Schedule of Pre-Tax Restructuring Expenses by Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total	$ 13,672	$ 0	$ 32,473
2014 Initiative
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs	12,154
Exit Costs and Asset Impairments	1,518
Total	13,672
2014 Initiative | Fluid & Metering Technologies
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs	6,413
Exit Costs and Asset Impairments	0
Total	6,413
2014 Initiative | Health & Science Technologies
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs	3,520
Exit Costs and Asset Impairments	1,392
Total	4,912
2014 Initiative | Fire & Safety/Diversified Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs	908
Exit Costs and Asset Impairments	126
Total	1,034
2014 Initiative | Corporate Office/Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs	1,313
Exit Costs and Asset Impairments	0
Total	1,313
2011 Initiative
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs			23,519
Exit Costs and Asset Impairments			8,954
Total			32,473	32,500
2011 Initiative | Fluid & Metering Technologies
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs			6,226
Exit Costs and Asset Impairments			36
Total			6,262
2011 Initiative | Health & Science Technologies
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs			11,223
Exit Costs and Asset Impairments			3,521
Total			14,744
2011 Initiative | Fire & Safety/Diversified Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs			3,226
Exit Costs and Asset Impairments			5,114
Total			8,340
2011 Initiative | Corporate Office/Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs			2,844
Exit Costs and Asset Impairments			283
Total			$ 3,127