Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill impairment				$ 1,696,174
Goodwill acquired during period	9,051
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	260,634	251,962
Accumulated amortization	(177,066)	(158,491)
Net Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	83,568	93,471
Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization (Indefinite-lived)	20,359	20,359
Intangible assets, net	103,927	113,830
Intangible assets transferred to VPG		15,371
Amortization expense (excluding capitalized software)	14,684	19,817	22,731
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
2012	12,595
2013	12,492
2014	12,492
2015	12,492
2016	10,765
VPG [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense (excluding capitalized software)		1,466	3,019
Patents and Acquired Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	111,428	111,637
Accumulated amortization	(89,379)	(83,493)
Capitalized Software [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	53,721	51,087
Accumulated amortization	(47,836)	(43,583)
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	57,723	52,863
Accumulated amortization	(26,174)	(21,081)
Tradenames [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	36,762	36,375
Accumulated amortization	(13,615)	(10,334)
Non-competition Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	1,000	0
Accumulated amortization	$ (62)	$ 0