Segment Reporting Detail 2 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Sales Information
Product Sales									$ 1,824,310	$ 1,524,083	$ 1,304,713
Service Sales									485,018	444,095	424,140
Total Net Sales	648,360	601,114	561,088	498,766	592,765	490,213	468,549	416,651	2,309,328	1,968,178	1,728,853
Weighing-related Instruments [Member]
Segment Sales Information
Product Sales									1,084,776	901,285	766,636
Non-weighing Instruments [Member]
Segment Sales Information
Product Sales									$ 739,534	$ 622,798	$ 538,077