Segment and Geographic Information Reconciliation of Income From Segements to Consolidation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 414,613	$ 356,520	$ 1,208,815	$ 1,119,429
Operating Income (Loss)	25,109	21,319	70,788	69,957
Net gain (loss) on sale of assets	(53)	(14)	(21)	(50)
Interest expense, net	2,924	2,733	8,634	8,624
Other (income) expense, net	(71)	(176)	(234)	(590)
Earnings before income taxes	22,256	18,762	62,388	61,923
Income tax expense	7,274	5,797	21,524	20,739
Net earnings	14,982	12,965	40,864	41,184
Industrial Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Net sales	263,328	239,132	779,082	717,309
Operating Income (Loss)	13,171	12,252	40,596	37,002
Aerospace [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Net sales	151,285	117,388	429,733	402,120
Operating Income (Loss)	24,410	19,173	66,469	62,952
Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Net gain (loss) on sale of assets	(53)	(14)	(21)	(50)
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Corporate Expense	$ (12,419)	$ (10,092)	$ (36,256)	$ (29,947)