Segment and Geographic Information Reconciliation of Income From Segements to Consolidation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2012	Jul. 01, 2011	Jun. 29, 2012	Jul. 01, 2011
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 405,480	$ 385,086	$ 794,202	$ 762,909
Operating Income (Loss)	28,499	24,079	45,679	48,638
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Other Assets	8	(34)	32	(36)
Interest Expense	2,831	2,821	5,710	5,891
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	84	(25)	(163)	(414)
Earnings before income taxes	25,584	21,283	40,132	43,161
Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	9,105	7,256	14,250	14,942
Earnings from continuing operations	16,479	14,027	25,882	28,219
Industrial Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Net sales	258,116	239,307	515,754	478,177
Operating Income (Loss)	14,645	12,636	27,425	24,750
Aerospace [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Net sales	147,364	145,779	278,448	284,732
Operating Income (Loss)	26,158	22,360	42,059	43,779
Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Other Assets	8	(34)	32	(36)
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Corporate Expense	$ (12,312)	$ (10,883)	$ (23,837)	$ (19,855)