Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Continuing operating activities
Net earnings	$ 123,531	$ 239,997	$ 360,293
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	168,555	179,706	189,541
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment	(12,894)	(930)	574
Accretion of interest on convertible debentures	3,028	2,046	188
Inventory write-offs for obsolescence	20,865	21,118	21,449
Pensions and other postretirement benefits, net of contributions	(12,146)	(11,385)	(6,967)
Deferred income taxes	(6,828)	14,108	(26,476)
Other	8,530	(16,120)	4,932
Net change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of businesses acquired or spun-off	(5,152)	(52,503)	1,730
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities	287,489	376,037	545,264
Continuing investing activities
Capital expenditures	(150,291)	(168,641)	(145,413)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	10,241	2,162	1,188
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	(85,493)	(19,335)	0
Purchase of short-term investments	(381,040)	(497,258)	0
Maturity of short-term investments	339,287	226,792	0
Sale of investments	0	2,167	0
Proceeds from loans receivable	0	0	15,000
Other investing activities	(1,828)	1,350	(2,287)
Net cash used in continuing investing activities	(269,124)	(452,763)	(131,512)
Continuing financing activities
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	150,000	150,000	275,000
Issuance costs	(4,827)	(4,429)	(15,116)
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases	(27)	(681)	(104,581)
Net (payments) proceeds on revolving credit lines	(66,000)	(85,000)	115,000
Common stock repurchases	(150,000)	(150,000)	(275,000)
Distribution in connection with spin-off of VPG	0	0	(70,600)
Net changes in short-term borrowings	(115)	(10)	528
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1,040)	(1,440)	(757)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	174	9,675	0
Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised	0	555	0
Net cash used in continuing financing activities	(71,835)	(81,330)	(75,526)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1,977	9,806	(19,995)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from continuing activities	(51,493)	(148,250)	318,231
Net cash used in discontinued operating activities	0	0	(82)
Net cash used in discontinued operations	0	0	(82)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(51,493)	(148,250)	318,149
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	749,088	897,338	579,189
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 697,595	$ 749,088	$ 897,338