Segment Results (Schedule Of Financial Information By Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	5
Net sales	$ 657,879		$ 611,020
Operating profit (loss)	79,560		72,860
Interest income	395		290
Interest expense	(6,711)		(6,622)
Miscellaneous - net	(347)	[1]	3,625	[1]
Income before income taxes	72,897		70,153
Aerospace & Electronics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	175,168		161,936
Operating profit (loss)	38,069		34,042
Engineered Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	58,159		61,832
Operating profit (loss)	8,409		10,143
Merchandising Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	87,675		94,878
Operating profit (loss)	4,713		4,673
Fluid Handling [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	301,886		264,142
Operating profit (loss)	39,640		35,453
Controls [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	34,991		28,232
Operating profit (loss)	4,701		3,111
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)	$ (15,972)		$ (14,562)

[1] Primarily related to the sale of a building in the three months ended March 31, 2011.