Information on Business Segments Details 1 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 1,878,879		$ 1,440,365
Aerospace [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	534,807		544,943
Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	879,284	[1]	453,279	[1]
Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	284,125		278,139
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 180,663	[2]	$ 164,004	[2]

[1] The increase in assets within the Industrial segment primarily reflects the acquisition of Synventive.

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