Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 02, 2011	Oct. 03, 2010	Oct. 02, 2011	Oct. 03, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 16,344,000	$ 17,469,000	$ 50,190,000	$ 53,204,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(25,300,000)	30,900,000	(3,200,000)	(2,900,000)
Pension and postretirement plan adjustments	(1,200,000)	1,300,000	1,800,000	3,400,000
Sale of interest in business	(900,000)	0	(900,000)	0
Cash flow hedges [Abstract]
Net derivative gains arising during the period	1,500,000	(3,600,000)	100,000	1,400,000
Comprehensive income (loss)	(9,400,000)	46,100,000	48,100,000	55,100,000
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	1,500,000	(2,200,000)	(1,400,000)	(3,600,000)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MTI	(7,900,000)	43,900,000	46,700,000	51,500,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	43,500,000		43,500,000		46,600,000
Unrecognized pension costs	(50,000,000)		(50,000,000)		(51,900,000)
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	1,800,000		1,800,000		1,700,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (4,759,000)		$ (4,759,000)		$ (3,590,000)