Discontinued Operations (Details) - SISD - Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 04, 2015	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 04, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit) on discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 47,175,000	$ (149,000)	$ 47,801,000
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	$ 78,290,000	$ (255,000)	$ 79,518,000
AMETEK Matter | Guarantee Obligations | Settled Litigation
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Damages awarded, refund of product purchase price	326,000
Damages awarded, reimbursement of legal fees	45,000
Net settlement	281,000
Legal fees	123,000
Income tax expense (benefit) on discontinued operations	(149,000)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$ (255,000)