Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Table]
Schedule of Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Table]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Name [Axis]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Name [Axis]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Plan [Domain]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Plan [Domain]
Defined Contribution Feature
Defined Contribution Feature [Member]
Defined Contribution Feature [Member]
Legal Entity of Counterparty, Type [Axis]
Legal Entity of Counterparty, Type [Axis]
Legal Entity Type of Counterparty [Domain]
Legal Entity Type of Counterparty [Domain]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Plan
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Plan [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Plan [Member]
Receivable Type [Axis]
Receivable Type [Axis]
Receivable [Domain]
Receivable [Domain]
Loans Receivable
Loans Receivable [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Loan to repay third party loan
Note, Loans nd Financing Receivable, Gross, Current, Loan to Repay Third Party Loan
Note, Loans nd Financing Receivable, Gross, Current, Loan to Repay Third Party Loan
Additional loan to ESOP
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current, Loan to Purchase Company Common Stock
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current, Loan to Purchase Company Common Stock
Loans payable
Loans Payable
Principal payments
Repayments of Notes Payable
Shares contributed to ESOP (in shares)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Shares Contributed to ESOP
Unreleased shares in ESOP (in shares)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Shares in ESOP
Fair value of unreleased shares
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Deferred Shares, Fair Value
Pretax income allowed to be deferred (as a percent)
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent
Company match (as a percent)
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match
Maximum match of employee's salary (as a percent)
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay
Compensation expense
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Compensation Expense
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan, restructured outstanding debt of ESSOP
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Repay Third Party Debt
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Repay Third Party Debt
Loan to purchase additional shares
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Purchase of Company Shares
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Purchase of Company Shares
Loan balance
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current
Provision and reserve adjustments
Provision for Doubtful Accounts
Write-offs less recoveries
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs
Balance at end of year
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Operating activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net earnings
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operations:
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Depreciation
Depreciation
Amortization
Amortization
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Contributions to pension plan
Payment for Pension Benefits
Noncurrent employee benefits
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost)
Stock-based compensation expense
Share-based Compensation
Changes in:
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]
Receivables
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable
Inventories
Increase (Decrease) in Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets
Liabilities other than debt
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Liabilities
Total adjustments
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operations
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Investing activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment additions
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
Net cash used for investing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Financing activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt
Dividends paid
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised
Tax benefit on stock options
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities
Purchase of common stock for treasury stock
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock
Issuance of treasury stock
Proceeds from Sale of Treasury Stock
Net cash used for financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents
Increase (decrease) in cash
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)
Cash — beginning of year
Cash
Cash — end of year
Cash paid during the year for:
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Income taxes
Income Taxes Paid
Interest
Interest Paid
Non cash transaction:
Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Settlement of Carolina Meter & Supply payables prior to the acquisition
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Payables Assumed
Settlement of United Utilities payables prior to the acquisition
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Award Type [Axis]
Award Type [Axis]
Equity Award [Domain]
Equity Award [Domain]
Restricted Stock
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number
Granted (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period
Vested (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period
Forfeited (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period
Ending Balance (in shares)
Fair value per share
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Vested (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Forfeited (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Ending balance (in dollars per share)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of segments
Number of Reportable Segments
Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table]
Geographical
Geographical [Axis]
Segment, Geographical
Geographical [Domain]
United States
UNITED STATES
Asia
Asia [Member]
Canada
CANADA
Europe
Europe [Member]
Mexico
MEXICO
Middle East
Middle East [Member]
Other
Other Geographical Areas [Member]
Other Geographical Areas [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues
Revenue, Net
Long-lived assets
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Total assets
Assets
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Retirement Plan Type [Axis]
Retirement Plan Type [Axis]
Retirement Plan Type [Domain]
Retirement Plan Type [Domain]
Pension plans
Pension Plan [Member]
Other postretirement benefits
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost - benefits earned during the year
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost
Expected return on plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets
Net gain
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss), Immediate Recognition as Component in Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
Amortization of net loss
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss)
Settlement expense
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement
Net periodic pension/postretirement benefit cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)
Plan Name [Axis]
Plan Name [Axis]
Plan Name [Domain]
Plan Name [Domain]
Omnibus Incentive Plan
Omnibus Incentive Plan [Member]
Omnibus Incentive Plan [Member]
Exercised
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value
Outstanding
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value
Exercisable
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value
Stock Options
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Exercise Price Range
Exercise Price Range [Axis]
Exercise Price Range
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain]
Price range $ 18.08 — $ 18.30
Price Range 1 [Member]
Price Range 1
Price range $ 19.21 — $ 27.18
Price Range 2 [Member]
Price Range 2
Price range $ 28.33 — $ 38.55
Price Range 3 [Member]
Price Range 3
Number of shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number
Options granted (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures
Options exercised (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period
Options forfeited (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period
Ending balance (in shares)
Exercisable options (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number
Weighted-average exercise price
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Beginning balance (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options granted (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Options exercised (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Ending balance (in dollars per share)
Exercisable options (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Price range - minimum (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit
Price range - maximum (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit
Weighted-average contractual life
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Industry Segment and Geographic Areas
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Land Improvements
Land Improvements [Member]
Building and Improvements
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Machinery and Equipment
Other Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Range
Range [Axis]
Range
Range [Domain]
Minimum
Minimum [Member]
Maximum
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Shares reserved for future issuance (in shares)
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance
Total stock compensation expense recognized
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision at statutory rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount
Valuation allowance
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount
Foreign - tax rate differential and other
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount
Domestic production activities deduction
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Amount
Federal and state credits
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Amount
Other
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount
Provision for income taxes
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Summary of Transactions of Stock Option Plans
Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]
Assumptions Used for Valuing Options Granted
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]
Summary of Aggregate Intrinsic Value Related to Options
Schedule Share-based Compensation, Intrinsic Value of Stock Options [Table Text Block]
Schedule Share-based Compensation, Intrinsic Value of Stock Options [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Fair Value of Nonvested Shares
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]
Employee Benefit Plans
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]
Warranty and After-Sale Costs
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year
Standard Product Warranty Accrual
Net additions charged to earnings
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Period Increase (Decrease)
Adjustments to pre-existing warranties
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Increase (Decrease) for Preexisting Warranties
Costs incurred
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Decrease for Payments
Balance at end of year
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Change in benefit obligation:
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of plan year
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial loss
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss)
Plan participants' contributions
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Contributions by Plan Participant
Benefits paid
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid
Projected benefit obligation at measurement date
Change in plan assets:
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of plan year
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets
Actual return on plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss)
Company contribution
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer
Benefits paid
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid
Fair value of plan assets at measurement date
(Pension liability) prepaid pension asset
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan
Research and development costs
Research and Development Expense
Schedule of Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Changes to Obsolete Inventories Reserve
Inventory Valuation Reserves [Table Text Block]
Inventory Valuation Reserves [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Carrying Value and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Changes in Warranty and After-Sale Costs Reserve
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Assets
Assets [Abstract]
Current assets:
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash
Receivables
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current
Inventories:
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Finished goods
Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross
Work in process
Inventory, Work in Process, Gross
Raw materials
Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross
Total inventories
Inventory, Net
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current
Total current assets
Assets, Current
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross [Abstract]
Land and improvements
Land and Improvements Gross
Land and improvements
Buildings and improvements
Buildings and Improvements, Gross
Machinery and equipment
Machinery and Equipment, Gross
Property, plant and equipment, at cost
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross
Less accumulated depreciation
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Net property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets, at cost less accumulated amortization
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
Other assets
Other Assets, Noncurrent
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net
Goodwill
Goodwill
Total assets
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Current liabilities:
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Short-term debt
Short-term Debt
Payables and other current liabilities
Accounts Payable, Current
Accrued compensation and employee benefits
Employee-related Liabilities, Current
Warranty and after-sale costs
Product Warranty Accrual, Current
Income and other taxes
Taxes Payable, Current
Total current liabilities
Liabilities, Current
Other long-term liabilities
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net
Accrued non-pension postretirement benefits
Liability, Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent
Other accrued employee benefits
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common Stock, $1 par; authorized 40,000,000 shares; issued 37,164,698 shares in 2017 and 37,121,618 shares in 2016
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Capital in excess of par value
Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock
Reinvested earnings
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Less: Employee benefit stock
Unearned ESOP Shares
Treasury stock, at cost; 8,046,166 shares in 2017 and 8,003,086 shares in 2016
Treasury Stock, Value
Total shareholders’ equity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities and Equity
Goodwill
Prior service cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax
Net actuarial loss
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax
Discount rate used to measure net periodic benefit cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate
Discount rate used to measure accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate
Estimated future benefit payments 2018
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months
Estimated future benefit payments 2019
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two
Estimated future benefit payments 2020
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three
Estimated future benefit payments 2021
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four
Estimated future benefit payments 2022
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five
Estimated future benefit payments, five years thereafter
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Technologies
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Intellectual property
Intellectual Property [Member]
Non-compete agreements
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Licenses
Licensing Agreements [Member]
Customer lists
Customer Lists [Member]
Customer relationships
Customer Relationships [Member]
Trade names
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross
Accumulated amortization
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock by Class
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]
High
Low
Statement
Statement [Line Items]
Net sales
Gross margin
Gross Profit
Net earnings
Earnings per share:
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Diluted (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid
Stock price (in dollars per share)
Market Price Per Share
Market Price Per Share
Number of shareholders
Number of Shareholders
Number of Shareholders
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information
Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares Authorized
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Issued
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)
Treasury Stock, Shares
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Legal Entity [Axis]
Legal Entity [Axis]
Entity [Domain]
Entity [Domain]
National Meter and Automation, Inc.
National Meter and Automation, Inc. [Member]
National Meter and Automation, Inc. [Member]
Customer technology
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Business Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Carolina Meter
Carolina Meter [Member]
Carolina Meter [Member]
D-Flow Technology AB
D-Flow Technology AB [Member]
D-Flow Technology AB [Member]
Nice Instruments
Nice Instruments [Member]
Nice Instruments [Member]
United Utilities, Inc.
United Utilities, Inc. [Member]
United Utilities, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total purchase consideration
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred
Cash payment
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross
Pre-existing receivables
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Pre-Existing Receivables
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Pre-Existing Receivables
Receivables
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables
Inventory
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory
Purchase price allocation, intangibles
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill
Purchase price allocation, goodwill
Estimated average useful life
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life
Percent of voting interest acquired
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired
Payments anticipated to be made
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred
Machinery and equipment
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Equipment
Liabilities assumed
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities
Purchase price allocation, inventory and equipment
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Inventory And Equipment
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Inventory And Equipment
Property, plant and equipment
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Intangibles
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles
Obsolete Inventory Reserve
Obsolete Inventory Reserve [Roll Forward]
Obsolete Inventory Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year
Inventory Valuation Reserves
Net additions charged to earnings
Provision for obsolete inventory
Provision for obsolete inventory
Disposals
Provision for Obsolete Inventory, Charge Offs
Provision for Obsolete Inventory, Charge Offs
Balance at end of year
Schedule of Short-term Debt
Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table]
Short-term Debt, Type
Short-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Short-term Debt, Type
Short-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Notes payable to banks
Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Commercial paper
Commercial Paper [Member]
Short-term Debt
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Total short-term debt
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
Income Statement [Abstract]
Cost of sales
Cost of Goods and Services Sold
Gross margin
Selling, engineering and administration
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Operating earnings
Operating Income (Loss)
Interest expense, net
Interest Income (Expense), Net
Earnings before income taxes
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest
Provision for income taxes
Net earnings
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share
Diluted (in dollars per share)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share
Shares used in computation of earnings per share:
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Basic (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic
Impact of dilutive securities (in shares)
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment
Diluted (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted
Short-term Debt and Credit Lines
Short-term Debt [Text Block]
Net periodic pension cost, Discount rate (as a percent)
Expected long-term return on plan assets (as a percent)
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
Benefit obligation, Discount rate (as a percent)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain]
General Business Tax Credit Carryforward
General Business Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Reserve for receivables and inventories
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accrued compensation
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Compensation
Payables
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Accounts Payable
Deferred Tax Assets, Payables
Non-pension postretirement benefits
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards
Deferred Tax Assets, Net Operating Loss and Credit Carryforwards
Deferred Tax Assets, Net Operating Loss and Credit Carryforwards
Accrued pension benefits
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions
Accrued employee benefits
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits
Deferred revenue
Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income
Other
Deferred Tax Assets, Other
Total gross deferred tax assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross
Less: valuation allowance
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance
Total net deferred tax assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance
Depreciation
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Depreciation
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Depreciation
Amortization
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Amortization
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Amortization
Prepaids
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions
Total deferred tax liabilities
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross
Net deferred tax (liabilities)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net
Net deferred tax assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Net
Common Stock
Common Stock [Member]
Annual share award (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Other
Remaining recognition period
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition
Unrecognized compensation cost
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized
Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits, by Title of Individual and by Type of Deferred Compensation [Table]
Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits, by Title of Individual and by Type of Deferred Compensation [Table]
Title of Individual [Axis]
Title of Individual [Axis]
Relationship to Entity [Domain]
Relationship to Entity [Domain]
Officers and Key Employees
Officers and Key Employees [Member]
Officers and Key Employees [Member]
Other Postretirement Benefits, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis]
Other Postretirement Benefits, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis]
Other Postretirement Benefits, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Domain]
Other Postretirement Benefits, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Domain]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Compensation expense
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense
Amount accrued
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Recorded Liability
Acquisitions
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]
Current:
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Federal
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)
State
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)
Foreign
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred:
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Federal
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
State
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Foreign
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Total rental expense charged to operations
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net
Domestic
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic
Foreign
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign
Schedule of Amounts Not Yet Recognized In Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Amounts Expected to be Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block]
Components of Net Periodic Pension/Postretirement Benefit Cost
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Actuarial Assumptions
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation of Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets and Funded Status
Schedule of Changes in Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets and Funded Status [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Changes in Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets and Funded Status [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Fair Value of Qualified Pension Plan Assets
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation of Projected Benefit Obligation
Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]
Number of shares reserve for future issuance (in shares)
Number of shares available for grant (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant
Fair Value, Hierarchy
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy
Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Significant observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories
Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis]
Plan Asset Categories
Plan Asset Categories [Domain]
Equity securities
Equity Securities [Member]
Fixed income funds
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Cash/cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair value of qualified plan assets
Tax Credit Carryforward [Table]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Table]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount
Federal general business credit carryforwards
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount, General
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount, General
Limit on annual basis
Federal and State Net Operating Loss and Federal and State Credit Carryforwards, Maximum
Federal and State Net Operating Loss and Federal and State Credit Carryforwards, Maximum
Valuation allowance on equity investment
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Equity Investment
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Equity Investment
Valuation allowance
Accrued interest (less than)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued
Net expense for one-time transition tax
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Net expense for revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of new revenue standard, adjustment to retained earnings, less than
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Tax effect on employee benefit funded status adjustment
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax, Attributable to Parent
Cash dividends (in dollars per share)
Issuance of treasury stock (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued
Vesting period
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period
Nonvested stock compensation expense
Restricted Stock or Unit Expense
Unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock
Weighted average period
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table]
Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table]
Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis]
Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis]
Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain]
Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain]
Change in Accounting Method Accounted for as Change in Estimate
Change in Accounting Method Accounted for as Change in Estimate [Member]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Scenario, Forecast
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Equity [Abstract]
Equity Components
Class of Stock [Axis]
Equity Component
Class of Stock [Domain]
Employee benefit stock
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Antidilutive Securities
Antidilutive Securities [Axis]
Antidilutive Securities, Name
Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]
Common share purchase right dividend (in shares)
Dividend Declared Conversion Ratio
Dividend Declared Conversion Ratio
Number of common shares each right is entitled to (in shares)
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights
Common share purchase right exercise price (in dollars per share)
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights
Stock split, conversion ratio
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio
Stock dividend payable (as a percent)
Stock Dividend Payable, Percentage
Stock Dividend Payable, Percentage
Total authorized shares before and after stock split (in shares)
Antidilutive stock options excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of positions taken during the prior period
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of positions taken during the current period
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions
Reductions to unrecognized tax benefits as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations
Balance at end of year
Schedule of Short-Term Debt
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]
Long-Term Debt
Long-term Debt [Text Block]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Component [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Pension and postretirement benefits
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Foreign currency
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $0.3 million
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, tax
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income, net
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent
Balance at end of period
Details of Earnings Before Income Taxes
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation of Provision for Income Taxes
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Components of Deferred Income Taxes
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Changes in Gross Liability for Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]
Statement
Statement [Table]
Common Stock at $1 par value
Capital in excess of par value
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Reinvested earnings
Retained Earnings [Member]
Employee benefit stock
Deferred Compensation, Share-based Payments [Member]
Treasury stock
Treasury Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Pension and postretirement benefits (net of tax effect)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax and Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Parent
Foreign currency translation
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent
Cash dividends
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash
Stock options exercised
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised
Tax benefit on stock options and dividends
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation
ESSOP transactions
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Requisite Service Period Recognition
Stock-based compensation
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition
Purchase of common stock for treasury stock
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method
Retirement of treasury stock
Treasury Stock, Retired, Par Value Method, Amount
Issuance of treasury stock
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued
Prior service credit
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit), Next Fiscal Year
Net actuarial loss
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Gain (Loss), Next Fiscal Year
Estimated useful lives
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Amortization expense recognized
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization expense expected to be recognized, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months
Amortization expense expected to be recognized, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two
Amortization expense expected to be recognized, 2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three
Amortization expense expected to be recognized, 2021
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four
Amortization expense expected to be recognized, 2022
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five
Amortization expense expected to be recognized, thereafter
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five
Common Stock
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Capitalized internal use software and hardware
Capitalized Computer Software and Hardware, Net
Capitalized Computer Software and Hardware, Net
Amortization period
Capitalized Computer Software and Hardware Depreciation Period
Capitalized Computer Software and Hardware Depreciation Period
Amortization expense
Capitalized Computer Software and Hardware Amortization
Capitalized Computer Software and Hardware Amortization
Stock Compensation
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]
Schedule of Information Regarding Revenues and Assets by Geographic Area
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table]
Amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
Prior service cost
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member]
Settlement expense
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Settlement Expense Attributable To Parent [Member]
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Settlement Expense Attributable To Parent [Member]
Actuarial loss
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member]
Amortization of employee benefit plan items:
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Total before tax
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax
Income tax impact
Amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
Consolidation
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Receivables
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Inventories
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Capitalized Software and Hardware
Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Long-Lived Assets
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Goodwill
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Warranty and After-Sale Costs
Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Research and Development
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]
Healthcare
Health Care Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Subsequent Events
Subsequent Events, Policy [Policy Text Block]
New Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Total stock compensation expense
Unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options
Service agreement period
Revenue Recognition Period
Revenue Recognition Period
Pension plans
Expected future benefit and annuity contracts payments
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit and Annuity Contract Payment, Next Twelve Months
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit and Annuity Contract Payment, Next Twelve Months
Voluntary contribution
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount
Accumulated benefit obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation
Per share fair value of options granted during the period (in dollars per share)
Risk-free interest rate
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate
Dividend yield (as a percentage)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate
Volatility factor (as a percentage)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate
Weighted-average expected life in years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term
Income Taxes
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Central Index Key
Entity Central Index Key
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Entity Filer Category
Entity Filer Category
Document Type
Document Type
Document Period End Date
Document Period End Date
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Amendment Flag
Amendment Flag
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Entity Voluntary Filers
Entity Voluntary Filers
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Public Float
Entity Public Float
Line of Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Table]
Credit Facility
Credit Facility [Axis]
Credit Facility
Credit Facility [Domain]
Revolving Credit Facility
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument, Name
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Euro-Based Revolving Loan Facility
Euro-Based Revolving Loan Facility [Member]
Euro-Based Revolving Loan Facility [Member]
Line of Credit
Line of Credit [Member]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Foreign Line of Credit
Foreign Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving loan facility
Long-term Line of Credit
Maximum borrowing capacity
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Interest rate (as a percent)
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End
Line of credit period
Line of Credit Period
Line of Credit Period
Maximum amount issuable
Commercial Paper, Maximum Amount Issuable
Commercial Paper, Maximum Amount Issuable
Unused credit lines available
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income :
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Number of product lines
Number of Product Lines
Number of Product Lines
Percentage of products used in water applications (as a percent)
Percentage of Products Used in Water Applications
Percentage of Products Used in Water Applications
Liability Class
Liability Class [Axis]
Liability Class
Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain]
Accrued compensation and employee benefits
Accrued Compensation and Employee Benefits [Member]
Accrued Compensation and Employee Benefits [Member]
Accrued non-pension postretirement benefits
Accrued Non-Pension Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Accrued Non-Pension Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Amounts recognized at December 31
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan
Unaudited: Quarterly Results of Operations, Common Stock Price and Dividends
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]
2018
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months
2019
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years
2020
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years
2021
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years
2022
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years
Thereafter
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter
Total lease obligations
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due