Information on Business Segments Details 1 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 1,465,418		$ 1,440,365
Aerospace [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	534,397		544,943
Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	473,387		453,279
Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	284,357		278,139
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 173,277	[1]	$ 164,004	[1]

[1] "Other" assets include corporate-controlled assets, the majority of which are cash and deferred tax assets.