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. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 27, 2013 segment	Sep. 28, 2012
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments			2
Net sales	$ 423,663	$ 409,567	$ 1,243,463	$ 1,193,512
Operating income from continuing operations	31,421	24,863	76,205	69,597
Net gain (loss) on sale of assets	0	(53)	(100)	(21)
Interest expense, net	3,113	2,922	9,344	8,622
Other (income) expense, net	(21)	(64)	368	(288)
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	28,329	22,005	66,493	61,263
Income tax expense	9,634	7,221	22,752	21,269
Earnings from continuing operations	18,695	14,784	43,741	39,994
Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Net sales	272,951	258,282	800,352	763,779
Operating income from continuing operations	14,675	12,925	32,974	39,405
Aerospace [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Net sales	150,712	151,285	443,111	429,733
Operating income from continuing operations	27,638	24,410	77,227	66,469
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	0	(53)	(100)	(21)
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income from continuing operations	$ (10,892)	$ (12,419)	$ (33,896)	$ (36,256)