Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ 4,047,293	$ 3,787,117
Acquisitions	260,446
Purchase price adjustments	(6,998)
Foreign currency translation	6,728
Balance	4,047,293	3,787,117
Total Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	2,112,150	1,859,885
Communication Technologies Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance	1,197,785	1,204,582
Acquisitions	0
Purchase price adjustments	(6,998)
Foreign currency translation	201
Balance	1,197,785	1,204,582
Energy Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance	735,021	622,335
Acquisitions	108,856
Purchase price adjustments	0
Foreign currency translation	3,830
Balance	735,021	622,335
Engineered Systems Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance	1,087,809	935,420
Acquisitions	151,590
Purchase price adjustments	0
Foreign currency translation	799
Balance	1,087,809	935,420
Printing and Identification Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance	1,026,678	1,024,780
Acquisitions	0
Purchase price adjustments	0
Foreign currency translation	1,898
Balance	$ 1,026,678	$ 1,024,780