Schedule of Pre-Tax Restructuring Expenses by Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total	$ 32,473	$ 12,314	$ 11,095
Fluid & Metering Technologies
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs	6,226	2,800	2,630
Exit Costs	36	61	320
Total	6,262	2,861	2,950
Health & Science Technologies
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs	11,223	2,007	3,511
Exit Costs	3,521	123	1,650
Total	14,744	2,130	5,161
Fire & Safety/Diversified Products
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs	3,226	4,430	1,230
Exit Costs	5,114	797
Total	8,340	5,227	1,230
Corporate Office/Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs	2,844	2,096	1,754
Exit Costs	283
Total	3,127	2,096	1,754
Total Restructuring Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs	23,519	11,333	9,125
Exit Costs	8,954	981	1,970
Total	$ 32,473	$ 12,314	$ 11,095