Business Segments (Schedule Of Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 2,879,126		$ 2,836,107
Fluid & Metering Technologies [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	1,084,657		1,072,023
Health & Science Technologies [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	1,179,668		1,178,653
Fire & Safety/Diversified Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	465,240		442,400
Corporate Office/Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 149,561	[1]	$ 143,031	[1]

[1] Includes intersegment eliminations.