Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Continuing operating activities
Net earnings (loss)	$ 239,997	$ 360,293	$ (56,515)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	179,706	189,541	228,740
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment	(930)	574	460
Accretion of interest on convertible debentures	2,046	188	0
Inventory write-offs for obsolescence	21,118	21,449	31,908
Pensions and other postretirement benefits, net of contributions	(11,385)	(6,967)	(3,841)
Deferred income taxes	14,108	(26,476)	(12,957)
Other	(16,120)	4,932	(6,128)
Net change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of businesses acquired or spun-off	(52,503)	1,730	108,750
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities	376,037	545,264	290,417
Continuing investing activities
Capital expenditures	(168,641)	(145,413)	(50,340)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	2,162	1,188	6,387
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	(19,335)	0	28,195
Purchase of short-term investments	(497,258)	0	0
Maturity of short-term investments	226,792	0	0
Sale of investments	2,167	0	0
Proceeds from loans receivable	0	15,000	0
Other investing activities	1,350	(2,287)	1,438
Net cash used in continuing investing activities	(452,763)	(131,512)	(14,320)
Continuing financing activities
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	150,000	275,000	15,000
Issuance costs	(4,429)	(15,116)	0
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases	(681)	(104,581)	(28,754)
Net (payments) proceeds on revolving credit lines	(85,000)	115,000	0
Common stock repurchase	(150,000)	(275,000)	0
Distribution in connection with spin-off of VPG	0	(70,600)	0
Net changes in short-term borrowings	(10)	528	(11,278)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1,440)	(757)	(556)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	9,675	0	0
Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised	555	0	0
Net cash used in continuing financing activities	(81,330)	(75,526)	(25,588)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	9,806	(19,995)	7,703
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from continuing activities	(148,250)	318,231	258,212
Net cash used in discontinued operating activities	0	(82)	(3,187)
Net cash provided by discontinued investing activities	0	0	0
Net cash used in discontinued financing activities	0	0	0
Net cash used in discontinued operations	0	(82)	(3,187)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(148,250)	318,149	255,025
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	897,338	579,189	324,164
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 749,088	$ 897,338	$ 579,189