machinery	8-12 years
	Other equipment	3-5 years
	Recently Released Accounting Pronouncements - The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") establishes changes to accounting principles under GAAP in the form of accounting standards updates ("ASUs") to the FASB's Accounting Standards Codification.  The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs.  Any ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have an immaterial impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued updates to the accounting for stock compensation. These updates, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, modify the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. The Company does not expect these updates to have an impact on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued updates on accounting and disclosures for revenue from contracts with customers. These updates, effective for annual reporting periods after December 15, 2016, create a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers. The model is based on changes in contract assets (rights to receive consideration) and liabilities (obligations to provide a good or service). Revenue will be recognized based on the satisfaction of performance obligations, which occurs when control of a good or service transfers to a customer. The Company is evaluating the impact of these updates on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
	Research and Development - Research and development ("R&D") costs include salaries and benefits, rents, supplies, and other costs related to products under development. Research and development costs are expensed in the period incurred and totaled $147.9 million, $145.7 million and $125.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Revenue Recognition - The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria are met:
		●	persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;
		●	delivery has occurred or services have been rendered;
		●	the seller's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and
		●	collectibility is reasonably assured.
	In addition, the Company recognizes revenue from the sale of product when title and risk of loss pass to the customer, which is generally when product is shipped. The Company recognizes revenue from services when such services are rendered or, if applicable, upon customer acceptance. Revenues under certain relatively long-term and relatively large-value construction and software projects are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method using the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs as the measure of performance. The Company recognized revenues of $266 million, $205 million and $146 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, using this method. Estimated losses on any projects are recognized as soon as such losses become known.
	Capitalized Software - The Company accounts for capitalized software under applicable accounting guidance which, among other provisions, requires capitalization of certain internal-use software costs once certain criteria are met.  Overhead, general and administrative and training costs are not capitalized. Capitalized software was $4.7 million and $8.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Stock-Based Compensation - The Company recognizes expense for the grant date fair value of its employee stock awards on a straight-line basis (or, in the case of performance-based awards, on a graded basis) over the employee's requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the award).  The fair value of option awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.  The Company presents the cash flows resulting from the tax benefits arising from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for stock award exercises (excess tax benefits) as financing cash flows.

Business_Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisitions [Abstract]
Business Acquisitions [Text Block]	-2	Business Acquisitions
	2014 Acquisitions – During the year ended December 31, 2014, Roper completed three business combinations.  The results of operations of the acquired companies have been included in Roper's consolidated results since the date of each acquisition. Supplemental pro forma information has not been provided as the acquisitions did not have a material impact on Roper's consolidated results of operations individually or in aggregate.
	Roper acquired 100% of the shares of Foodlink Holdings, Inc. ("Foodlink"), Innovative Product Achievements, LLC ("IPA") and Strategic Healthcare Programs Holdings, LLC ("SHP") on July 2, August 5, and August 14, 2014, respectively.  The aggregate purchase price was $303 million, paid in cash.  Roper purchased the businesses to expand upon existing supply chain and medical platforms. SHP and IPA are reported in the Medical & Scientific Imaging segment, and Foodlink is reported in the RF Technology segment.
	The Company expensed transaction costs of $2.8 million related to the acquisitions as corporate general and administrative expenses, as incurred.
	The Company recorded $208 million in goodwill and $99 million in other identifiable intangibles in connection with the acquisitions; however, purchase price allocations are preliminary pending final intangibles valuations and tax-related adjustments.  The majority of the goodwill recorded is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.  Of the $99 million of intangible assets acquired, $7 million was assigned to trade names that are not subject to amortization. The remaining $92 million of acquired intangible assets have a weighted-average useful life of 17 years. The intangible assets that make up that amount include customer relationships of $82 million (19 year weighted-average useful life), unpatented technology of $7 million (6 year weighted-average useful life), software of $2 million (4 year weighted-average useful life) and backlog of $1 million (1 year weighted-average useful life).
	2013 Acquisitions – During the year ended December 31, 2013, Roper completed two business combinations.  The results of operations of the acquired companies have been included in Roper's consolidated results since the date of each acquisition. Supplemental pro forma information has not been provided as the acquisitions did not have a material impact on Roper's consolidated results of operations individually or in aggregate.
	On May 1, 2013, Roper acquired 100% of the shares of Managed Health Care Associates, Inc. ("MHA"), in a $1.0 billion all-cash transaction.  MHA is a leading provider of services and technologies to support the diverse and complex needs of alternate site health care providers who deliver services outside of an acute care hospital setting. The acquisition of MHA complements and expands the Company's medical software and services platform.   MHA is reported in the Medical & Scientific Imaging segment.
	The following table (in thousands) summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
	Current assets		$	59,813
	Identifiable intangibles			465,500
	Goodwill			678,183
	Other assets			5,798
	Total assets acquired			1,209,294
	Current liabilities			(24,717	)
	Long-term deferred tax liability			(162,503	)
	Other liabilities			(6,524	)
	Net assets acquired		$	1,015,550
	The fair value of current assets acquired also includes an adjustment of $35.0 million for administrative fees related to customer purchases that occurred prior to the acquisition date but not reported to MHA until after the acquisition date. In the ordinary course, these administrative fees are recorded as revenue when reported; however, GAAP accounting for business acquisitions requires the Company to estimate the amount of purchases occurring prior to the acquisition date and record the fair value of the administrative fees to be received from those purchases as an accounts receivable at the date of acquisition. The Company also recorded a fair value liability of $8.6 million included in current liabilities related to corresponding revenue-share obligation owed to customers that generated the administrative fees.  Both of these fair value adjustments were fully amortized as of September 30, 2013.
	On October 4, 2013, the Company paid $54 million in cash to acquire 100% of the shares of Advanced Sensors, Ltd. ("Advanced Sensors"), a company which manufactures and supports oil-in-water analyzers for the oil and gas industries, in order to expand the Company's product line.  Advanced Sensors is reported in the Energy Systems and Controls segment.  The Company recorded $28 million in goodwill and $28 million of other identifiable intangibles in connection with the acquisition.
	The majority of the goodwill related to the 2013 acquisitions is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.  Of the $493 million of intangible assets acquired in 2013, $28 million was assigned to trade names that are not subject to amortization. The remaining $465 million of acquired intangible assets have a weighted-average useful life of approximately 19 years. The intangible assets that make up that amount include customer relationships of $451 million (20 year weighted-average useful life), technology of $12 million (7 year weighted-average useful life), and $2 million of protective rights in the form of non-compete agreements (5 year weighted-average useful life).
	The Company expensed transaction costs of $3.3 million related to the acquisitions as corporate general and administrative expenses, as incurred.
	2012 Acquisitions – During the year ended December 31, 2012, Roper completed six business combinations.  The results of operations of the acquired companies have been included in Roper's consolidated results since the date of each acquisition.
	The largest of the 2012 acquisitions was Sunquest Information Systems, Inc. ("Sunquest"), a leading provider of diagnostic and laboratory software solutions to healthcare providers. Roper acquired 100% of the shares of Sunquest on August 22, 2012, in a $1.4 billion all-cash transaction. The Company acquired Sunquest to complement and expand its medical platform.  Sunquest is reported in the Medical & Scientific Imaging segment.
	The Company expensed transaction costs of $6.7 million related to the acquisition as corporate general and administrative expenses, as incurred.
	The following table (in thousands) summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
	Current assets		$	96,883
	Identifiable intangibles			669,000
	Goodwill			993,780
	Other assets			2,694
	Total assets acquired			1,762,357
	Deferred revenue			(83,065	)
	Other current liabilities			(18,762	)
	Long-term deferred tax liability			(244,550	)
	Net assets acquired		$	1,415,980
	The majority of the goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.  Of the $669 million of acquired intangible assets acquired, $98 million was assigned to trade names that are not subject to amortization. The remaining $571 million of acquired intangible assets have a weighted-average useful life of 18 years. The intangible assets that make up that amount include customer relationships of $460 million (20 year weighted-average useful life) and software of $111 million (12 year weighted-average useful life).
	Roper's results for the year ended December 31, 2012 included results from Sunquest between August 22, 2012 and December 31, 2012.  In that period, Sunquest contributed $69.4 million in revenue and $8.8 million of earnings (inclusive of deal-related costs) to Roper's results.  The following unaudited pro forma summary presents consolidated information as if the acquisition of Sunquest had occurred on January 1, 2011 (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
		Pro forma
		Year ended December 31,
		2012
	Sales		$	3,130,407
	Net income			521,141
	Earnings per share, basic			5.33
	Earnings per share, diluted			5.23
	Pro forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2012 were adjusted by $50.7 million for non-recurring acquisition and other costs. Adjustments were also made for recurring changes in amortization, interest expense and taxes related to the acquisition.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, Roper completed five other acquisitions which were immaterial.  The aggregate purchase price of these acquisitions totaled $62 million of cash.  The Company recorded $43 million in other identifiable intangibles and $16 million in goodwill in connection with these acquisitions.  The Company expensed transaction costs of $1 million related to these acquisitions as corporate general and administrative expenses, as incurred. Supplemental pro forma information has not been provided as the acquisitions did not have a material impact on Roper's consolidated results of operations individually or in aggregate.
	The majority of the goodwill recorded for these five companies is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.  Of the $43 million of intangible assets acquired, $1 million was assigned to trade names that are not subject to amortization. The remaining $42 million of acquired intangible assets have a weighted-average useful life of 7 years. The intangible assets that make up that amount include customer relationships of $17 million (7 year weighted-average useful life), protective rights and patents of $16 million (7 year weighted-average useful life) and unpatented technology of $8 million (8 year weighted-average useful life).

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories [Text Block]	-3	Inventories
	The components of inventories at December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
			2014			2013
	Raw materials and supplies		$	124,103		$	127,525
	Work in process			29,358			30,498
	Finished products			79,184			90,352
	Inventory reserves			(38,879	)		(43,452	)
			$	193,766		$	204,923

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Text Block]	-4	Property, Plant and Equipment
	The components of property, plant and equipment at December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
			2014			2013
	Land		$	4,130		$	4,384
	Buildings			80,775			79,219
	Machinery and other equipment			320,697			310,738
				405,602			394,341
	Accumulated depreciation			(294,726	)		(277,031	)
			$	110,876		$	117,310
	Depreciation and amortization expense was $40,890, $37,756 and $37,888 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	-5	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	The carrying value of goodwill by segment was as follows (in thousands):
			Industrial			Energy Systems			Medical and			RF Technology			Total
			Technology			and Controls			Scientific Imaging
	Balances at December 31, 2012		$	421,755		$	404,057		$	1,772,402		$	1,270,643		$	3,868,857
	Goodwill acquired			-			27,944			680,732			-			708,676
	Currency translation adjustments			3,746			198			(13,345	)		(76	)		(9,477	)
	Reclassifications and other			-			2,498			(4,283	)		(16,273	)		(18,058	)
	Balances at December 31, 2013		$	425,501		$	434,697		$	2,435,506		$	1,254,294		$	4,549,998
	Goodwill acquired			-			-			174,347			33,596			207,943
	Currency translation adjustments			(16,537	)		(8,002	)		(18,847	)		(7,102	)		(50,488	)
	Reclassifications and other			-			(112	)		3,350			-			3,238
	Balances at December 31, 2014		$	408,964		$	426,583		$	2,594,356		$	1,280,788		$	4,710,691
	Reclassifications and other during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were due primarily to immaterial out of period corrections of tax adjustments for Sunquest and TransCore, respectively, that were not material in the current or prior periods.  See Note 2 for information regarding acquisitions.
	Other intangible assets were comprised of (in thousands):
			Cost			Accum. amort.			Net book value
	Assets subject to amortization:
	Customer related intangibles		$	1,936,336		$	(464,018	)	$	1,472,318
	Unpatented technology			216,044			(120,091	)		95,953
	Software			160,618			(58,084	)		102,534
	Patents and other protective rights			31,394			(21,922	)		9,472
	Trade names			656			(16	)		640
	Assets not subject to amortization:
	Trade names			358,219			-			358,219
	Balances at December 31, 2013		$	2,703,267		$	(664,131	)	$	2,039,136
	Assets subject to amortization:
	Customer related intangibles		$	1,975,334		$	(543,594	)	$	1,431,740
	Unpatented technology			217,260			(134,702	)		82,558
	Software			156,449			(62,882	)		93,567
	Patents and other protective rights			26,463			(18,325	)		8,138
	Backlog			1,100			(443	)		657
	Trade names			622			(72	)		550
	Assets not subject to amortization:
	Trade names			361,519			-			361,519
	Balances at December 31, 2014		$	2,738,747		$	(760,018	)	$	1,978,729
	Amortization expense of other intangible assets was $153 million, $147 million, and $113 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Amortization expense is expected to be $147 million in 2015, $143 million in 2016, $132 million in 2017, $125 million in 2018 and $119 million in 2019.

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities [Text Block]	-6	Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities at December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
			2014		2013
	Interest		$	18,275	$	18,285
	Customer deposits			16,392		21,438
	Commissions			12,025		12,030
	Warranty			9,537		14,336
	Accrued dividend			25,032		19,863
	Rebates			12,968		14,104
	Billings in excess of cost			14,135		5,016
	Other			52,374		48,640
			$	160,738	$	153,712

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Text Block]	-7	Income Taxes
	Earnings before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following components (in thousands):
			2014			2013			2012
	United States		$	665,219		$	517,432		$	430,573
	Other			256,237			236,698			256,108
			$	921,456		$	754,130		$	686,681
	Components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
			2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal		$	218,302		$	166,430		$	136,860
	State			37,155			12,577			9,972
	Foreign			56,107			40,451			48,403
	Deferred:
	Domestic			(30,664	)		(1,965	)		15,789
	Foreign			(5,477	)		(1,656	)		(7,703	)
			$	275,423		$	215,837		$	203,321
	Reconciliations between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			2014			2013			2012
	Federal statutory rate			35	%		35	%		35	%
	Foreign rate differential			(3.9	)		(4.1	)		(3.9	)
	R&D tax credits			(0.4	)		(0.5	)		-
	State taxes, net of federal benefit			2			1.9			1.7
	Foreign tax credit			-			-			(2.4	)
	Section 199 deduction			(1.6	)		(1.8	)		(1.3	)
	Other, net			(1.2	)		(1.9	)		0.5
				29.9	%		28.6	%		29.6	%
	The deferred income tax balance sheet accounts arise from temporary differences between the amount of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting and tax purposes.
	Components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
			2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Reserves and accrued expenses		$	130,508		$	119,955
	Inventories			10,186			10,315
	Net operating loss carryforwards			41,480			35,286
	R&D credits			7,145			3,134
	Foreign tax credits			-			425
	Valuation allowance			(16,169	)		(5,917	)
	Total deferred tax assets		$	173,150		$	163,198
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Reserves and accrued expenses		$	27,981		$	20,995
	Amortizable intangible assets			798,502			826,838
	Plant and equipment			4,741			12,423
	Total deferred tax liabilities		$	831,224		$	860,256
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately $14.1 million of tax-effected U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards that if not utilized will expire in years 2023 through 2034. The U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards increased from 2013 to 2014 primarily due to losses incurred by a U.S. entity that is not a member of the Company's consolidated tax group and therefore not available for offset against the taxable income of other members of the group.  In a recent acquisition, the consolidated group obtained U.S. federal net operating losses subject to an IRC Section 382 limitation; however, the Company expects to utilize the losses in their entirety prior to expiration.  The Company has approximately $20.8 million of tax-effected state net operating loss carryforwards that if not utilized will expire in years 2021 through 2034. The state net operating loss carryforwards are primarily related to Florida, Georgia and New Jersey, but the Company has smaller net operating losses in various other states.  The Company has approximately $6.6 million of tax-effected foreign net operating loss carryforwards that if not utilized will begin to expire in 2015, while some do not have a definite expiration. Additionally, the Company has $7.1 million of U.S. federal and state research and development tax credit carryforwards that will expire in years 2019 through 2034.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company determined that a total valuation allowance of $16.2 million was necessary to reduce U.S. deferred tax assets by $11.9 million and foreign deferred tax assets by $4.3 million, where it was more likely than not that some portion or all of such deferred tax assets will not be realized.  As of December 31, 2014, based on the Company's estimates of future taxable income and any applicable tax-planning strategies within various tax jurisdictions, the Company believes that it is more likely than not that the remaining net deferred tax assets will be realized.
	The Company recognizes in the consolidated financial statements only those tax positions determined to be "more likely than not" of being sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the positions.  A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
			2014			2013			2012
	Beginning balance		$	26,924		$	24,865		$	19,556
	Additions for tax positions of prior periods			6,532			3,055			1,371
	Additions for tax positions of the current period			5,571			1,639			1,541
	Additions due to acquisitions			-			5,026			9,116
	Reductions for tax positions of prior periods			(1,008	)		(3,675	)		(197	)
	Reductions for tax positions of the current period
	Settlements with taxing authorities			(518	)		-			-
	Lapse of applicable statute of limitations			(8,934	)		(3,986	)		(6,522	)
	Ending balance		$	28,567		$	26,924		$	24,865
	The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is $27.0 million. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified as a component of income tax expense and totaled $0.6 million in 2014. Accrued interest and penalties were $5.2 million at December 31, 2014 and $4.5 million at December 31, 2013. During the next twelve months, the unrecognized tax benefits are expected to increase by a net $9.2 million, due mainly to anticipated settlements with various state taxing authorities.
	The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income taxes of multiple state, city and foreign jurisdictions. The Company's federal income tax returns for 2010 through the current period remain subject to examination and the relevant state, city and foreign statutes vary. At December 31, 2014, the Internal Revenue Service has been and is continuing to examine the Company's income tax returns for the years 2010 through 2012. The Company does not expect the assessment of any significant additional tax in excess of amounts reserved.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt [Text Block]	-8	Long-Term Debt
	On July 27, 2012, Roper entered into a $1.5 billion unsecured credit facility (the "2012 Facility") with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders, which replaced its prior unsecured credit facility dated as of July 7, 2008 (the "2008 Facility"). The 2012 Facility is composed of a five year $1.5 billion revolving credit facility.  Roper may also, subject to compliance with specified conditions, request term loans or additional revolving credit commitments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $350 million.  At December 31, 2014, there were no outstanding borrowings under the 2012 Facility.  Roper recorded a $1.0 million non-cash debt extinguishment charge in the third quarter of 2012 related to the early termination of the 2008 Facility.  This charge reflects the unamortized fees associated with the 2008 Facility and was reported as other expense.
	The 2012 Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants which, among other things, limit Roper's ability to incur new debt, prepay subordinated debt, make certain investments and acquisitions, sell assets and grant liens, make restricted payments (including the payment of dividends on our common stock) and capital expenditures, or change its line of business. Roper is also subject to financial covenants which require the Company to limit its consolidated total leverage ratio and to maintain a consolidated interest coverage ratio. The most restrictive covenant is the consolidated total leverage ratio which is limited to 3.5.
	The Company was in compliance with its debt covenants throughout the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	On June 6, 2013, the Company completed a public offering of $800 million aggregate principal amount of 2.050% senior unsecured notes due October 1, 2018.  The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.050% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning October 1, 2013.
	Roper may redeem some or all of the notes at any time or from time to time, at 100% of their principal amount plus a make-whole premium based on a spread to U.S. Treasury securities as described in the indenture relating to the notes.
	On November 21, 2012, Roper completed a public offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 1.850% senior unsecured notes due November 15, 2017 and $500 million aggregate principal amount of 3.125% senior unsecured notes due November 15, 2022.  The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 1.850% and 3.125% per year, respectively, payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning May 15, 2013.
	Roper may redeem some or all of the notes at any time or from time to time, at 100% of their principal amount plus a make-whole premium based on a spread to U.S. Treasury securities as described in the indenture relating to the notes.
	In September 2009, the Company completed a public offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior unsecured notes due September 2019.  The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.25% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year, beginning March 1, 2010.
	Roper may redeem some or all of these notes at any time or from time to time, at 100% of their principal amount, plus a make-whole premium based on a spread to U.S. Treasury securities.
	The Company's senior notes are unsecured senior obligations of the Company and rank equally in right of payment with all of Roper's existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.  The notes are effectively subordinated to any of its existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness.  The notes are not guaranteed by any of Roper's subsidiaries and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of Roper's subsidiaries.
	Other debt includes $8 million of senior subordinated convertible notes due 2034.
	Total debt at December 31 consisted of the following (in thousands):
			2014		2013
	$1.5 billion revolving credit facility		$	-	$	250,000
	2017 Notes			400,000		400,000
	2018 Notes			800,000		800,000
	2019 Notes			500,000		500,000
	2022 Notes			500,000		500,000
	Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes			8,003		8,270
	Other			6,120		6,582
	Total debt			2,214,123		2,464,852
	Less current portion			11,092		11,016
	Long-term debt		$	2,203,031	$	2,453,836
	The 2012 Facility and Roper's $2.2 billion senior notes provide substantially all of Roper's daily external financing requirements. The interest rate on the borrowings under the 2012 Facility is calculated based upon various recognized indices plus a margin as defined in the credit agreement. At December 31, 2014, Roper's debt consisted of $2.2 billion of senior notes and $8 million in senior subordinated convertible notes. In addition, the Company had $6.1 million of other debt in the form of capital leases, several smaller facilities that allow for borrowings or the issuance of letters of credit in foreign locations to support Roper's non-U.S. businesses and $49 million of outstanding letters of credit at December 31, 2014.
	In December 2003, the Company issued through a public offering $230 million of 3.75% subordinated convertible notes due in 2034 at an original issue discount of 60.498% (the "Convertible Notes"). The Convertible Notes are subordinated in right of payment and collateral to all of Roper's existing and future senior debt. Cash interest on the notes was paid semi-annually until January 15, 2009, after which interest is recognized at the effective rate of 3.75% and represents accrual of original issue discount, and only contingent cash interest may be paid. Contingent cash interest may be paid during any six month period if the average trading price of a note for a five trading day measurement period preceding the applicable six month period equals 120% or more of the sum of the issue price, accrued original issue discount and accrued cash interest, if any, for such note. The contingent cash interest payable per note in respect of any six month period will equal the annual rate of 0.25%. In accordance with this criterion, contingent interest has been paid for each six month period since January 15, 2009. Holders receive cash up to the value of the accreted principal amount of the notes converted and, at the Company's option, any remainder of the conversion value may be paid in cash or shares of common stock. Holders may require Roper to purchase all or a portion of their notes on January 15, 2019 at a price of $572.76 per note, on January 15, 2024 at a price of $689.68 per note, and on January 15, 2029 at a price of $830.47 per note, in each case plus accrued cash interest, if any, and accrued contingent cash interest, if any. The Company may only pay the purchase price of such notes in cash and not in common stock. In addition, if Roper experiences a change in control, each holder may require Roper to purchase for cash all or a portion of such holder's notes at a price equal to the sum of the issue price plus accrued original issue discount for non-tax purposes, accrued cash interest, if any, and accrued contingent cash interest, if any, to the date of purchase.
	The Convertible Notes are classified as short-term debt as the notes became convertible on October 1, 2005 based upon the Company's common stock trading above the trigger price for at least 20 trading days during the 30 consecutive trading-day periods ending on September 30, 2005.
	At December 31, 2014, the conversion price on the outstanding notes was $488.37. If converted at December 31, 2014, the value would have exceeded the $8 million principal amount of the notes by $25 million and could have resulted in the issuance of 155,980 shares of the Company's common stock.
	Future maturities of total debt during each of the next five years ending December 31 and thereafter were as follows (in thousands):
	2015		$	11,092
	2016			2,332
	2017			400,630
	2018			800,066
	2019			500,003
	Thereafter			500,000
			$	2,214,123

Fair_Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	-9	Fair Value
	Roper's debt at December 31, 2014 included $2.2 billion of fixed-rate senior notes with the following fair values (in millions):
	$400 million senior notes due 2017		$	401
	$800 million senior notes due 2018			800
	$500 million senior notes due 2019			578
	$500 million senior notes due 2022			492
	The fair values of the senior notes are based on the trading prices of the notes, which the Company has determined to be Level 2 in the FASB fair value hierarchy.  Short-term debt included $8 million of fixed-rate convertible notes which were at fair value due to the short-term nature of the notes.  Most of Roper's other borrowings at December 31, 2014 were at various interest rates that adjust relatively frequently under its credit facility. The fair value for each of these borrowings at December 31, 2014 was estimated to be the face value of these borrowings.

Retirement_and_Other_Benefit_P

Retirement and Other Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Retirement and Other Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Retirement and Other Benefit Plans [Text Block]	-10	Retirement and Other Benefit Plans
	Roper maintains four defined contribution retirement plans under the provisions of Section 401(k) of the IRC covering substantially all U.S. employees not subject to collective bargaining agreements  The number of plans was reduced from eleven in the prior year due to consolidation of existing plans. Roper partially matches employee contributions. Costs related to these plans were $19.5 million, $16.5 million and $16.4 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Roper also maintains various defined benefit retirement plans covering employees of non-U.S. and certain U.S. subsidiaries and a plan that supplements certain employees for the contribution ceiling applicable to the Section 401(k) plans. The costs and accumulated benefit obligations associated with each of these plans were not material.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation [Text Block]	-11	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Roper Industries, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Incentive Plan ("2006 Plan") is a stock-based compensation plan used to grant incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights or equivalent instruments to the Company's employees, officers, directors and consultants. The 2006 Plan replaced the Amended and Restated 2000 Incentive Plan ("2000 Plan"), and no additional grants will be made from the 2000 Plan.  The number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2006 Plan is 14,000,000, plus 17,000 remaining shares that were available to grant under the 2000 Plan at June 28, 2006, plus any shares underlying outstanding awards under the 2000 Plan that terminate or expire unexercised, or are cancelled, forfeited or lapse for any reason subsequent to June 28, 2006. At December 31, 2014, 4,494,756 shares were available to grant.
	Under the Roper Industries, Inc., Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"), all employees in the U.S. and Canada are eligible to designate up to 10% of eligible earnings to purchase Roper's common stock at a 5% discount to the average closing price of its common stock at the beginning and end of a quarterly offering period. Common stock sold to the employees may be either treasury stock, stock purchased on the open market, or newly issued shares.
	Stock based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in millions):
			2014				2013				2012
	Stock based compensation		$	63			$	53.4			$	40.8
	Tax benefit recognized in net income			22.1				18.7				14.3
	Windfall tax benefit, net			21.5				16				30.8
	Stock Options – Stock options are typically granted at prices not less than 100% of market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant. Stock options typically vest over a period of three to five years from the grant date and expire ten years after the grant date. The Company recorded $16.6 million, $16.9 million, and $14.8 million of compensation expense relating to outstanding options during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as a component of general and administrative expenses, primarily at corporate.
	The Company estimates the fair value of its option awards using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The stock volatility for each grant is measured using the weighted-average of historical daily price changes of the Company's common stock over the most recent period equal to the expected life of the grant. The expected term of options granted is derived from historical data to estimate option exercises and employee forfeitures, and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The weighted-average fair value of options granted in 2014, 2013 and 2012 were calculated using the following weighted-average assumptions:
		2014			2013			2012
	Weighted-average fair value ($)		34.95			37.08			30.25
	Risk-free interest rate (%)		1.63			0.86			0.77
	Average expected option life (years)		5.22			5.19			5.24
	Expected volatility (%)		27.01			36.09			36.51
	Expected dividend yield (%)		0.58			0.56			0.58
	The following table summarizes the Company's activities with respect to its stock option plans for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			Number of shares				Weighted-average			Weighted-average				Aggregate intrinsic
							exercise price			contractual term				value
							per share
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013			2,918,195			$	63.15
	Granted			601,350				117.78
	Exercised			(424,945	)			56.48
	Canceled			(106,164	)			98.74
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			2,988,436				74				6.22			$	193,279,214
	Granted			650,000				137.05
	Exercised			(587,661	)			55.98
	Canceled			(69,664	)			116.29
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			2,981,111				90.48				6.37			$	196,378,239
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014			1,811,238			$	68.02				4.91			$	159,978,254
	The following table summarizes information for stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014:
					Outstanding options												Exercisable options
	Exercise price				Number				Average				Average remaining				Number		Average
									exercise				life (years)						exercise
									price										price
	$	31.66 - 47.49				110,598			$	41.82				4.2				110,598	$	41.82
		47.50 - 63.32				911,913				54.1				3.3				911,913		54.1
		63.33 - 79.15				379,830				72.62				6.1				379,830		72.62
		79.16 - 94.98				325,632				92.7				7				216,610		92.24
		94.99 - 110.81				89,049				97.99				7.5				51,717		98.07
		110.82- 126.64				512,589				117.12				8.2				124,727		116.27
		126.65 - 142.47				573,000				135.14				9.2				15,843		133.77
		142.48 - 158.30				78,500				150.38				9.7				-		-
	$	31.66 - 158.30				2,981,111			$	90.48				6.4				1,811,238	$	68.02
	At December 31, 2014, there was $27.6 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested options granted under the Company's share-based payment plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years. The total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $50.3 million, $28.8 million and $86.0 million, respectively. Cash received from option exercises under all plans in 2014 and 2013 was $32.5 million and $24.0 million, respectively.
	Restricted Stock Grants - During 2014 and 2013, the Company granted 375,060 and 399,540 shares, respectively, of restricted stock to certain employee and director participants under the 2006 Plan. Restricted stock grants generally vest over a period of 1 to 3 years. The Company recorded $46.4 million, $36.5 million and $25.9 million of compensation expense related to outstanding shares of restricted stock held by employees and directors during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  A summary of the Company's nonvested shares activity for 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
			Number of				Weighted-average
			shares				grant date
							fair value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012			571,905			$	80.96
	Granted			399,540				117.74
	Vested			(373,946	)			126.8
	Forfeited			(23,649	)			124.48
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013			573,850			$	103.44
	Granted			375,060				142.3
	Vested			(378,994	)			153.16
	Forfeited			(27,361	)			106.6
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014			542,555			$	130.29
	At December 31, 2014, there was $43.4 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested awards granted to both employees and directors under the Company's share-based payment plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.  Unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested shares of restricted stock grants is recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital in stockholder's equity at December 31, 2014.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan - During 2014, 2013 and 2012, participants of the ESPP purchased 20,368, 20,211 and 22,863 shares, respectively, of Roper's common stock for total consideration of $2.8 million, $2.4 million, and $2.2 million, respectively. All of these shares were purchased from Roper's treasury shares. The Company had no compensation expense relating to the stock purchase plan during 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Contingencies [Abstract]
Contingencies [Text Block]	(12) Contingencies
	Roper, in the ordinary course of business, is the subject of, or a party to, various pending or threatened legal actions, including product liability and employment practices. It is vigorously contesting all lawsuits that, in general, are based upon claims of the kind that have been customary over the past several years. After analyzing the Company's contingent liabilities on a gross basis and, based upon past experience with resolution of its product liability and employment practices claims and the limits of the primary, excess, and umbrella liability insurance coverages that are available with respect to pending claims, management believes that adequate provision has been made to cover any potential liability not covered by insurance.  The ultimate liability, if any, arising from these actions should not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows of Roper.
	Roper or its subsidiaries have been named defendants along with numerous industrial companies in asbestos-related litigation claims in certain U.S. states. No significant resources have been required by Roper to respond to these cases and Roper believes it has valid defenses to such claims and, if required, intends to defend them vigorously. Given the state of these claims it is not possible to determine the potential liability, if any.
	Roper's rent expense was $38.4 million, $39.8 million and $26.8 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Roper's future minimum property lease commitments are as follows (in millions):
	2015	$	35
	2016		28.5
	2017		19.3
	2018		10.8
	2019		5.6
	Thereafter		10.7
	Total	$	109.9
	A summary of the Company's warranty accrual activity is presented below (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year	$	14,336		$	9,755		$	8,147
	Additions charged to costs and expenses*		13,396			20,387			11,845
	Deductions		(18,078	)		(15,697	)		(10,287	)
	Other		(117	)		(109	)		50
	Balance, end of year	$	9,537		$	14,336		$	9,755
	* During the second quarter of 2013, the Company identified a vendor-supplied component within a refrigeration system valve that did not meet its quality standards, and $9.1 million was expensed to cover the estimated cost of replacing the faulty components for customers.
	Other included warranty balances at acquired businesses at the dates of acquisition, the effects of foreign currency translation adjustments, reclassifications and other.
	As of December 31, 2014, Roper had $49 million of letters of credit issued to guarantee its performance under certain services contracts or to support certain insurance programs and $428 million of outstanding surety bonds. Certain contracts, primarily those involving public sector customers, require Roper to provide a surety bond as a guarantee of its performance of contractual obligations.

Segment_and_Geographic_Area_In

Segment and Geographic Area Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Segments [Abstract]
Business Segments [Text Block]	-13	Segment and Geographic Area Information
	Roper's operations are reported in four segments around common customers, markets, sales channels, technologies and common cost opportunities. The segments are: Industrial Technology, Energy Systems and Controls, Medical & Scientific Imaging, and RF Technology. Products included within the Industrial Technology segment are water and fluid handling pumps, flow measurement and metering equipment, industrial valves and controls, materials analysis equipment and consumables and industrial leak testing. The Energy Systems and Controls segment's products include control systems, equipment and consumables for fluid properties testing, vibration sensors and other non-destructive inspection and measurement products and services. The Medical and Scientific Imaging segment offers medical products and software, high performance digital imaging products and software and handheld and vehicle mounted computers. The RF Technology segment includes products and systems related to comprehensive toll and traffic systems and processing, security and access control, campus card systems, software-as-a-service applications in the freight matching and food industries and utility metering and remote monitoring applications.  Roper's management structure and internal reporting are aligned consistently with these four segments.
	There were no material transactions between Roper's business segments during 2014, 2013 and 2012. Sales between geographic areas are primarily of finished products and are accounted for at prices intended to represent third-party prices. Operating profit by business segment and by geographic area is defined as net sales less operating costs and expenses. These costs and expenses do not include unallocated corporate administrative expenses. Items below income from operations on Roper's statement of earnings are not allocated to business segments.
	Identifiable assets are those assets used primarily in the operations of each business segment or geographic area. Corporate assets are principally comprised of cash and cash equivalents, deferred tax assets, recoverable insurance claims, deferred compensation assets, unamortized deferred financing costs and property and equipment.
	Selected financial information by business segment for 2014, 2013 and 2012 follows (in thousands):
			Industrial		Energy Systems		Medical and			RF		Corporate			Total
			Technology		and Controls		Scientific			Technology
							Imaging
	2014
	Net sales		$	827,145	$	691,813	$	1,080,309		$	950,227	$	-		$	3,549,494
	Operating profit			247,596		203,021		375,867			271,177		(98,188	)		999,473
	Assets:
	Operating assets			220,115		219,284		232,380			270,458		7,002			949,239
	Intangible assets, net			557,593		568,670		3,842,180			1,720,977		-			6,689,420
	Other			120,681		223,831		147,529			65,636		216,598			774,275
	Total															8,412,934
	Capital expenditures			10,713		4,634		11,430			10,521		346			37,644
	Depreciation and other amortization			21,135		23,281		93,683			58,702		483			197,284
	2013
	Net sales		$	779,564	$	651,920	$	902,281		$	904,363	$	-		$	3,238,128
	Operating profit			223,053		183,679		268,172			253,532		(86,075	)		842,361
	Assets:
	Operating assets			232,505		214,926		237,681			266,026		15,325			966,463
	Intangible assets, net			583,822		597,250		3,682,465			1,725,597		-			6,589,134
	Other			75,215		167,879		152,211			62,576		171,503			629,384
	Total															8,184,981
	Capital expenditures			17,043		4,952		10,231			10,190		112			42,528
	Depreciation and other amortization			21,551		21,353		85,177			60,590		519			189,190
	2012
	Net sales		$	795,240	$	646,116	$	703,835		$	848,298	$	-		$	2,993,489
	Operating profit			244,691		179,824		187,246			223,335		(77,509	)		757,587
	Assets:
	Operating assets			225,620		199,016		232,527			251,721		24,731			933,615
	Intangible assets, net			590,175		555,667		2,631,085			1,790,797		-			5,567,724
	Other			100,102		80,230		114,834			51,044		223,555			569,765
	Total															7,071,104
	Capital expenditures			14,030		5,532		8,253			9,765		825			38,405
	Depreciation and other amortization			21,754		19,671		50,309			62,629		385			154,748
	Summarized data for Roper's U.S. and foreign operations (principally in Canada, Europe and Asia) for 2014, 2013 and 2012, based upon the country of origin of the Roper entity making the sale, was as follows (in thousands):
			United States		Non-U.S.		Eliminations			Total
	2014
	Sales to unaffiliated customers		$	2,661,470	$	888,024	$	-		$	3,549,494
	Sales between geographic areas			159,049		119,175		(278,224	)		-
	Net sales		$	2,820,519	$	1,007,199	$	(278,224	)	$	3,549,494
	Long-lived assets		$	134,855	$	30,781	$	-		$	165,636
	2013
	Sales to unaffiliated customers		$	2,400,592	$	837,536	$	-		$	3,238,128
	Sales between geographic areas			141,529		121,431		(262,960	)		-
	Net sales		$	2,542,121	$	958,967	$	(262,960	)	$	3,238,128
	Long-lived assets		$	135,157	$	36,266	$	-		$	171,423
	2012
	Sales to unaffiliated customers		$	2,174,443	$	819,046	$	-		$	2,993,489
	Sales between geographic areas			140,864		111,813		(252,677	)		-
	Net sales		$	2,315,307	$	930,859	$	(252,677	)	$	2,993,489
	Long-lived assets		$	125,015	$	35,702	$	-		$	160,717
	Export sales from the U.S. during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $477 million, $479 million and $459 million, respectively. In the year ended December 31, 2014, these exports were shipped primarily to Asia (36%), Europe (18%), Canada (16%), Middle East (13%), South America (6%), South Pacific (5%) and other (6%).
	Sales to customers outside the U.S. accounted for a significant portion of Roper's revenues. Sales are attributed to geographic areas based upon the location where the product is ultimately shipped. Roper's net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are shown below by region, except for Canada, which is presented separately as it is the only country in which Roper has had greater than 5% of total sales for any of the three years presented (in thousands):
			Industrial		Energy Systems		Medical and			RF Technology		Total
			Technology		and Controls		Scientific Imaging
	2014
	Canada		$	106,598	$	31,831	$	24,997		$	45,811	$	209,237
	Europe			121,909		157,391		185,263			54,330		518,893
	Asia			61,552		143,524		107,695			7,555		320,326
	Middle East			3,824		42,988		9,997			34,241		91,050
Rest of the world			26,134		78,186		28,722			9,333		142,375
Total		$	320,017	$	453,920	$	356,674		$	151,270	$	1,281,881
2013
Canada		$	109,361	$	34,260	$	25,502		$	45,954	$	215,077
Europe			108,644		153,807		168,394			62,825		493,670
Asia			65,622		136,934		103,931			8,134		314,621
Middle East			3,865		32,444		9,361			44,341		90,011
Rest of the world			26,716		82,956		17,856			11,865		139,393
Total		$	314,208	$	440,401	$	325,044		$	173,119	$	1,252,772
2012
Canada		$	94,035	$	39,836	$	21,308		$	47,371	$	202,550
Europe			104,105		148,360		161,075			64,492		478,032
Asia			75,113		121,997		111,642			6,465		315,217
Middle East			3,846		47,866		4,613			30,125		86,450
Rest of the world			34,091		68,275		20,500			9,293		132,161
Total		$	311,190	$	426,334	$	319,138		$	157,746	$	1,214,410

Concentration_of_Risk

Concentration of Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Concentration of Risk [Abstract]
Concentration of Risk [Text Block]	-14	Concentration of Risk
	Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and trade receivables.
	The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various major financial institutions. Cash equivalents include investments in commercial paper of companies with high credit ratings, investments in money market securities and securities backed by the U.S. Government. At times such amounts may exceed the F.D.I.C. limits. The Company limits the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution and believes that no significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to cash investments.
	Trade receivables subject the Company to the potential for credit risk with customers. To reduce credit risk, the Company performs ongoing evaluations of its customers' financial condition.

Quarterly_Financial_Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	-15	Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
			First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
			(in thousands, except per share data)
	2014
	Net sales		$	834,052	$	885,175	$	884,122	$	946,145
	Gross profit			488,936		523,182		524,040		565,741
	Income from operations			223,400		246,666		245,658		283,749
	Net earnings			147,226		157,361		155,510		185,936
	Earnings from continuing operations per common share:
	Basic			1.48		1.58		1.55		1.86
	Diluted			1.46		1.56		1.54		1.84
	2013
	Net sales		$	737,135	$	784,010	$	827,810	$	889,173
	Gross profit			421,576		445,507		482,625		533,220
	Income from operations			185,177		179,746		219,349		258,089
	Net earnings			124,914		111,353		136,323		165,703
	Earnings from continuing operations per common share:
	Basic			1.26		1.12		1.37		1.67
	Diluted			1.25		1.11		1.36		1.65
	The sum of the four quarters may not agree with the total for the year due to rounding.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	-16	Subsequent Event
	In the period following December 31, 2014 but before the filing date of this Annual Report, Roper acquired Strata Decision Technology LLC, a provider of planning and budget software for health care providers and Softwriters Inc., a provider of long-term care pharmacy operating software.
	The aggregate purchase price for these acquisitions was $360 million, paid in cash.  Roper purchased the companies to expand upon existing medical platforms.  Purchase accounting has not been completed as of the filing date, and no supplemental pro forma data has been provided as the acquisitions are immaterial both individually and in aggregate.

Schedule_II_Consolidated_Valua

Schedule II - Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and qualifying accounts	ROPER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	Schedule II – Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
		Balance at		Additions		Deductions			Other			Balance at
		beginning		charged to								end
		of year		costs and								of year
				expenses
		(in thousands)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales allowances
	2014	$	14,992	$	2,357	$	(3,355	)	$	(300	)	$	13,694
	2013		15,976		1,350		(2,992	)		658			14,992
	2012		10,636		4,573		(2,403	)		3,170			15,976
	Reserve for inventory obsolescence
	2014	$	43,452	$	8,621	$	(11,833	)	$	(1,361	)	$	38,879
	2013		41,967		11,360		(9,696	)		(179	)		43,452
	2012		35,224		14,736		(8,253	)		260			41,967
	Deductions from the allowance for doubtful accounts represented the net write-off of uncollectible accounts receivable. Deductions from the inventory obsolescence reserve represented the disposal of obsolete items.
	Other included the allowance for doubtful accounts and reserve for inventory obsolescence of acquired businesses at the dates of acquisition, the effects of foreign currency translation adjustments for those companies whose functional currency was not the U.S. dollar, reclassifications and other.

Summary_of_Accounting_Policies1

Summary of Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation - These financial statements present consolidated information for Roper Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Roper" or the "Company"). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Nature of the Business	Nature of the Business - Roper is a diversified technology company.  The Company operates businesses that design and develop software (both license and software-as-a-service) and engineered products and solutions for a variety of niche end markets; including healthcare, transportation, food, energy, water, education and academic research.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable - Accounts receivable are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts and sales allowances of $13.7 million and $15.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Outstanding accounts receivable balances are reviewed periodically, and allowances are provided at such time that management believes it is probable that an account receivable is uncollectible. The returns and other sales credit allowance is an estimate of customer returns, exchanges, discounts or other forms of anticipated concessions and is treated as a reduction in revenue.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents - Roper considers highly liquid financial instruments with remaining maturities at acquisition of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Roper had $40 million in cash equivalents at December 31, 2014 and none at December 31, 2013.
Contingencies	Contingencies - Management continually assesses the probability of any adverse judgments or outcomes to its potential contingencies.  Disclosure of the contingency is made if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss or an additional loss may have been incurred.  In the assessment of contingencies as of December 31, 2014, management concluded that no accrual was necessary and that there were no matters for which there was a reasonable possibility of a material loss.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share - Basic earnings per share were calculated using net earnings and the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the respective year. Diluted earnings per share were calculated using net earnings and the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and potential common stock outstanding during the respective year. Potentially dilutive common stock consisted of stock options and the premium over the conversion price on Roper's senior subordinated convertible notes based upon the trading price of the Company's common stock. The effects of potential common stock were determined using the treasury stock method (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding		99,916		99,123		97,702
	Effect of potential common stock:
	Common stock awards		816		891		1,040
	Senior subordinated convertible notes		152		195		816
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding		100,884		100,209		99,558
	As of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were 764,333, 614,850 and 547,591 outstanding stock options, respectively, that were not included in the determination of diluted earnings per share because doing so would have been antidilutive.
Estimates	Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions - Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar were translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses were translated at average exchange rates for the period in which those entities were included in Roper's financial results.  Translation adjustments are reflected as a component of other comprehensive income.  Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded in the income statement as other income/(expense).  The gain or loss included in pre-tax income was a net gain of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, a net loss of $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and a net loss of $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Roper accounts for goodwill in a purchase business combination as the excess of the cost over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired. Business combinations can also result in other intangible assets being recognized. Amortization of intangible assets, if applicable, occurs over their estimated useful lives. Goodwill, which is not amortized, is tested for impairment on an annual basis (or an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value) using a two-step process. The first step of the process utilizes both an income approach (discounted cash flows) and a market approach consisting of a comparable public company earnings multiples methodology to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit.  To determine the reasonableness of the estimated fair values, the Company reviews the assumptions to ensure that neither the income approach nor the market approach provides significantly different valuations.  If the estimated fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further work is required and no impairment loss is recognized.  If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value, the goodwill of the reporting unit is potentially impaired and then the second step would be completed in order to measure the impairment loss by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible net assets (including unrecognized intangible assets) of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit.  If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, a non-cash impairment loss would be recognized.
	Key assumptions used in the income and market methodologies are updated when the analysis is performed for each reporting unit.  Various assumptions are utilized including forecasted operating results, strategic plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, the weighted-average cost of capital, comparable transactions, market data and earnings multiples.  The assumptions that have the most significant effect on the fair value calculations are the anticipated future cash flows, discount rates, and the earnings multiples.  While the Company uses reasonable and timely information to prepare its cash flow and discount rate assumptions, actual future cash flows or market conditions could differ significantly resulting in future impairment charges related to recorded goodwill balances.
	The Company has 29 reporting units with individual goodwill amounts ranging from zero to $994 million.  The Company concluded that the fair value of each of its reporting units was in excess of its carrying value, with no impairment indicated as of December 31, 2014.  Negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to its business, actual results significantly below expected results, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in the use of the assets, divestitures and market capitalization declines may have a negative effect on the fair value of Roper's reporting units.
	The following events or circumstances, although not comprehensive, would be considered to determine whether interim testing of goodwill would be required:
		●	a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate;
		●	an adverse action or assessment by a regulator;
		●	unanticipated competition;
		●	a loss of key personnel;
		●	a more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of;
		●	the testing for recoverability under the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets of a significant asset group within a reporting unit; and
		●	recognition of a goodwill impairment loss in the financial statements of a subsidiary that is a component of a reporting unit.
	Business combinations can also result in other intangible assets being recognized. Amortization of intangible assets, if applicable, occurs over their estimated useful lives. Trade names that are determined to have an indefinite useful economic life are not amortized, but separately tested for impairment during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year or on an interim basis if an event occurs that indicates the fair value is more likely than not below the carrying value.  Roper conducts these reviews for all of its reporting units using the relief-from-royalty method, which management believes to be an acceptable methodology due to its common use by valuations specialists in determining the fair value of intangible assets.  This methodology assumes that, in lieu of ownership, a third party would be willing to pay a royalty in order to exploit the related benefits of these assets.  The fair value of each trade name is determined by applying a royalty rate to a projection of net sales discounted using a risk adjusted rate of capital.  Each royalty rate is determined based on the profitability of the reporting unit to which it relates and observed market royalty rates.  Sales growth rates are determined after considering current and future economic conditions, recent sales trends, discussions with customers, planned timing of new product launches or other variables.
	The assessment of fair value for impairment purposes requires significant judgments to be made by management.  Although forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management is using to operate the underlying businesses, there is significant judgment in determining the expected results attributable to the reporting units.  Changes in estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results. No impairment resulted from the annual reviews performed in 2014.
	Roper evaluates whether there has been an impairment of identifiable intangible assets with definite useful economic lives, or of the remaining life of such assets, when certain indicators of impairment are present. In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the cost or remaining period of amortization of any asset may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability would be performed. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future gross, undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset would be compared to the asset's carrying amount to determine if a write-down to fair value or a revision in the remaining amortization period is required.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - The Company determines whether there has been an impairment of long-lived assets, excluding goodwill and identifiable intangible assets that are determined to have indefinite useful economic lives, when certain indicators of impairment are present. In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the cost or life of any long-lived assets may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability would be performed. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future gross, undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset would be compared to the asset's carrying amount to determine if a write-down to fair value or revision to remaining life is required. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying long-lived assets could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the long-lived assets that may not be reflected in the assets' current carrying value, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge or acceleration of depreciation or amortization expense in the future.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes - Roper is a U.S.-based multinational company and the calculation of its worldwide provision for income taxes requires analysis of many factors, including income tax systems that vary from country to country, and the United States' treatment of non-U.S. earnings. The Company provides U.S. income taxes for unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are not considered permanently reinvested overseas. As of December 31, 2014, the amount of earnings of foreign subsidiaries that the Company considers permanently reinvested and for which deferred taxes have not been provided was approximately $1.1 billion. Because of the availability of U.S. foreign tax credits, it is not practicable to determine the U.S. federal income tax liability that would be payable if such earnings were not reinvested indefinitely.
	Although it is the Company's intention to permanently reinvest these earnings indefinitely there are certain events that would cause these earnings to become taxable.  These events include, but are not limited to, changes in U.S. tax laws, dividends paid between foreign subsidiaries in the absence of Section 954(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("IRC"), foreign subsidiary guarantees of U.S. parent debt and the liquidation of foreign subsidiaries or actual distributions by foreign subsidiaries into a U.S. affiliate.
	The Company recognizes in the consolidated financial statements only those tax positions determined to be "more likely than not" of being sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the positions.  Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified as a component of income tax expense.
	The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, both positive and negative, for each respective tax jurisdictions, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of such deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Available evidence which is considered in determining the amount of valuation allowance required includes, but is not limited to, the Company's estimate of future taxable income and any applicable tax-planning strategies.
	Certain assets and liabilities have different bases for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Deferred income taxes have been provided for these differences at the tax rates expected to be paid.
Interest Rate Risk	Interest Rate Risk - The Company manages interest rate risk by maintaining a combination of fixed- and variable-rate debt, which may include interest rate swaps to convert fixed-rate debt to variable-rate debt, or to convert variable-rate debt to fixed-rate debt.  Interest rate swaps are recorded at fair value in the balance sheet as an asset or liability, and the changes in fair values of both the swap and the hedged item are recorded as interest expense in current earnings.  There were no interest rate swaps outstanding at December 31, 2014.
Inventories	Inventories - Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. The Company writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence or excess inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.
Other Comprehensive Earnings	Other Comprehensive Income - Comprehensive income includes net earnings and all other non-owner sources of changes in a company's net assets.
Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation and Amortization	Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation and Amortization - Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided for using principally the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
	Buildings	20-30 years
	Machinery	8-12 years
	Other equipment	3-5 years
Recently Released Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Released Accounting Pronouncements - The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") establishes changes to accounting principles under GAAP in the form of accounting standards updates ("ASUs") to the FASB's Accounting Standards Codification.  The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs.  Any ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have an immaterial impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued updates to the accounting for stock compensation. These updates, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, modify the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. The Company does not expect these updates to have an impact on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued updates on accounting and disclosures for revenue from contracts with customers. These updates, effective for annual reporting periods after December 15, 2016, create a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers. The model is based on changes in contract assets (rights to receive consideration) and liabilities (obligations to provide a good or service). Revenue will be recognized based on the satisfaction of performance obligations, which occurs when control of a good or service transfers to a customer. The Company is evaluating the impact of these updates on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Research and Development Disclosure [Text Block]	Research and Development - Research and development ("R&D") costs include salaries and benefits, rents, supplies, and other costs related to products under development. Research and development costs are expensed in the period incurred and totaled $147.9 million, $145.7 million and $125.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition - The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria are met:
		●	persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;
		●	delivery has occurred or services have been rendered;
		●	the seller's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and
		●	collectibility is reasonably assured.
	In addition, the Company recognizes revenue from the sale of product when title and risk of loss pass to the customer, which is generally when product is shipped. The Company recognizes revenue from services when such services are rendered or, if applicable, upon customer acceptance. Revenues under certain relatively long-term and relatively large-value construction and software projects are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method using the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs as the measure of performance. The Company recognized revenues of $266 million, $205 million and $146 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, using this method. Estimated losses on any projects are recognized as soon as such losses become known.
Capitalized Software	Capitalized Software - The Company accounts for capitalized software under applicable accounting guidance which, among other provisions, requires capitalization of certain internal-use software costs once certain criteria are met.  Overhead, general and administrative and training costs are not capitalized. Capitalized software was $4.7 million and $8.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation - The Company recognizes expense for the grant date fair value of its employee stock awards on a straight-line basis (or, in the case of performance-based awards, on a graded basis) over the employee's requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the award).  The fair value of option awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.  The Company presents the cash flows resulting from the tax benefits arising from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for stock award exercises (excess tax benefits) as financing cash flows.

Summary_of_Accounting_Policies2

Summary of Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Diluted Shares Outstanding Table	Earnings per Share - Basic earnings per share were calculated using net earnings and the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the respective year. Diluted earnings per share were calculated using net earnings and the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and potential common stock outstanding during the respective year. Potentially dilutive common stock consisted of stock options and the premium over the conversion price on Roper's senior subordinated convertible notes based upon the trading price of the Company's common stock. The effects of potential common stock were determined using the treasury stock method (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding		99,916		99,123		97,702
	Effect of potential common stock:
	Common stock awards		816		891		1,040
	Senior subordinated convertible notes		152		195		816
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding		100,884		100,209		99,558
Property, plant and equipment table	Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation and Amortization - Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided for using principally the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
	Buildings	20-30 years
	Machinery	8-12 years
	Other equipment	3-5 years

Business_Acquisitions_Tables

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisitions [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table (in thousands) summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
	Current assets		$	59,813
	Identifiable intangibles			465,500
	Goodwill			678,183
	Other assets			5,798
	Total assets acquired			1,209,294
	Current liabilities			(24,717	)
	Long-term deferred tax liability			(162,503	)
	Other liabilities			(6,524	)
	Net assets acquired		$	1,015,550
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustments	The following table (in thousands) summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
	Current assets		$	96,883
	Identifiable intangibles			669,000
	Goodwill			993,780
	Other assets			2,694
	Total assets acquired			1,762,357
	Deferred revenue			(83,065	)
	Other current liabilities			(18,762	)
	Long-term deferred tax liability			(244,550	)
	Net assets acquired		$	1,415,980
	The majority of the goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.  Of the $669 million of acquired intangible assets acquired, $98 million was assigned to trade names that are not subject to amortization. The remaining $571 million of acquired intangible assets have a weighted-average useful life of 18 years. The intangible assets that make up that amount include customer relationships of $460 million (20 year weighted-average useful life) and software of $111 million (12 year weighted-average useful life).
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Table	Roper's results for the year ended December 31, 2012 included results from Sunquest between August 22, 2012 and December 31, 2012.  In that period, Sunquest contributed $69.4 million in revenue and $8.8 million of earnings (inclusive of deal-related costs) to Roper's results.  The following unaudited pro forma summary presents consolidated information as if the acquisition of Sunquest had occurred on January 1, 2011 (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
		Pro forma
		Year ended December 31,
		2012
	Sales		$	3,130,407
	Net income			521,141
	Earnings per share, basic			5.33
	Earnings per share, diluted			5.23

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	The components of inventories at December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Raw materials and supplies	$	124,103		$	127,525
	Work in process		29,358			30,498
	Finished products		79,184			90,352
	Inventory reserves		(38,879	)		(43,452	)
		$	193,766		$	204,923

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Table	Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation and Amortization - Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided for using principally the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
	Buildings	20-30 years
	Machinery	8-12 years
	Other equipment	3-5 years

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The carrying value of goodwill by segment was as follows (in thousands):
		Industrial			Energy Systems			Medical and			RF Technology			Total
		Technology			and Controls			Scientific Imaging
	Balances at December 31, 2012	$	421,755		$	404,057		$	1,772,402		$	1,270,643		$	3,868,857
	Goodwill acquired		-			27,944			680,732			-			708,676
	Currency translation adjustments		3,746			198			(13,345	)		(76	)		(9,477	)
	Reclassifications and other		-			2,498			(4,283	)		(16,273	)		(18,058	)
	Balances at December 31, 2013	$	425,501		$	434,697		$	2,435,506		$	1,254,294		$	4,549,998
	Goodwill acquired		-			-			174,347			33,596			207,943
	Currency translation adjustments		(16,537	)		(8,002	)		(18,847	)		(7,102	)		(50,488	)
	Reclassifications and other		-			(112	)		3,350			-			3,238
	Balances at December 31, 2014	$	408,964		$	426,583		$	2,594,356		$	1,280,788		$	4,710,691
Other Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets were comprised of (in thousands):
		Cost			Accum. amort.			Net book value
	Assets subject to amortization:
	Customer related intangibles	$	1,936,336		$	(464,018	)	$	1,472,318
	Unpatented technology		216,044			(120,091	)		95,953
	Software		160,618			(58,084	)		102,534
	Patents and other protective rights		31,394			(21,922	)		9,472
	Trade names		656			(16	)		640
	Assets not subject to amortization:
	Trade names		358,219			-			358,219
	Balances at December 31, 2013	$	2,703,267		$	(664,131	)	$	2,039,136
	Assets subject to amortization:
	Customer related intangibles	$	1,975,334		$	(543,594	)	$	1,431,740
	Unpatented technology		217,260			(134,702	)		82,558
	Software		156,449			(62,882	)		93,567
	Patents and other protective rights		26,463			(18,325	)		8,138
	Backlog		1,100			(443	)		657
	Trade names		622			(72	)		550
	Assets not subject to amortization:
	Trade names		361,519			-			361,519
	Balances at December 31, 2014	$	2,738,747		$	(760,018	)	$	1,978,729

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	Accrued liabilities at December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
		2014		2013
	Interest	$	18,275	$	18,285
	Customer deposits		16,392		21,438
	Commissions		12,025		12,030
	Warranty		9,537		14,336
	Accrued dividend		25,032		19,863
	Rebates		12,968		14,104
	Billings in excess of cost		14,135		5,016
	Other		52,374		48,640
		$	160,738	$	153,712

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Earnings Before Income Taxes	Earnings before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following components (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	665,219		$	517,432		$	430,573
	Other		256,237			236,698			256,108
		$	921,456		$	754,130		$	686,681
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	218,302		$	166,430		$	136,860
	State		37,155			12,577			9,972
	Foreign		56,107			40,451			48,403
	Deferred:
	Domestic		(30,664	)		(1,965	)		15,789
	Foreign		(5,477	)		(1,656	)		(7,703	)
		$	275,423		$	215,837		$	203,321
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	Reconciliations between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	Foreign rate differential		(3.9	)		(4.1	)		(3.9	)
	R&D tax credits		(0.4	)		(0.5	)		-
	State taxes, net of federal benefit		2			1.9			1.7
	Foreign tax credit		-			-			(2.4	)
	Section 199 deduction		(1.6	)		(1.8	)		(1.3	)
	Other, net		(1.2	)		(1.9	)		0.5
			29.9	%		28.6	%		29.6	%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Reserves and accrued expenses	$	130,508		$	119,955
	Inventories		10,186			10,315
	Net operating loss carryforwards		41,480			35,286
	R&D credits		7,145			3,134
	Foreign tax credits		-			425
	Valuation allowance		(16,169	)		(5,917	)
	Total deferred tax assets	$	173,150		$	163,198
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Reserves and accrued expenses	$	27,981		$	20,995
	Amortizable intangible assets		798,502			826,838
	Plant and equipment		4,741			12,423
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	831,224		$	860,256
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	The Company recognizes in the consolidated financial statements only those tax positions determined to be "more likely than not" of being sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the positions.  A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Beginning balance	$	26,924		$	24,865		$	19,556
	Additions for tax positions of prior periods		6,532			3,055			1,371
	Additions for tax positions of the current period		5,571			1,639			1,541
	Additions due to acquisitions		-			5,026			9,116
	Reductions for tax positions of prior periods		(1,008	)		(3,675	)		(197	)
	Reductions for tax positions of the current period
	Settlements with taxing authorities		(518	)		-			-
	Lapse of applicable statute of limitations		(8,934	)		(3,986	)		(6,522	)
	Ending balance	$	28,567		$	26,924		$	24,865

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long Term Debt	Total debt at December 31 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		2014		2013
	$1.5 billion revolving credit facility	$	-	$	250,000
	2017 Notes		400,000		400,000
	2018 Notes		800,000		800,000
	2019 Notes		500,000		500,000
	2022 Notes		500,000		500,000
	Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes		8,003		8,270
	Other		6,120		6,582
	Total debt		2,214,123		2,464,852
	Less current portion		11,092		11,016
	Long-term debt	$	2,203,031	$	2,453,836
	The 2012 Facility and Roper's $2.2 billion senior notes provide substantially all of Roper's daily external financing requirements. The interest rate on the borrowings under the 2012 Facility is calculated based upon various recognized indices plus a margin as defined in the credit agreement. At December 31, 2014, Roper's debt consisted of $2.2 billion of senior notes and $8 million in senior subordinated convertible notes. In addition, the Company had $6.1 million of other debt in the form of capital leases, several smaller facilities that allow for borrowings or the issuance of letters of credit in foreign locations to support Roper's non-U.S. businesses and $49 million of outstanding letters of credit at December 31, 2014.
Future Maturities of Long Term Debt	Future maturities of total debt during each of the next five years ending December 31 and thereafter were as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	11,092
	2016		2,332
	2017		400,630
	2018		800,066
	2019		500,003
	Thereafter		500,000
		$	2,214,123

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block]	Roper's debt at December 31, 2014 included $2.2 billion of fixed-rate senior notes with the following fair values (in millions):
	$400 million senior notes due 2017	$	401
	$800 million senior notes due 2018		800
	$500 million senior notes due 2019		578
	$500 million senior notes due 2022		492

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock Based Compensation Expense	Stock based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in millions):
			2014				2013				2012
	Stock based compensation		$	63			$	53.4			$	40.8
	Tax benefit recognized in net income			22.1				18.7				14.3
	Windfall tax benefit, net			21.5				16				30.8
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	The Company estimates the fair value of its option awards using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The stock volatility for each grant is measured using the weighted-average of historical daily price changes of the Company's common stock over the most recent period equal to the expected life of the grant. The expected term of options granted is derived from historical data to estimate option exercises and employee forfeitures, and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The weighted-average fair value of options granted in 2014, 2013 and 2012 were calculated using the following weighted-average assumptions:
		2014			2013			2012
	Weighted-average fair value ($)		34.95			37.08			30.25
	Risk-free interest rate (%)		1.63			0.86			0.77
	Average expected option life (years)		5.22			5.19			5.24
	Expected volatility (%)		27.01			36.09			36.51
	Expected dividend yield (%)		0.58			0.56			0.58
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes the Company's activities with respect to its stock option plans for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			Number of shares				Weighted-average			Weighted-average				Aggregate intrinsic
							exercise price			contractual term				value
							per share
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013			2,918,195			$	63.15
	Granted			601,350				117.78
	Exercised			(424,945	)			56.48
	Canceled			(106,164	)			98.74
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			2,988,436				74				6.22			$	193,279,214
	Granted			650,000				137.05
	Exercised			(587,661	)			55.98
	Canceled			(69,664	)			116.29
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			2,981,111				90.48				6.37			$	196,378,239
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014			1,811,238			$	68.02				4.91			$	159,978,254
Summary of Options Outstanding and Exercisable, by Range of Exercise Prices	The following table summarizes information for stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014:
					Outstanding options												Exercisable options
	Exercise price				Number				Average				Average remaining				Number		Average
									exercise				life (years)						exercise
									price										price
	$	31.66 - 47.49				110,598			$	41.82				4.2				110,598	$	41.82
		47.50 - 63.32				911,913				54.1				3.3				911,913		54.1
		63.33 - 79.15				379,830				72.62				6.1				379,830		72.62
		79.16 - 94.98				325,632				92.7				7				216,610		92.24
		94.99 - 110.81				89,049				97.99				7.5				51,717		98.07
		110.82- 126.64				512,589				117.12				8.2				124,727		116.27
		126.65 - 142.47				573,000				135.14				9.2				15,843		133.77
		142.48 - 158.30				78,500				150.38				9.7				-		-
	$	31.66 - 158.30				2,981,111			$	90.48				6.4				1,811,238	$	68.02
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Awards Activity	Restricted Stock Grants - During 2014 and 2013, the Company granted 375,060 and 399,540 shares, respectively, of restricted stock to certain employee and director participants under the 2006 Plan. Restricted stock grants generally vest over a period of 1 to 3 years. The Company recorded $46.4 million, $36.5 million and $25.9 million of compensation expense related to outstanding shares of restricted stock held by employees and directors during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  A summary of the Company's nonvested shares activity for 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
			Number of				Weighted-average
			shares				grant date
							fair value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012			571,905			$	80.96
	Granted			399,540				117.74
	Vested			(373,946	)			126.8
	Forfeited			(23,649	)			124.48
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013			573,850			$	103.44
	Granted			375,060				142.3
	Vested			(378,994	)			153.16
	Forfeited			(27,361	)			106.6
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014			542,555			$	130.29

Contingencies_Tables

Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule of Rent Expense	Roper's rent expense was $38.4 million, $39.8 million and $26.8 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Roper's future minimum property lease commitments are as follows (in millions):
	2015	$	35
	2016		28.5
	2017		19.3
	2018		10.8
	2019		5.6
	Thereafter		10.7
	Total	$	109.9
Warranty Accrual Activity	A summary of the Company's warranty accrual activity is presented below (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year	$	14,336		$	9,755		$	8,147
	Additions charged to costs and expenses*		13,396			20,387			11,845
	Deductions		(18,078	)		(15,697	)		(10,287	)
	Other		(117	)		(109	)		50
	Balance, end of year	$	9,537		$	14,336		$	9,755
	* During the second quarter of 2013, the Company identified a vendor-supplied component within a refrigeration system valve that did not meet its quality standards, and $9.1 million was expensed to cover the estimated cost of replacing the faulty components for customers.

Segment_and_Geographic_Area_In1

Segment and Geographic Area Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Segments [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Selected financial information by business segment for 2014, 2013 and 2012 follows (in thousands):
		Industrial		Energy Systems		Medical and			RF		Corporate			Total
		Technology		and Controls		Scientific			Technology
						Imaging
	2014
	Net sales	$	827,145	$	691,813	$	1,080,309		$	950,227	$	-		$	3,549,494
	Operating profit		247,596		203,021		375,867			271,177		(98,188	)		999,473
	Assets:
	Operating assets		220,115		219,284		232,380			270,458		7,002			949,239
	Intangible assets, net		557,593		568,670		3,842,180			1,720,977		-			6,689,420
	Other		120,681		223,831		147,529			65,636		216,598			774,275
	Total														8,412,934
	Capital expenditures		10,713		4,634		11,430			10,521		346			37,644
	Depreciation and other amortization		21,135		23,281		93,683			58,702		483			197,284
	2013
	Net sales	$	779,564	$	651,920	$	902,281		$	904,363	$	-		$	3,238,128
	Operating profit		223,053		183,679		268,172			253,532		(86,075	)		842,361
	Assets:
	Operating assets		232,505		214,926		237,681			266,026		15,325			966,463
	Intangible assets, net		583,822		597,250		3,682,465			1,725,597		-			6,589,134
	Other		75,215		167,879		152,211			62,576		171,503			629,384
	Total														8,184,981
	Capital expenditures		17,043		4,952		10,231			10,190		112			42,528
	Depreciation and other amortization		21,551		21,353		85,177			60,590		519			189,190
	2012
	Net sales	$	795,240	$	646,116	$	703,835		$	848,298	$	-		$	2,993,489
	Operating profit		244,691		179,824		187,246			223,335		(77,509	)		757,587
	Assets:
	Operating assets		225,620		199,016		232,527			251,721		24,731			933,615
	Intangible assets, net		590,175		555,667		2,631,085			1,790,797		-			5,567,724
	Other		100,102		80,230		114,834			51,044		223,555			569,765
	Total														7,071,104
	Capital expenditures		14,030		5,532		8,253			9,765		825			38,405
	Depreciation and other amortization		21,754		19,671		50,309			62,629		385			154,748
Sales and Long-Lived Assets by Country of Origin Table	Summarized data for Roper's U.S. and foreign operations (principally in Canada, Europe and Asia) for 2014, 2013 and 2012, based upon the country of origin of the Roper entity making the sale, was as follows (in thousands):
		United States		Non-U.S.		Eliminations			Total
	2014
	Sales to unaffiliated customers	$	2,661,470	$	888,024	$	-		$	3,549,494
	Sales between geographic areas		159,049		119,175		(278,224	)		-
	Net sales	$	2,820,519	$	1,007,199	$	(278,224	)	$	3,549,494
	Long-lived assets	$	134,855	$	30,781	$	-		$	165,636
	2013
	Sales to unaffiliated customers	$	2,400,592	$	837,536	$	-		$	3,238,128
	Sales between geographic areas		141,529		121,431		(262,960	)		-
	Net sales	$	2,542,121	$	958,967	$	(262,960	)	$	3,238,128
	Long-lived assets	$	135,157	$	36,266	$	-		$	171,423
	2012
	Sales to unaffiliated customers	$	2,174,443	$	819,046	$	-		$	2,993,489
	Sales between geographic areas		140,864		111,813		(252,677	)		-
	Net sales	$	2,315,307	$	930,859	$	(252,677	)	$	2,993,489
	Long-lived assets	$	125,015	$	35,702	$	-		$	160,717
Schedule Of Revenue From External Customers Attributed To Foreign Countries By Geographic Area Text Block	Sales to customers outside the U.S. accounted for a significant portion of Roper's revenues. Sales are attributed to geographic areas based upon the location where the product is ultimately shipped. Roper's net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are shown below by region, except for Canada, which is presented separately as it is the only country in which Roper has had greater than 5% of total sales for any of the three years presented (in thousands):
		Industrial		Energy Systems		Medical and			RF Technology		Total
		Technology		and Controls		Scientific Imaging
	2014
	Canada	$	106,598	$	31,831	$	24,997		$	45,811	$	209,237
	Europe		121,909		157,391		185,263			54,330		518,893
	Asia		61,552		143,524		107,695			7,555		320,326
	Middle East		3,824		42,988		9,997			34,241		91,050
	Rest of the world		26,134		78,186		28,722			9,333		142,375
	Total	$	320,017	$	453,920	$	356,674		$	151,270	$	1,281,881
	2013
	Canada	$	109,361	$	34,260	$	25,502		$	45,954	$	215,077
	Europe		108,644		153,807		168,394			62,825		493,670
	Asia		65,622		136,934		103,931			8,134		314,621
	Middle East		3,865		32,444		9,361			44,341		90,011
	Rest of the world		26,716		82,956		17,856			11,865		139,393
	Total	$	314,208	$	440,401	$	325,044		$	173,119	$	1,252,772
	2012
	Canada	$	94,035	$	39,836	$	21,308		$	47,371	$	202,550
	Europe		104,105		148,360		161,075			64,492		478,032
	Asia		75,113		121,997		111,642			6,465		315,217
	Middle East		3,846		47,866		4,613			30,125		86,450
	Rest of the world		34,091		68,275		20,500			9,293		132,161
	Total	$	311,190	$	426,334	$	319,138		$	157,746	$	1,214,410

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data		First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	2014
	Net sales	$	834,052	$	885,175	$	884,122	$	946,145
	Gross profit		488,936		523,182		524,040		565,741
	Income from operations		223,400		246,666		245,658		283,749
	Net earnings		147,226		157,361		155,510		185,936
	Earnings from continuing operations per common share:
	Basic		1.48		1.58		1.55		1.86
	Diluted		1.46		1.56		1.54		1.84
	2013
	Net sales	$	737,135	$	784,010	$	827,810	$	889,173
	Gross profit		421,576		445,507		482,625		533,220
	Income from operations		185,177		179,746		219,349		258,089
	Net earnings		124,914		111,353		136,323		165,703
	Earnings from continuing operations per common share:
	Basic		1.26		1.12		1.37		1.67
	Diluted		1.25		1.11		1.36		1.65

Summary_of_Accounting_Policies3

Summary of Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	ReportingUnit
Summary of Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales allowances	$13,700,000	$15,000,000
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	40,000,000	0
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	99,916,000	99,123,000	97,702,000
Effect of potential common stock
Common stock awards (in shares)	816,000	891,000	1,040,000
Senior subordinated convertible notes (in shares)	152,000	195,000	816,000
Diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	100,884,000	100,209,000	99,558,000
Antidilutive stock options (in shares)	764,333	614,850	547,591
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax	200,000	-3,900,000	-2,800,000
Total goodwill reporting units	29
Minimum carrying value of goodwill	0
Maximum carrying value of goodwill	994,000,000
The approximate amount of earnings of foreign subsidiaries	1,120,000
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Research and development costs	147,900,000	145,700,000	125,900,000
Contract revenue recognized under the percentage-of-completion method	266,000,000	205,000,000	146,000,000
Capitalized software	$4,700,000	$8,000,000
Buildings [Member] | Earliest [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	20 years
Buildings [Member] | Latest [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	30 years
Machinery and equipment [Member] | Earliest [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	8 years
Machinery and equipment [Member] | Latest [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	12 years
Office Equipment [Member] | Earliest [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	3 years
Office Equipment [Member] | Latest [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years

Business_Acquisitions_Details

Business Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			4 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
	Business	Business	Business
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of business acquired	3	2	6
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Intangible Assets Other than Goodwill		$493,000,000
Goodwill	4,710,691,000	4,549,998,000	3,868,857,000	3,868,857,000
Intangibles acquired		493,000,000
Finite lived intangible assets		465,000,000
Weighted average useful life		19 years
Cost of acquired entity transaction costs		3,300,000
Trade Names [Member]
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Indefinite lived intangible assets		28,000,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Finite lived intangible assets		451,000,000
Weighted average useful life		20 years
Technology [Member]
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Finite lived intangible assets		12,000,000
Weighted average useful life		7 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Finite lived intangible assets		2,000,000
Weighted average useful life		5 years
Immaterial Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of business acquired			5
Cost of acquired entity purchase price	303,000,000		62,000,000
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Intangible Assets Other than Goodwill	99,000,000		43,000,000	43,000,000
Goodwill	208,000,000		16,000,000	16,000,000
Indefinite lived intangible assets	7,000,000
Intangibles acquired	99,000,000		43,000,000	43,000,000
Finite lived intangible assets	92,000,000		42,000,000	42,000,000
Weighted average useful life	17 years		7 years
Cost of acquired entity transaction costs	2,800,000		1,000,000	1,000,000
Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Indefinite lived intangible assets			1,000,000	1,000,000
Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Backlog [Member]
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Finite lived intangible assets	1,000,000
Weighted average useful life	1 year
Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Finite lived intangible assets	82,000,000		17,000,000	17,000,000
Weighted average useful life	19 years		7 years
Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Technology [Member]
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Finite lived intangible assets	7,000,000
Weighted average useful life	6 years
Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Software [Member]
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Finite lived intangible assets	2,000,000
Weighted average useful life	4 years
Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Unpatented Technology [Member]
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Finite lived intangible assets			8,000,000	8,000,000
Weighted average useful life			8 years
Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Patents and other protective rights Memeber
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Finite lived intangible assets			16,000,000	16,000,000
Weighted average useful life			7 years
Advanced Sensors, Ltd [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cost of acquired entity purchase price		54,000,000
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Goodwill		28,000,000
Indefinite lived intangible assets		28,000,000
Managed Health Care Associates, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cost of acquired entity purchase price		1,000,000,000
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Current assets		59,813,000
Intangible Assets Other than Goodwill		465,500,000
Goodwill		678,183,000
Other assets		5,798,000
Total assets acquired		1,209,294,000
Current liabilities		-24,717,000
Long-term deferred tax liability		-162,503,000
Other liabilities		-6,524,000
Net assets acquired		1,015,550,000
Fair value adjustment for admin fees related to customer purchases		35,000,000
Fair value liability related revenue-share obligation		8,600,000
Intangibles acquired		465,500,000
Sunquest Information Systems, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cost of acquired entity purchase price			1,400,000,000
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Current assets			96,883,000	96,883,000
Intangible Assets Other than Goodwill			669,000,000	669,000,000
Goodwill			993,780,000	993,780,000
Other assets			2,694,000	2,694,000
Total assets acquired			1,762,357,000	1,762,357,000
Deferred revenue			-83,065,000	-83,065,000
Other current liabilities			-18,762,000	-18,762,000
Long-term deferred tax liability			-244,550,000	-244,550,000
Net assets acquired			1,415,980,000	1,415,980,000
Intangibles acquired			669,000,000	669,000,000
Finite lived intangible assets			571,000,000	571,000,000
Weighted average useful life			18 years
Cost of acquired entity transaction costs			6,700,000	6,700,000
Pro Forma Sales			3,130,407	69,400,000
Pro forma Net income			521,141	8,800,000
Pro Forma Earnings per share, basic (in dollars per share)			$5.33
Pro Forma Earnings per share, diluted (in dollars per share)			$5.23
Pro Forma Earnings Adjustment for non-recurring acquisition and other costs			50,700,000
Sunquest Information Systems, Inc [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Indefinite lived intangible assets			98,000,000	98,000,000
Sunquest Information Systems, Inc [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Finite lived intangible assets			460,000,000	460,000,000
Weighted average useful life			20 years
Sunquest Information Systems, Inc [Member] | Software [Member]
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Finite lived intangible assets			$111,000,000	$111,000,000
Weighted average useful life			12 years

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials and supplies	$124,103	$127,525
Work in process	29,358	30,498
Finished products	79,184	90,352
Inventory reserves	-38,879	-43,452
Total Inventory	$193,766	$204,923

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	$405,602	$394,341
Accumulated Depreciation	-294,726	-277,031
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	110,876	117,310
Depreciation expense	40,890	37,756	37,888
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	4,130	4,384
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	80,775	79,219
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross Property, Plant and Equipment	$320,697	$310,738

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balances	$4,549,998,000	$3,868,857,000
Goodwill acquired	207,943,000	708,676,000
Currency translation adjustments	-50,488,000	-9,477,000
Reclassification and other	3,238,000	-18,058,000
Balances	4,710,691,000	4,549,998,000	3,868,857,000
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Cost	2,738,747,000	2,703,267,000
Accumulated amortization	-760,018,000	-664,131,000
Net book value	1,978,729,000	2,039,136,000
Amortization expense of other intangible assets	153,000,000	147,000,000	113,000,000
Expected Amortization expense [Abstract]
2015	147,000,000
2016	143,000,000
2017	132,000,000
2018	125,000,000
2019	119,000,000
Trade Names [Member]
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Cost	361,519,000	358,219,000
Accumulated amortization	0	0
Net book value	361,519,000	358,219,000
Assets subject to amortization | Customer Relationships [Member]
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Cost	1,975,334,000	1,936,336,000
Accumulated amortization	-543,594,000	-464,018,000
Net book value	1,431,740,000	1,472,318,000
Assets subject to amortization | Unpatented Technology [Member]
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Cost	217,260,000	216,044,000
Accumulated amortization	-134,702,000	-120,091,000
Net book value	82,558,000	95,953,000
Assets subject to amortization | Software [Member]
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Cost	156,449,000	160,618,000
Accumulated amortization	-62,882,000	-58,084,000
Net book value	93,567,000	102,534,000
Assets subject to amortization | Patents and other protective rights Memeber
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Cost	26,463,000	31,394,000
Accumulated amortization	-18,325,000	-21,922,000
Net book value	8,138,000	9,472,000
Assets subject to amortization | Backlog [Member]
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Cost	1,100,000
Accumulated amortization	-443,000
Net book value	657,000
Assets subject to amortization | Trade Names [Member]
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Cost	622,000	656,000
Accumulated amortization	-72,000	-16,000
Net book value	550,000	640,000
Industrial Technology
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balances	425,501,000	421,755,000
Goodwill acquired	0	0
Currency translation adjustments	-16,537,000	3,746,000
Reclassification and other	0	0
Balances	408,964,000	425,501,000
Energy Systems And Controls
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balances	434,697,000	404,057,000
Goodwill acquired	0	27,944,000
Currency translation adjustments	-8,002,000	198,000
Reclassification and other	-112,000	2,498,000
Balances	426,583,000	434,697,000
Medical And Scientific Imaging
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balances	2,435,506,000	1,772,402,000
Goodwill acquired	174,347,000	680,732,000
Currency translation adjustments	-18,847,000	-13,345,000
Reclassification and other	3,350,000	-4,283,000
Balances	2,594,356,000	2,435,506,000
RF Technology
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balances	1,254,294,000	1,270,643,000
Goodwill acquired	33,596,000	0
Currency translation adjustments	-7,102,000	-76,000
Reclassification and other	0	-16,273,000
Balances	$1,280,788,000	$1,254,294,000

Accrued_Liabilities_Details

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Commissions	$12,025	$12,030
Warranty	9,537	14,336	9,755	8,147
Accrued dividend	25,032	19,863
Billings in excess of cost	14,135	5,016
Customer deposits	16,392	21,438
Interest	18,275	18,285
Rebates	12,968	14,104
Other	52,374	48,640
Total	$160,738	$153,712

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
United States	$665,219,000	$517,432,000	$430,573,000
Other	256,237,000	236,698,000	256,108,000
Earnings Before Income Taxes	921,456,000	754,130,000	686,681,000
Current:
Federal	218,302,000	166,430,000	136,860,000
State	37,155,000	12,577,000	9,972,000
Foreign	56,107,000	40,451,000	48,403,000
Deferred:
Federal	-30,664,000	-1,965,000	15,789,000
Foreign	-5,477,000	-1,656,000	-7,703,000
Total Income Taxes	275,423,000	215,837,000	203,321,000
Federal Statutory Tax Rate Reconciliation
Federal statutory rate (in hundredths)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Foreign rate differential (in hundredths)	-3.90%	-4.10%	-3.90%
R&D tax credits (in hundredths)	-0.40%	-0.50%	0.00%
State taxes, net of federal benefit (in hundredths)	2.00%	1.90%	1.70%
Foreign tax credits (in hundredths)	0.00%	0.00%	-2.40%
Section 199 deduction (in hundredths)	-1.60%	-1.80%	-1.30%
Other, net (in hundredths)	-1.20%	-1.90%	0.50%
Effective Rate (in hundredths)	29.90%	28.60%	29.60%
Deferred tax assets:
Reserves and accrued expenses	130,508,000	119,955,000
Inventories	10,186,000	10,315,000
Net operating loss carryforwards	41,480,000	35,286,000
R&D credits	7,145,000	3,134,000
Foreign tax credits	0	425,000
Valuation allowance	-16,169,000	-5,917,000
Total deferred tax assets	173,150,000	163,198,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Reserves and accrued expenses	27,981,000	20,995,000
Amortizable intangible assets	798,502,000	826,838,000
Plant and equipment	4,741,000	12,423,000
Total deferred tax liabilities	831,224,000	860,256,000
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	26,924,000	24,865,000	19,556,000
Additions for tax positions of prior periods	6,532,000	3,055,000	1,371,000
Additions for tax positions of the current period	5,571,000	1,639,000	1,541,000
Additions due to acquisitions	0	5,026,000	9,116,000
Reductions for tax positions of prior periods	-1,008,000	-3,675,000	-197,000
Settlements with taxing authorities	-518,000	0	0
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations	-8,934,000	-3,986,000	-6,522,000
Ending balance	28,567,000	26,924,000	24,865,000
Unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate in any future periods	27,000,000
Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	600,000
Accrued interest and penalties	5,200,000	4,500,000
Reduction in unrecognized tax benefits expected within twelve months of the balance sheet date	9,200,000
Earliest [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Date	31-Dec-19
Latest [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Date	31-Dec-34
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	14,100,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance	11,900,000
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Earliest [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryover expiration date	31-Dec-23
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Latest [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryover expiration date	31-Dec-34
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	6,600,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance	4,300,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Earliest [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryover expiration date	31-Dec-15
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	20,800,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Earliest [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryover expiration date	31-Dec-21
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Latest [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryover expiration date	31-Dec-34
Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	$7,100,000

LongTerm_Debt_Details

Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2003	Dec. 31, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$1,500,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Capacity, Term	5 years
Additional borrowings available	350,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date	27-Jul-12
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	27-Jul-17
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	0
Non-cash debt extinguishment charge		1,000,000
Outstanding letters of credit	48,900,000
Debt covenant compliance	3.5
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Debt	2,214,123,000			2,464,852,000
Current Portion	11,092,000			11,016,000
Long-term debt, net of current portion	2,203,031,000			2,453,836,000
Principal amount	2,200,000
Future maturities of long term debt [Abstract]
2015	11,092,000
2016	2,332,000
2017	400,630,000
2018	800,066,000
2019	500,003,000
Thereafter	500,000,000
Total	2,214,123,000			2,464,852,000
Credit Facility Member 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	0			250,000,000
Senior Notes 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	21-Nov-12
Interest rate (in hundredths)	1.85%
Principal amount	400,000,000			400,000,000
Periodic interest payments	semi-annually
Periodic interest payments, start	15-May-13
Maturity Date	15-Nov-17
Senior Notes 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	6-Jun-13
Interest rate (in hundredths)	2.05%
Principal amount	800,000,000			800,000,000
Periodic interest payments	semi-annually
Periodic interest payments, start	1-Oct-13
Maturity Date	1-Oct-18
Senior Notes 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	21-Nov-12
Interest rate (in hundredths)	3.13%
Principal amount	500,000,000			500,000,000
Periodic interest payments	semi-annually
Periodic interest payments, start	15-May-13
Maturity Date	15-Nov-22
Senior Notes 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	15-Aug-09
Interest rate (in hundredths)	6.25%
Principal amount	500,000,000			500,000,000
Periodic interest payments	semi-annually
Periodic interest payments, start	1-Mar-10
Maturity Date	30-Sep-19
Convertible Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)	3.75%
Principal issuance percentage (in hundredths)			60.50%
Principal amount	8,003,000		230,000,000	8,270,000
Capital Lease Obligations And Foreign Letter Of Credit Issuance [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	6,120,000			6,582,000
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)	3.75%
Principal amount	8,000,000
Maturity Date	31-Dec-34
Subordinated Convertible Notes
Subordinated convertible notes, original public offering amount	230,000,000
Original issue discount (in hundredths)	60.50%
Subordinated convertible note holding period for contingent cash interest	180
Trading days the average price of subordinated convertible note must meet threshold within six months measurement period	5
Commencement date for measurement of average trading price on a subordinated convertible note	15-Jan-09
Contingent cash interest payable annual rate if threshold is met (in hundredths)	0.25%
Debt Instrument Convertible Price Next Conversion Date	$572.76
Next conversion date	1/15/19
Convertible notes purchase price on January 15, 2019 (third conversion date)	$689.68
Third conversion date	1/15/24
Convertible notes purchase price on January 15, 2024 (fourth conversion date)	$830.47
Fourth conversion date	1/15/29
Minimum number of trading days in the consecutive trading period that the common stock sale price above threshold to trigger conversion (in days)	20
Number of consecutive trading days in the preceding quarter the minimum trading days must occur in for the sale price to reach threshold to trigger conversion (in days)	30
Conversion price, end of period	$488.37
If converted, the value exceeding principal amount outstanding at end of period	25,000,000
If converted, issuance of common stock shares	155,980
Letters of credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$49,000,000

Fair_Value_Details

Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair value debt instruments [Line Items]
Face Value of Debt Instrument	$2,200,000
Convertible Notes [Member]
Fair value debt instruments [Line Items]
Fair value of debt instrument	8,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair value debt instruments [Line Items]
Face Value of Debt Instrument	2,200,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Senior notes due 2017 [Member]
Fair value debt instruments [Line Items]
Face Value of Debt Instrument	400,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	401,000,000
Notes due	2017
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Senior notes due 2018 [Member]
Fair value debt instruments [Line Items]
Face Value of Debt Instrument	800,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	800,000,000
Notes due	2018
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Senior notes due 2019 [Member]
Fair value debt instruments [Line Items]
Face Value of Debt Instrument	500,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	578,000,000
Notes due	2019
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Senior notes due 2022 [Member]
Fair value debt instruments [Line Items]
Face Value of Debt Instrument	500,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$492,000,000
Notes due	2022

Retirement_and_Other_Benefit_P1

Retirement and Other Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Agreement
Retirement and Other Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Number of defined contribution plans maintained by the company	4
Defined contribution retirement plan cost	$19.50	$16.50	$16.40

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of eligible earnings to purchase common stock through the employee stock purchase plan (in hundredths)	10.00%
Discount rate to the average closing price at which employees may purchase stock (in hundredths)	5.00%
Stock based compensation expense	$63,000,000	$53,400,000	$40,800,000
Tax effect recognized in net income	22,100,000	18,700,000	14,300,000
Windfall tax benefit, net	21,500,000	16,000,000	30,800,000
Weighted average assumptions used in calculating the weighted average fair value of options granted
Weighted average fair value of options granted (per share)	$34.95	$37.08	$30.25
Risk-free interest rate (%) (in hundredths)	1.63%	0.86%	0.77%
Average expected option life (in years)	5 years 2 months 19 days	5 years 2 months 8 days	5 years 2 months 26 days
Expected volatility (%) (in hundredths)	27.01%	36.09%	36.51%
Expected dividend yield (%) (in hundredths)	0.58%	0.56%	0.58%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Number of shares outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)	2,988,436	2,918,195
Number of shares granted (in shares)	650,000	601,350
Options Exercised (in shares)	-587,661	-424,945
Number of shares canceled (in shares)	-69,664	-106,164
Number of shares outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	2,981,111	2,988,436	2,918,195
Number of shares, options, exercisable, number (in shares)	1,811,238
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price per share outstanding, beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$74	$63.15
Weighted average exercise price per share granted (in dollars per share)	$137.05	$117.78
Weighted average exercise price per share exercised (in dollars per share)	$55.98	$56.48
Weighted average exercise price per share cancelled (in dollars per share)	$116.29	$98.74
Weighted average exercise price per share outstanding, ending balance (in dollars per share)	$90.48	$74	$63.15
Weighted average remaining contractual term of options outstanding (in years)	6 years 4 months 13 days	6 years 2 months 19 days
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	196,378,239	193,279,214
Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$68.02
Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	4 years 10 months 28 days
Options, Exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value	159,978,254
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock granted to both employees and directors	27,600,000
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized compensation costs on non-vested stock options are expected to be recognized (in years)	1 year 10 months 24 days
Intrinsic value of options exercised	50,300,000	28,800,000	86,000,000
Cash received from option exercises under all plans	32,500,000	24,000,000
Summary of nonvested shares activity [Rollforward]
Non-vested shares outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	573,850	571,905
Nonvested shares granted (in shares)	375,060	399,540
Nonvested shares vested (in shares)	-378,994	-373,946
Nonvested shares forfeited (in shares)	-27,361	-23,649
Nonvested shares outstanding, end of period (in shares)	542,555	573,850	571,905
Restricted Stock Awards [Abstract]
Weighted average fair value of nonvested shares, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$103.44	$80.96
Weighted Average Restricted Award Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$142.30	$117.74
Weighted average fair value of shares vested (in dollars per share)	$153.16	$126.80
Weighted average fair value of nonvested shares forfeited (in dollars per share)	$106.60	$124.48
Weighted average fair value of nonvested shares, end of period (in dollars per share)	$130.29	$103.44	$80.96
Total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock granted to both employees and directors	43,400,000
Restricted Awards Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	2 years 2 months 12 days
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Shares of stock purchased during the period by participants in the employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	20,368	20,211	22,863
Amount paid for stock purchased during the period by participants in the employee stock purchase plan	2,800,000	2,400,000	2,200,000
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Compensation Expense	0	0	0
Exercise Price Range 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	$31.66
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$47.49
Options outstanding (in shares)	110,598
Average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share)	$41.82
Average remaining life of options outstanding (in years)	4 years 2 months 12 days
Exercisable options (in shares)	110,598
Average exercise price of exercisable options (in dollars per share)	$41.82
Exercise Price Range 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	$47.50
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$63.32
Options outstanding (in shares)	911,913
Average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share)	$54.10
Average remaining life of options outstanding (in years)	3 years 3 months 18 days
Exercisable options (in shares)	911,913
Average exercise price of exercisable options (in dollars per share)	$54.10
Exercise Price Range 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	$63.33
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$79.15
Options outstanding (in shares)	379,830
Average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share)	$72.62
Average remaining life of options outstanding (in years)	6 years 1 month 6 days
Exercisable options (in shares)	379,830
Average exercise price of exercisable options (in dollars per share)	$72.62
Exercise Price Range 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	$79.16
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$94.98
Options outstanding (in shares)	325,632
Average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share)	$92.70
Average remaining life of options outstanding (in years)	7 years
Exercisable options (in shares)	216,610
Average exercise price of exercisable options (in dollars per share)	$92.24
Exercise Price Range 5 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	$94.99
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$110.81
Options outstanding (in shares)	89,049
Average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share)	$97.99
Average remaining life of options outstanding (in years)	7 years 6 months
Exercisable options (in shares)	51,717
Average exercise price of exercisable options (in dollars per share)	$98.07
Exercise Price Range 6 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	$110.82
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$126.64
Options outstanding (in shares)	512,589
Average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share)	$117.12
Average remaining life of options outstanding (in years)	8 years 2 months 12 days
Exercisable options (in shares)	124,727
Average exercise price of exercisable options (in dollars per share)	$116.27
Exercise Price Range 7 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	$126.65
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$142.47
Options outstanding (in shares)	573,000
Average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share)	$135.14
Average remaining life of options outstanding (in years)	9 years 2 months 12 days
Exercisable options (in shares)	15,843
Average exercise price of exercisable options (in dollars per share)	$133.77
Exercise Price Range 8 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	$142.48
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$158.30
Options outstanding (in shares)	78,500
Average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share)	$150.38
Average remaining life of options outstanding (in years)	9 years 8 months 12 days
Exercisable options (in shares)	0
Average exercise price of exercisable options (in dollars per share)	$0
Exercise Price Range 9 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	$31.66
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$158.30
Options outstanding (in shares)	2,981,111
Average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share)	$90.48
Average remaining life of options outstanding (in years)	6 years 4 months 24 days
Exercisable options (in shares)	1,811,238
Average exercise price of exercisable options (in dollars per share)	$68.02
Earliest [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of market value at which stock option are granted (in hundredths)	100.00%
Employee Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense	16,600,000	16,900,000	14,800,000
Expiration period (in years)	10 years
Employee Stock Options [Member] | Earliest [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	3 years
Employee Stock Options [Member] | Latest [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	5 years
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense	$46,400,000	$36,500,000	$25,900,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | Earliest [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	1 year
Restricted Stock [Member] | Latest [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	3 years
2006 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grant (in shares)	4,494,756
2006 Plan [Member] | Employee Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares reserved for issuance	14,000,000
Shares available for grant (in shares)	17,000

Contingencies_Details

Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Contingencies [Abstract]
Rent expense	$38,400,000		$39,800,000		$26,800,000
Future mimimum property lease commitments [Abstract]
2015	35,000,000
2016	28,500,000
2017	19,300,000
2018	10,800,000
2019	5,600,000
Thereafter	10,700,000
Total future minimum property lease commitments	109,900,000
Product Warranty Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	14,336,000		9,755,000		8,147,000
Additions charged to costs and expenses	13,396,000	[1]	20,387,000	[1]	11,845,000	[1]
Deductions	-18,078,000		-15,697,000		-10,287,000
Other	-117,000		-109,000		50,000
Balance at end of year	9,537,000		14,336,000		9,755,000
Vendor supplied component replacement			9,100,000
Outstanding surety bonds	$428,000,000
[1]	During the second quarter of 2013, the Company identified a vendor-supplied component within a refrigeration system valve that did not meet its quality standards, and $9.1 million was expensed to cover the estimated cost of replacing the faulty components for customers.

Segment_and_Geographic_Area_In2

Segment and Geographic Area Information (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
									Segment
Business Segments [Abstract]
Number of operating segments									4
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Net sales	$946,145	$884,122	$885,175	$834,052	$889,173	$827,810	$784,010	$737,135	$3,549,494	$3,238,128	$2,993,489
Operating profit	283,749	245,658	246,666	223,400	258,089	219,349	179,746	185,177	999,473	842,361	757,587
Assets:
Operating assets	949,239				966,463				949,239	966,463	933,615
Intangible assets, net	6,689,420				6,589,134				6,689,420	6,589,134	5,567,724
Other	774,275				629,384				774,275	629,384	569,765
Total	8,412,934				8,184,981				8,412,934	8,184,981	7,071,104
Capital expenditures									37,644	42,528	38,405
Depreciation and other amortization									197,284	189,190	154,748
Industrial Technology [Member]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Net sales									827,145	779,564	795,240
Operating profit									247,596	223,053	244,691
Assets:
Operating assets	220,115				232,505				220,115	232,505	225,620
Intangible assets, net	557,593				583,822				557,593	583,822	590,175
Other	120,681				75,215				120,681	75,215	100,102
Capital expenditures									10,713	17,043	14,030
Depreciation and other amortization									21,135	21,551	21,754
Energy Systems And Controls [Member]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Net sales									691,813	651,920	646,116
Operating profit									203,021	183,679	179,824
Assets:
Operating assets	219,284				214,926				219,284	214,926	199,016
Intangible assets, net	568,670				597,250				568,670	597,250	555,667
Other	223,831				167,879				223,831	167,879	80,230
Capital expenditures									4,634	4,952	5,532
Depreciation and other amortization									23,281	21,353	19,671
Medical and Scientific Imaging [Member]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Net sales									1,080,309	902,281	703,835
Operating profit									375,867	268,172	187,246
Assets:
Operating assets	232,380				237,681				232,380	237,681	232,527
Intangible assets, net	3,842,180				3,682,465				3,842,180	3,682,465	2,631,085
Other	147,529				152,211				147,529	152,211	114,834
Capital expenditures									11,430	10,231	8,253
Depreciation and other amortization									93,683	85,177	50,309
RF Technology [Member]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Net sales									950,227	904,363	848,298
Operating profit									271,177	253,532	223,335
Assets:
Operating assets	270,458				266,026				270,458	266,026	251,721
Intangible assets, net	1,720,977				1,725,597				1,720,977	1,725,597	1,790,797
Other	65,636				62,576				65,636	62,576	51,044
Capital expenditures									10,521	10,190	9,765
Depreciation and other amortization									58,702	60,590	62,629
Corporate [Member]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Net sales									0	0	0
Operating profit									-98,188	-86,075	-77,509
Assets:
Operating assets	7,002				15,325				7,002	15,325	24,731
Intangible assets, net	0				0				0	0	0
Other	216,598				171,503				216,598	171,503	223,555
Capital expenditures									346	112	825
Depreciation and other amortization									$483	$519	$385

Segment_and_Geographic_Area_In3

Segment and Geographic Area Information, Sales by Country of Origin (Details) (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
Schedule of Entity Wide Information About Geographic Areas [Line Items]
Net sales	$946,145,000	$884,122,000	$885,175,000	$834,052,000	$889,173,000	$827,810,000	$784,010,000	$737,135,000	$3,549,494,000	$3,238,128,000	$2,993,489,000
Long Lived Assets	165,636,000				171,423,000				165,636,000	171,423,000	160,717,000
Export sales [Abstract]
Export sales from the United States									477,000,000	479,000,000	459,000,000
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Minimum percent of total sales generated in Canada									5.00%
Sales to Customers Outside the US									1,281,881,000	1,252,772,000	1,214,410,000
Sales [Member]
Schedule of Entity Wide Information About Geographic Areas [Line Items]
Sales to unaffiliated customers									3,549,494,000	3,238,128,000	2,993,489,000
Sales between geographic areas									0	0	0
Net sales									3,549,494,000	3,238,128,000	2,993,489,000
United States [Member]
Schedule of Entity Wide Information About Geographic Areas [Line Items]
Long Lived Assets	134,855,000				135,157,000				134,855,000	135,157,000	125,015,000
United States [Member] | Sales [Member]
Schedule of Entity Wide Information About Geographic Areas [Line Items]
Sales to unaffiliated customers									2,661,470,000	2,400,592,000	2,174,443,000
Sales between geographic areas									159,049,000	141,529,000	140,864,000
Net sales									2,820,519,000	2,542,121,000	2,315,307,000
Canada [Member]
Export sales [Abstract]
Export sales from the United States (in hundredths)									16.00%
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									209,237,000	215,077,000	202,550,000
Non-U.S. [Member]
Schedule of Entity Wide Information About Geographic Areas [Line Items]
Long Lived Assets	30,781,000				36,266,000				30,781,000	36,266,000	35,702,000
Non-U.S. [Member] | Sales [Member]
Schedule of Entity Wide Information About Geographic Areas [Line Items]
Sales to unaffiliated customers									888,024,000	837,536,000	819,046,000
Sales between geographic areas									119,175,000	121,431,000	111,813,000
Net sales									1,007,199,000	958,967,000	930,859,000
Europe [Member]
Export sales [Abstract]
Export sales from the United States (in hundredths)									18.00%
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									518,893,000	493,670,000	478,032,000
Eliminations [Member]
Schedule of Entity Wide Information About Geographic Areas [Line Items]
Long Lived Assets	0				0				0	0	0
Eliminations [Member] | Sales [Member]
Schedule of Entity Wide Information About Geographic Areas [Line Items]
Sales to unaffiliated customers									0	0	0
Sales between geographic areas									-278,224,000	-262,960,000	-252,677,000
Net sales									-278,224,000	-262,960,000	-252,677,000
Asia [Member]
Export sales [Abstract]
Export sales from the United States (in hundredths)									36.00%
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									320,326,000	314,621,000	315,217,000
Middle East [Member]
Export sales [Abstract]
Export sales from the United States (in hundredths)									13.00%
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									91,050,000	90,011,000	86,450,000
Rest of the World [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									142,375,000	139,393,000	132,161,000
South Pacific [Member]
Export sales [Abstract]
Export sales from the United States (in hundredths)									5.00%
South America [Member]
Export sales [Abstract]
Export sales from the United States (in hundredths)									6.00%
Other Geographical Area [Member]
Export sales [Abstract]
Export sales from the United States (in hundredths)									6.00%
Industrial Technology [Member]
Schedule of Entity Wide Information About Geographic Areas [Line Items]
Net sales									827,145,000	779,564,000	795,240,000
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									320,017,000	314,208,000	311,190,000
Industrial Technology [Member] | Canada [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									106,598,000	109,361,000	94,035,000
Industrial Technology [Member] | Europe [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									121,909,000	108,644,000	104,105,000
Industrial Technology [Member] | Asia [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									61,552,000	65,622,000	75,113,000
Industrial Technology [Member] | Middle East [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									3,824,000	3,865,000	3,846,000
Industrial Technology [Member] | Rest of the World [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									26,134,000	26,716,000	34,091,000
Energy Systems And Controls [Member]
Schedule of Entity Wide Information About Geographic Areas [Line Items]
Net sales									691,813,000	651,920,000	646,116,000
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									453,920,000	440,401,000	426,334,000
Energy Systems And Controls [Member] | Canada [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									31,831,000	34,260,000	39,836,000
Energy Systems And Controls [Member] | Europe [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									157,391,000	153,807,000	148,360,000
Energy Systems And Controls [Member] | Asia [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									143,524,000	136,934,000	121,997,000
Energy Systems And Controls [Member] | Middle East [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									42,988,000	32,444,000	47,866,000
Energy Systems And Controls [Member] | Rest of the World [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									78,186,000	82,956,000	68,275,000
Medical and Scientific Imaging [Member]
Schedule of Entity Wide Information About Geographic Areas [Line Items]
Net sales									1,080,309,000	902,281,000	703,835,000
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									356,674,000	325,044,000	319,138,000
Medical and Scientific Imaging [Member] | Canada [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									24,997,000	25,502,000	21,308,000
Medical and Scientific Imaging [Member] | Europe [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									185,263,000	168,394,000	161,075,000
Medical and Scientific Imaging [Member] | Asia [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									107,695,000	103,931,000	111,642,000
Medical and Scientific Imaging [Member] | Middle East [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									9,997,000	9,361,000	4,613,000
Medical and Scientific Imaging [Member] | Rest of the World [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									28,722,000	17,856,000	20,500,000
RF Technology [Member]
Schedule of Entity Wide Information About Geographic Areas [Line Items]
Net sales									950,227,000	904,363,000	848,298,000
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									151,270,000	173,119,000	157,746,000
RF Technology [Member] | Canada [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									45,811,000	45,954,000	47,371,000
RF Technology [Member] | Europe [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									54,330,000	62,825,000	64,492,000
RF Technology [Member] | Asia [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									7,555,000	8,134,000	6,465,000
RF Technology [Member] | Middle East [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									34,241,000	44,341,000	30,125,000
RF Technology [Member] | Rest of the World [Member]
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Sales to Customers Outside the US									9,333,000	11,865,000	9,293,000
Corporate [Member]
Schedule of Entity Wide Information About Geographic Areas [Line Items]
Net sales									$0	$0	$0

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (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 Data [Abstract]
Net sales	$946,145	$884,122	$885,175	$834,052	$889,173	$827,810	$784,010	$737,135	$3,549,494	$3,238,128	$2,993,489
Gross profit	565,741	524,040	523,182	488,936	533,220	482,625	445,507	421,576	2,101,899	1,882,928	1,671,717
Income from operations	283,749	245,658	246,666	223,400	258,089	219,349	179,746	185,177	999,473	842,361	757,587
Net earnings	$185,936	$155,510	$157,361	$147,226	$165,703	$136,323	$111,353	$124,914	$646,033	$538,293	$483,360
Earnings from continuing operations per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.86	$1.55	$1.58	$1.48	$1.67	$1.37	$1.12	$1.26	$6.47	$5.43	$4.95
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.84	$1.54	$1.56	$1.46	$1.65	$1.36	$1.11	$1.25	$6.40	$5.37	$4.86

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price for acquisitions	$360

Schedule_II_Consolidated_Valua1

Schedule II - Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts And Sales Allowances [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$14,992	$15,976	$10,636
Additions charged to costs and expenses	2,357	1,350	4,573
Deductions	-3,355	-2,992	-2,403
Other changes	-300	658	3,170
Balance at end of year	13,694	14,992	15,976
Reserve for inventory obsolescence [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	43,452	41,967	35,224
Additions charged to costs and expenses	8,621	11,360	14,736
Deductions	-11,833	-9,696	-8,253
Other changes	-1,361	-179	260
Balance at end of year	$38,879	$43,452	$41,967