Litigation and Uncertainties (US Asbestos related assets and liabilities - Table) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Asbestos-related liabilities:
Asbestos-related liability	$ 280,340	$ 307,619
United States [Member]
Asbestos-related assets:
Accounts and notes receivable-other	55,916	54,449
Asbestos-related insurance recovery receivable	133,697	165,452
Total asbestos-related assets	189,613	219,901
Asbestos-related liabilities:
Accrued expenses	43,300	59,000
Asbestos-related liability	251,453	278,500
Total asbestos-related liabilities	294,753	337,500
Liability balance by claim category:
Open claims	58,224	78,460
Future unasserted claims	236,529	259,040
Total asbestos-related liabilities	$ 294,753	$ 337,500

Asbestos Liability Balance By Claim Category [Abstract]

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The carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the portion of the combined total of asbestos-related indemnity and defense costs related to estimated future unasserted claims.

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The carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the portion of the combined total of asbestos-related indemnity and defense costs related to open (outstanding) claims.

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Estimated liability due within one year to settle asbestos claims.

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Asbestos-Related, Classification of Accrual [Abstract]

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Estimate of recoveries anticipated to be collected within one year from insurers relating to asbestos claims.

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Estimate of recoveries anticipated to be collected in more than one year from insurers relating to asbestos claims.

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Estimated liability to settle asbestos claims in more than one year.

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Asbestos-Related, Related Receivable Carrying Value [Abstract]

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The total estimated balance of the asbestos-related liabilities in the balance sheet.

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The total estimated recoveries anticipated to be collected from insurers relating to asbestos claims in the balance sheet.

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