Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Components of accumulated other non-owner changes to equity, net of taxes [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	$ 55,398	$ 52,884	$ 35,911	$ 7,512
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), cumulative changes in net (loss) gain on hedging activities, effect net of tax	201	(180)	(1,626)	(1,899)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans, net of tax	(130,653)	(89,298)	(83,781)	(95,529)
Accumulated other non-owner changes to equity	(75,054)	(36,594)	(49,496)	(89,916)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	2,514	16,973	28,399
Unrealized (loss) gain on hedging activities, net of tax	381	1,446	273
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans, net of tax	(41,355)	(5,517)	11,748
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	26,255	66,180	79,421
Period Change [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(8,481)
Unrealized (loss) gain on hedging activities, net of tax	381
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans, net of tax	(41,363)
Barnes Distribution Europe [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	10,995
Unrealized (loss) gain on hedging activities, net of tax	0
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans, net of tax	8
Accumulated Other Non-Owner Changes to Equity [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	2,514	16,973	28,399
Unrealized (loss) gain on hedging activities, net of tax	381	1,446	273
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans, net of tax	(41,355)	(5,517)	11,748
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(38,460)	12,902	40,420
Accumulated Other Non-Owner Changes to Equity [Member] | Period Change [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(49,463)
Accumulated Other Non-Owner Changes to Equity [Member] | Barnes Distribution Europe [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ 11,003