Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends per share Cost of Goods Sold Cost of goods sold Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, before Income Tax Income from operations of discontinued business Income taxes on discontinued operations Net (loss)/income Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Earnings per share - Basic Net (loss)/income Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Earnings per share - Diluted Gross Profit Gross profit Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent (Loss)/income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share (Loss)/income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share (Loss)/income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract] Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax (benefit)/expense Net (loss)/income Operating (loss)/income Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general, and administrative expenses Technical, product engineering, and research expenses Technical, product engineering, and research expenses. Diluted Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract] Shares used in computing earnings per share: Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, net Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Derivative valuation adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Translation adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated items of other comprehensive income: Additional Paid in Capital Additional paid in capital Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets, Current Total current assets Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Current assets of discontinued operations Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Class of Stock [Domain] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Common Stock, Value, Outstanding Common Stock Deferred Income Taxes and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred taxes and other credits Deferred Income Taxes and Other Tax Receivable, Current Income taxes receivable and deferred Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred taxes Goodwill Income Taxes Payable And Deferred Income Taxes Payable And Deferred, Current. Income taxes payable and deferred Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangibles Inventory, Net Inventories Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Current liabilities of discontinued operations Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent Noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations Current maturities of long-term debt Long-term debt Notes and Loans Payable, Current Notes and loans payable Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Pension and postretirement liability adjustments Preferred Stock, Value, Outstanding Preferred stock, par value $5.00 per share; authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, plant and equipment, net Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Class of Stock [Axis] CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Abstract] Total shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock (Class A), at cost 8,467,873 shares in 2012, and 8,479,487 shares in 2011 Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, par value per share Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common Stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value per share Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury stock, shares Amortization Amortization Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net (loss)/income to net cash provided by operating activities: Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Noncash interest expense Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents Depreciation Depreciation Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Excess tax benefit of options exercised Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Excess tax benefit of options exercised Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment (Gain) on disposition of assets Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Provision for write-off of property, plant and equipment Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Taxes Payable Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions and divestitures: Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Other, net Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations Change in cash balances of discontinued operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] OPERATING ACTIVITIES Other Postretirement Benefit Expense Write-off of pension liability adjustment due to settlement Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs Payments of Dividends Dividends paid Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Software Purchased software Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Proceeds from borrowings Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from options exercised Provision For Deferred Income Taxes Other Credits And Longterm Liabilities Provision For Deferred Income Taxes Other Credits And Longterm Liabilities. Change in long-term liabilities, deferred taxes and other credits Repayments of Debt Principal payments on debt Restricted Stock or Unit Expense Compensation and benefits paid or payable in Class A Common Stock CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract] Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Reportable Segment Data Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Pensions and Other Benefits Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Other (Income)/Expense, net Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Inventories [Abstract] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Financial Instruments [Abstract]. Financial Instruments Not Used Abstract Long-term Debt [Text Block] Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Contingencies Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Changes in Stockholders' Equity Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract] Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract]. Document and Entity Information [Table] Document and Entity Information [Table]. Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Period End Date Document Type Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Reclassifications [Text Block] Schedule of Modified Income Statement Data Segment Reclassifications Table Text Block Segment Reclassifications [Table Text Block]. Schedule of Modified Segment Data Schedule Of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Table Text Block]. Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Balance Sheet Disclosures [Table Text Block]. Schedule of Major Categories of Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Financial Results of Discontinued Operations Accrued Fees and Other Revenue Receivable Pre-tax gain receivable Albany Door Systems [Member] Albany Door Systems [Member]. Assa Abloy AB [Member] Assa Abloy AB [Member]. Counterparty Name [Axis] Information by name of counterparty or group of related counterparties. A counterparty is the other party that participates in a financial transaction. Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty or group of related counterparties. A counterparty is the other party that participates in a financial transaction. Discontinued Operation, Amount of Adjustment to Prior Period Gain (Loss) on Disposal, before Income Tax Adjustments to the sale transaction Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Gain on sale of discontinued business Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Loss from discontinued operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Axis] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Tax Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings Tax expense related to cash repatriations Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross Noncurrent portion of purchase price Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net Noncurrent portion of purchase price, at present value PrimaLoft Products [Member] PrimaLoft Products [Member]. Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Proceeds from sale of business Purchase Price Adjustment From Sale Of Discontinued Operations Purchase Price Adjustment From Sale Of Discontinued Operations Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Cash held in escrow Gain on disposition of discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Income tax expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Income from operations of discontinued business before tax Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Net sales Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation Total assets of discontinued operation Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Assets of Discontinued Operations: Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable Accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Goodwill And Intangible Assets Goodwill and intangibles Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory Inventories Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets Other current and noncurrent assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Current Liabilities Other current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Pension Plan Benefit Obligation Liabilities for defined benefit pension plans Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net Property, plant and equipment, net Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation Total liabilities of discontinued operation Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Liabilities of Discontinued Operations: Schedule Of Goodwill Impairments By Segment Table Text Block Schedule Of Goodwill Impairments By Segment Table Text Block Schedule Of Restructuring Charges, By Segment [Table Text Block]. Schedule Of Restructuring Charges, By Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Costs by Reporting Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Financial Data by Reporting Segment Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest (Loss)/income before income taxes Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Interest expense, net Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Other (income)/expense, net Research Expense [Member] Revenue, Net Net sales Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Reportable Segment Data [Abstract] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Schedule Of Allocation Of Plan Assets Target Allocations And Actual Allocations Table Text Block Schedule Of Allocation Of Plan Assets Target Allocations And Actual Allocations Table Text Block Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Plan Cost Pensions and Other Benefits [Abstract] Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities Combined pension liability Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Transition obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Obligations (Assets) Prior service cost/(credit) Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on assets Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net periodic benefit costs Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net (Gain) Loss Due to Settlements Settlement charge Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Service cost Sweden Pension Plans [Member] US and Canada Pension Plans [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] Pension Plans [Member] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Charges Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Liability Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Other Expense, Net Schedule Deferred Income Tax Expense Table Text Block Schedule Deferred Income Tax Expense Table Text Block Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense Schedule Of Income Before Income Tax Domestic And Foreign And Tax Expense Table Text Block Schedule Of Income Before Income Tax Domestic And Foreign And Tax Expense Table Text Block Summary Of Income Taxes Payable And Deferred Current Table Text Block Summary Of Income Taxes Payable And Deferred Current Table Text Block Summary Of Income Taxes Receivable And Deferred Current Table Text Block Summary Of Income Taxes Receivable And Deferred Current Table Text Block Summary Of Income Taxes Receivable And Deferred Noncurrent Table Text Block Summary Of Income Taxes Receivable And Deferred Noncurrent Table Text Block Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule Computing Earnings Per Share Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Schedule of Shares Issued and Outstanding Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Intangible Assets and Goodwill Schedule Of Convertible Debt Transactions Table Text Block Schedule Of Convertible Debt Transactions Table Text Block Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] Schedule of (Losses)/Gains on Changes in Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Claims Statement [Line Items] Statement [Table] Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income/(loss) Net (loss)/income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Prior service cost/(credit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Amortization of pension liability adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Pension plan remeasurement Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Pension plan remeasurement Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Amortization of pension liability adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Derivative valuation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Non-Pension Postretirement Plan Valuation, before Tax Pension settlement Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Non-Pension Postretirement Plan Valuation, Tax Pension settlement Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Income taxes related to items of other comprehensive (loss)/income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Transition Asset (Obligation), Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Transition obligation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Net actuarial loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Derivative valuation adjustment CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) [Abstract] Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Inventories Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Termination and Other Costs [Member] Engineered Composites [Member] Engineered Composites [Member]. Impairment of Plant and Equipment [Member] Machine Clothing [Member] Machine Clothing [Member]. Restructuring [Abstract] Restructuring Charges Restructuring and other, net Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Axis] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve Restructuring charges accrued December 31 Restructuring charges accrued June 30 Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense New accruals Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash Payments Restructuring Reserve, Translation and Other Adjustment Currency translation/ other Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Segment [Domain] Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract] Restructuring by segment Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Non Segment [Member] Unallocated Expenses [Member] Amortization of debt issuance costs and loan origination fees. Amortization Of Debt Issuance Costs And Loan Origination Fees. Amortization of debt issuance costs and loan origination fees Letter of credit fees. Letter Of Credit Fees Letter of credit fees Other (Income)/Expense, net [Abstract] Other Income (Expense), Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss). Currency transactions Other Income (Expense), Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss) Other Nonoperating Income Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total Income Tax Benefit Adjustment On Pension Plan Settlement Tax rate adjustment on pension plan settlement Income Tax Benefit Change In Postretirement Benefit Plan Settlement of pension plan Income Tax Benefit From Continuing Operations Before Discrete Items Income tax from continuing operations before discrete items Income tax/(benefit) from continuing operations before discrete items. Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Total income tax expense/(benefit) Income Tax Expense Benefit Estimated Tax Rate Estimated tax rate Income Tax Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate Provision for change in estimated tax rates Income Tax Reconciliation, Income Tax Expense (Benefit), at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Income tax expense/(benefit) based on income from continuing operations, at estimated tax rates of 26.5% in 2012 and 33.6% in 2011, respectively Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Contingencies Provision for/resolution of tax audits and contingencies Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Effect of stock-based compensation plans that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been antidilutive Average market price of common stock used for calculation of dilutive shares. Average Market Price Of Common Stock Used For Calculation Of Dilutive Shares Average market price of common stock used for calculation of dilutive shares Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Long Term Incentive Plans. Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Long Term Incentive Plans Long-term incentive plan Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Stock Options. Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Stock Options Stock options Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income/(loss) available to common shareholders Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average number of shares used in calculating diluted net income per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average number of shares used in calculating basic net income per share Class of Stock [Line Items] Net shares Outstanding Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Less: Treasury Shares Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Finished goods Total inventories Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Net of Reserves Raw material and supplies Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Work in process Customer Contracts [Member] Technology [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Abstract] Amortized intangible assets: Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense, Current and Five Succeeding Fiscal Years [Abstract] Estimated amortization expense of amortized intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Balance at December 31, 2011 Balance at June 30, 2012 Finite Lived Intangible Assets Other Changes Finite Lived Intangible Assets Other Changes Amount of increase (decrease) to assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life for foreign currency translation adjustments. Finite Lived Intangible Assets Translation Adjustments Currency Translation Future Amortization Expense, Year Five 2016 Future Amortization Expense, Year Four 2015 Future Amortization Expense, Year One 2012 Future Amortization Expense, Year Three 2014 Future Amortization Expense, Year Two 2013 Goodwill Balance at June 30, 2012 Balance at December 31, 2011 Goodwill [Abstract] Goodwill [Abstract] Unamortized intangible assets Goodwill Amortization. Goodwill Amortization Amortization Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract] Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Currency Translation Intangible Assets [Line Items]. Intangible Assets [Line Items] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Trade Names [Member] Convertible Notes [Member] Debt Instrument, Date Of Maturity. Debt Instrument Date Of Maturity Year of maturity Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt issued Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End Interest rate at end of period Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Maturity date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End Maturity date range, end Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Credit Agreement [Member] Long-term Debt Long-term debt Financial Instruments [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Less: current portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term debt, net of current portion Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Maturity date range, start Various Notes and Mortgages [Member] Private Placement, Notes [Member] Additional amount that can be borrowed on facility Class of Warrant or Right, Date from which Warrants or Rights Exercisable Date warrants can be exercised Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Strike price of warrants Covenant, Maximum Leverage Ratio. Covenant Maximum Leverage Ratio Maximum leverage ratio allowed Covenant, Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio. Covenant Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio Minimum interest coverage ratio required Covenant Voting Power. Covenant Voting Power Covenant, voting power Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate LIBOR spread Debt Instrument, Call Date, Earliest Earliest redemption date Long-term Debt, Gross Principal amount outstanding Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component Carrying amount of equity component Debt Instrument Convertible Carrying Reduction Of Debt Component From Extinguishment. Debt Instrument Convertible Carrying Reduction Of Debt Component From Extinguishment Reduction of debt component Debt Instrument Convertible Carrying Reduction Of Equity Component From Extinguishment. Debt Instrument Convertible Carrying Reduction Of Equity Component From Extinguishment Reduction of equity component Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Conversion price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Shares per $1,000 of principal Debt Instrument, Convertible, Earliest Date Date when holders may convert Debt Instrument, Convertible, Price For Redemption. Debt Instrument Convertible Price For Redemption Redemption price, percent of principal Debt Instrument Impact On Interest Expense Debt Instrument Impact On Interest Expense Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Effective annual rate Debt Instrument, Payment Required On Eighth Anniversary. Debt Instrument Payment Required On Eighth Anniversary Payment required on October 25, 2013 Debt Instrument Payment Required On Tenth Anniversary. Debt Instrument Payment Required On Tenth Anniversary Payment required on October 25, 2015 Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, Cost of Hedge Net of Cash Received Note hedge and warrant, net cost Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Fixed interest rate in swap Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative, Notional Amount Notional amount Interest Coverage Ratio. Interest Coverage Ratio Interest coverage ratio Interest Rate Swap [Member] Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letters of credit outstanding Leverage Ratio. Leverage Ratio Leverage ratio Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Amount of credit facility outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Amount of credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Carrying amount of debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Fair value of long-term debt Minimum Per Share Distribution Value Allowing Conversion Minimum per share distribution value allowing conversion Number Of Warrants Sold. Number Of Warrants Sold Number of warrants sold Percent Of Conversion Rate Muliplied By Stock Price At Which Early Conversion May Occur. Percent Of Conversion Rate Muliplied By Stock Price At Which Early Conversion May Occur Percent of product which allows conversion Previous Line Of Credit [Member]. Previous Line Of Credit [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Threshhold At Which Incremental Net Shares Be Included In Weighted Average Common Stock. Threshhold At Which Incremental Net Shares Be Included In Weighted Average Common Stock Incremental net shares will be included in future diluted earnings per share, maximum average common stock price Warrants [Member] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets: Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Common stock of foreign public company Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Cash equivalents Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Interest rate swap Total fair value [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) [Member] Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Foreign exchange contracts Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Liabilities: Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Liability Derivative Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]. Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items] Fair Value Disclosures [Table]. Fair Value Disclosures [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Interest Expense Interest expense Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Credit spread Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]. Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net Total derivatives Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Other Assets [Member] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net (Losses)/gains recognized in income, net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net (Losses)/gains recognized in other comprehensive income Derivative Instruments, Hedge Effectiveness Percent. Derivative Instruments Hedge Effectiveness Percent Hedge effectiveness, percent Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign Exchange Option [Member] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Location [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Other Expense [Member] Asbestos Claims, Federal District Courts [Member]. Asbestos Claims, Federal District Courts [Member] Asbestos Claims Other Jurisdictions [Member]. Asbestos Claims Other Jurisdictions [Member] Cancelled Litigation [Member] Cancelled Litigation [Member]. Information by status of risk of loss associated with the outcome of pending, threatened, or settled litigation against an entity. Litigation Status [Axis] Risk of loss associated with the outcome of pending, threatened, or settled litigation against an entity. Litigation Status [Domain] Loss Contingency, Claims Settled and Dismissed. Loss Contingency, Claims Settled and Dismissed. Total resolved claims, by means of settlement or dismissal Loss Contingency, Cost Of Resolution. Loss Contingency, Cost Of Resolution Total cost of resolution Loss Contingency, Cost Of Resolution Paid By Insurer. Loss Contingency, Cost Of Resolution Paid By Insurer. Resolution costs paid by insurance carrier Loss Contingency, Duties Under Examination. Loss Contingency Duties Under Examination Amount of duties under examination Loss Contingency, Estimated Recovery from Third Party Confirmed insurance coverage Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Possible liability Loss Contingency Number Of Plaintiffs Loss Contingency Number Of Plaintiffs Number of claims Loss Contingency, Percent Of Resolution Costs Paid By Entity. Loss Contingency, Percent Of Resolution Costs Paid By Entity Percent of resolution costs paid by entity Loss Contingency Percent Of Total Claims Loss Contingency Percent Of Total Claims Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Liability for duties, maximum Loss Contingency, Range Of Possible Loss, Maximum, Percent. Loss Contingency, Range Of Possible Loss Maximum Percent Liability for duties, maximum, percent Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum Liability for duties, minimum Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] NAFTA Audits [Member]. NAFTA Audits [Member] Number of audits. Number Of Audits Number of audits Risk of loss associated with the outcome of pending litigation against the entity, for example, but not limited to, litigation in arbitration or within the trial process. Pending Litigation [Member] Percent Of Claimants With Paper Mill Exposure. Percent Of Claimants With Paper Mill Exposure Percent of claimants with paper mill exposure Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Risk of loss associated with the outcome of threatened litigation against the entity. Threatened Litigation [Member] Asbestos Litigation [Member] Brandon Drying Fabrics, Inc. [Member]. Brandon Drying Fabrics, Inc. [Member] Contingencies [Abstract] Entity [Domain] Legal Entity [Axis] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Payments Amounts Paid (thousands) to Settle or Resolve ($) Loss Contingency, Claims Settled and Dismissed, Number Claims Dismissed, Settled, or Resolved Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number New Claims Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Opening Number of Claims Closing Number of Claims Accumulated Items of Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Class A Common Stock [Member] Class B Common Stock [Member] Dividends Dividends declared Equity Component [Domain] Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net (loss)/income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Amortization of pension liability Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized (Gain) Loss Arising During Period, Net of Tax Pension plan remeasurement Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Change in derivative valuation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Non-Pension Postretirement Plan Valuation, Net of Tax Pension settlement Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Retained Earnings [Member] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance Balance Stock Issued During Period Shares Directors Stock Issued During Period Shares Directors Stock Issued During Period Value Directors Stock Issued During Period Value Directors Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Compensation and benefits paid or payable in Class A Common Stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Options exercised Treasury Stock [Member] Currency translation adjustment Business Combination [Member] Sale of PrimaLoft Products [Member] Settlement Of Pension Liability Settlement Of Pension Liability. Settlement of US pension liability Settlement of Pension Liability [Member] Settlement of Pension Liability [Member]. Subsequent Event, Amount Selling price of business Subsequent Event, Amount, Higher Range Estimated charge the second quarter, maximum Subsequent Event, Amount, Lower Range Estimated charge the second quarter, minimum Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Canadian Revenue Agency [Member] Canadian Revenue Agency [Member]. Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Deferred Tax Assets, Net Net deferred tax asset Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective tax rate on continuing operations German Tax Authority [Member] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority Expected cash payment for tax settlement Income Tax Examination Payment For Litigation Income Tax Examination Payment For Litigation. Payment to taxing authority to pursue litigation Income Tax Examination, Range of Possible Losses Income tax examination, range of possible losses Income Tax Examination, Year(s) under Examination Years under examination Letter of Credit [Member] Settlement of Tax Examination [Member] Settlement of Tax Examination [Member]. Short-term Debt Short-term debt Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Amount of reasonably possible benefit Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Lower Bound Estimated range of change, lower bound Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Upper Bound Estimated range of change, upper bound Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items] Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions Discrete tax benefit related to settlement Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount Reduction of deferred tax asset Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Activity in Shareholders' Equity Changes in Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Pension settlement expense Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense [Abstract] Pension settlement Restructuring expense