CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 22,550	$ 19,183	$ 59,893	$ 58,030
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	7,570	8,562	(15,041)	1,595
Pension and postretirement plan adjustments	1,900	1,829	5,649	5,481
Cash flow hedges [Abstract]
Net derivative gains (losses) arising during the period	(3)	(299)	511	380
Comprehensive income	32,017	29,275	51,012	65,486
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	(582)	(750)	(750)	(1,561)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MTI	$ 31,435	$ 28,525	$ 50,262	$ 63,925