Restructuring and Impairment Charges (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Mar. 31, 2012
Jun. 30, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Cost of Sales        
Inventory impairment related to Bremen shut-down       $ 1,805
Total charges for cost of sales 1,136   1,136  
Restructuring and Impairment        
Severance and related costs   2,300    
Total charges for restructuring and impairment 830   8,214  
High Performance Foams
        
Cost of Sales        
Accelerated depreciation expense related to Bremen shut-down 585   585  
Inventory impairment related to Bremen shut-down 191   191  
Restructuring and Impairment        
Fixed asset impairment for Bisco and Poron asset disposal     79  
Severance and related costs 670 [1]   3,088 [1]  
Power Electronics Solutions | Power Distribution Systems
        
Cost of Sales        
Accelerated depreciation expense related to Bremen shut-down 360   360  
Restructuring and Impairment        
Impairment of investment related receivable 264   264  
Severance and related costs (13) [1]   477 [1]  
Power Electronics Solutions | Curamik Electronics Solutions
        
Restructuring and Impairment        
Severance and related costs 213 [1]   957 [1]  
Printed Circuit Materials
        
Restructuring and Impairment        
Severance and related costs (276) [1]   3,046 [1]  
Other
        
Restructuring and Impairment        
Severance and related costs $ (28) [1]   $ 303 [1]  
[1] For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2012, this line item includes an estimated change of 2.3 million recorded in the first quarter of 2012, offest by a favorable adjustment of $0.7 million recorded in the second quarter of 2012. Total net charge of $1.6 million, for the first six months of 2012, was related to the early retirement program implemented in the first quarter of 2012.