Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Entity Registrant Name	CERADYNE INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000018937
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float	$ 910,100,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	24,194,539
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2011