Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 03, 2011	Jul. 04, 2010	Jul. 03, 2011	Jul. 04, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 17,156,000	$ 19,633,000	$ 33,846,000	$ 35,735,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	5,100,000	(20,500,000)	22,200,000	(33,800,000)
Pension and postretirement plan adjustments	1,900,000	1,100,000	3,000,000	2,100,000
Cash flow hedges [Abstract]
Net derivative gains arising during the period	(400,000)	3,500,000	(1,400,000)	5,000,000
Comprehensive income (loss)	23,700,000	3,700,000	57,500,000	9,000,000
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	(1,100,000)	(500,000)	(2,900,000)	(1,400,000)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MTI	22,600,000	3,200,000	54,600,000	7,600,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	67,500,000		67,500,000		46,600,000
Unrecognized pension costs	(48,900,000)		(48,900,000)		(51,900,000)
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	300,000		300,000		1,700,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 18,871,000		$ 18,871,000		$ (3,590,000)