Basis of Preparation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Minimum ownership percentage of investments in affiliates required to be accounted for under the equity method	20.00%		20.00%
Maximum ownership percentage of investments in affiliates required to be accounted for under the equity method	50.00%		50.00%
Maximum maturity duration considered to be cash and cash equivalents	3 months		3 months
Minimum maturity duration of short-term, highly liquid, variable-rate instruments	3 months		3 months
Maximum maturity duration of short-term, highly liquid, variable-rate instruments	6 months		6 months
Components of inventory:
Raw materials and supplies	$ 84,686		$ 84,686		$ 64,832
Work in process	46,719		46,719		36,045
Finished goods	73,374		73,374		48,945
Inventories, net	204,779		204,779		149,822
Changes in the Company's consolidated warranty reserve:
Beginning balance	11,248	12,849	13,181	13,372
Warranty expense	2,741	1,631	6,343	5,233
Warranty usage	(3,722)	(1,949)	(9,257)	(6,074)
Acquired warranty reserves	18,779	817	18,779	817
Ending balance	$ 29,046	$ 13,348	$ 29,046	$ 13,348