Schedule of Pre-Tax Restructuring Expenses by Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total	$ 7,085	$ 2,931	$ 14,604	$ 2,931
Fluid & Metering Technologies
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs	698		3,666	528
Exit Costs	26		36	51
Total	724		3,702	579
Health & Science Technologies
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs	2,700		4,607	407
Exit Costs	475		1,175	21
Total	3,175		5,782	428
Fire & Safety/Diversified Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs	450		730	1,615
Exit Costs	1,618		2,910	87
Total	2,068		3,640	1,702
Corporate Office/Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs	1,118		1,281	222
Exit Costs			199
Total	1,118		1,480	222
Total Restructuring Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs	4,966		10,284	2,772
Exit Costs	2,119		4,320	159
Total	$ 7,085		$ 14,604	$ 2,931