Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Total amount amortized out of accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 5,788	$ 4,339
Defined contribution plan expense	9,006	8,377
Knowles [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost		59
Total amount amortized out of accumulated other comprehensive income		61
U.S. Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	3,915	3,721
Interest cost	5,791	6,314
Expected return on plan assets	(10,393)	(10,398)
Prior service cost (income)	224	271
Recognized actuarial (gain) loss	3,155	2,072
Transition obligation	0	0
Other	810	0
Net periodic benefit cost	3,502	1,980
Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	1,688	1,515
Interest cost	1,486	1,983
Expected return on plan assets	(2,019)	(2,029)
Prior service cost (income)	23	27
Recognized actuarial (gain) loss	675	221
Transition obligation	9	0
Other	2	3
Net periodic benefit cost	1,864	1,720
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	935	830
Interest cost	1,266	1,537
Prior service cost (income)	1,732	1,944
Recognized actuarial (gain) loss	71	(107)
Net periodic benefit cost	4,004	4,204
Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	41	62
Interest cost	128	157
Prior service cost (income)	(93)	(102)
Recognized actuarial (gain) loss	(8)	13
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 68	$ 130