10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

Or

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File No. 000-13059

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	33-0055414
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
3169 Red Hill Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA	92626
(Address of principal executive)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (714) 549-0421

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports); and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   x   No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “small reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

            Large accelerated filer  x Accelerated filer  ¨ Non-accelerated filer  ¨ Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).

Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class	Outstanding as of April 20, 2012
Common Stock, $0.01 par value	24,280,505 Shares

Exhibit Index on Page 32

CERADYNE, INC.

INDEX

		PAGE NO.
PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements		3
	Consolidated Balance Sheets – March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011		3
	Consolidated Statements of Income – Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011		4
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011		5
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011		6
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		7-16
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		17-27
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		28-29
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		29
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		30
Item 1A.	Risk Factors		30
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		30
Item 3.	Defai;ts I[pm Senior Securities		30
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures		30
Item 5.	Other Information		30
Item 6.	Exhibits		30
SIGNATURE			31

2

CERADYNE, INC.

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED

March 31, 2012

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

CERADYNE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(Unaudited)
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	40,285	$	50,275
Short-term investments		229,816		224,772
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $1,950
and $1,547 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively		61,377		73,646
Other receivables		8,232		6,040
Inventories		135,936		117,273
Production tooling, net		10,406		11,792
Prepaid expenses and other		44,355		43,860
Deferred tax asset		4,960		5,782
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS		535,367		533,440
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net		244,046		243,376
LONG TERM INVESTMENTS		21,834		15,026
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		99,623		100,690
GOODWILL		43,191		42,926
OTHER ASSETS		12,491		12,673
TOTAL ASSETS	$	956,552	$	948,131

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	$	28,938	$	29,191
Accrued expenses		26,713		30,470
Income taxes payable		6,853		5,331
Short-term debt		90,264		89,294
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES		152,768		154,286
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS		24,931		24,462
OTHER LONG TERM LIABILITIES		37,295		37,224
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY		23,613		23,461
TOTAL LIABILITIES		238,607		239,433
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 12)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 authorized, 24,280,505 and 24,175,051 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively		243		242
Additional paid-in capital		123,797		121,940
Retained earnings		583,573		583,420
Accumulated other comprehensive income		10,332		3,096
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY		717,945		708,698
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	956,552	$	948,131

See accompanying condensed notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3

CERADYNE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
	(Unaudited)
NET SALES	$	106,309		$	150,102
COST OF GOODS SOLD		77,165			92,014
Gross profit		29,144			58,088
OPERATING EXPENSES
Selling, general and administrative		17,510			18,836
Research and development		3,630			3,067
Restructuring – plant closure and severance		673			-
Acquisition related charge		-			584
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES		21,813			22,487
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS		7,331			35,601
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income		1,066			798
Interest expense		(1,743	)		(1,448	)
Miscellaneous		(658	)		(87	)
		(1,335	)		(737	)
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES		5,996			34,864
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES		2,214			11,269
NET INCOME	$	3,782		$	23,595
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:
BASIC	$	0.16		$	0.95
DILUTED	$	0.16		$	0.94
SHARES USED IN COMPUTING PER COMMON SHARE AMOUNTS:
BASIC		24,211			24,839
DILUTED		24,360			25,130

See accompanying condensed notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4

CERADYNE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
	(Unaudited)
NET INCOME	$	3,782	$	23,595
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION		5,565		10,935
UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS		1,671		121
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	11,018	$	34,651

See accompanying condensed notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5

CERADYNE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
	(Unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	3,782		$	23,595
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCOME TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Depreciation and amortization		9,143			9,749
Amortization of bond premium		109			375
Non cash interest expense on convertible debt		971			889
Deferred income taxes		(99	)		382
Stock compensation		1,225			972
(Gain) loss on marketable securities		(54	)		113
Loss on equipment disposal		22			49
Change in operating assets and liabilities (net of effect of businesses acquired):
Accounts receivable, net		12,682			(16,694	)
Other receivables		(2,137	)		(2,984	)
Inventories		(17,502	)		(2,502	)
Production tooling, net		1,399			(3,424	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(298	)		477
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(4,571	)		4,222
Income taxes payable		1,344			1,249
Other long term liability		73			1,086
Employee benefits		325			205
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES		6,414			17,759
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		(5,924	)		(7,677	)
Purchases of marketable securities		(20,187	)		(240	)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities		11,019			7,000
Proceeds from sale of equipment		(1	)		1,339
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired		-			(27,673	)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES		(15,093	)		(27,251	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of stock due to exercise of options		85			897
Common stock cash dividends paid		(3,629	)		-
Excess tax benefit due to exercise of stock options		203			1,771
NET CASH (USED) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES		(3,341	)		2,668
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		2,030			2,473
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		(9,990	)		(4,351	)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD		50,275			53,436
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	$	40,285		$	49,085

See accompanying condensed notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

CERADYNE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2012

(Unaudited)

1.   Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012.

The balance sheet at December 31, 2011 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Financial Statements included in Ceradyne’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

2.   Share Based Compensation

Share-based compensation expense was $1.0 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and was related to restricted stock units only as the Company did not have any share-based compensation expense for stock options.

Share-based compensation expense is based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant in order to estimate the amount of share-based awards that will ultimately vest. The forfeiture rate is based on historical rates. Share-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 includes compensation expense for share-based payment awards based on the estimated grant-date fair value. Since share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures.

The Company maintains the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan and 2003 Stock Incentive Plan.

The Company was authorized to grant options for up to 2,362,500 shares under its 1994 Stock Incentive Plan. The Company has granted options for 2,691,225 shares and has had cancellations of 397,811 shares through March 31, 2012. There are no remaining stock options available to grant under this plan. The options granted under this plan generally became exercisable over a five-year period for incentive stock options and six months for nonqualified stock options and have a maximum term of ten years.

The 2003 Stock Incentive Plan was amended in 2005 to allow the issuance of Restricted Stock Units (the “Units”) to eligible employees and non-employee directors. The Units are payable in shares of the Company’s common stock upon vesting. For directors, the Units typically vest annually over three years following the date of their issuance. For officers and employees, the Units typically vest annually over five years following the date of their issuance.

The Company may grant options and Units for up to 1,875,000 shares under the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan. The Company has granted options for 475,125 shares and Units for 961,369 shares under this plan through March 31, 2012. There have been cancellations of 134,793 shares and Units associated with this plan through March 31, 2012. The options under this plan have a life of ten years.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company issued Units to certain directors, officers and employees with weighted average grant date fair values and Units issued as indicated in the table below. The Company records compensation expense for the amount of the grant date fair value on a straight line basis over the vesting period.

Share-based compensation expense reduced the Company’s results of operations as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Share-based compensation expense recognized:
General and administrative, restricted stock units	$	981		$	972
Related deferred income tax benefit		(391	)		(387	)
Decrease in net income	$	590		$	585
Decrease in basic earnings per share	$	0.02		$	0.02
Decrease in diluted earnings per share	$	0.02		$	0.02

7

The amounts above include the impact of recognizing compensation expense related to non-qualified stock options.

As of March 31, 2012, all stock options were vested, consequently there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to   them. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $129,000 and $3.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

As of March 31, 2012, there was approximately $9.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested Units granted under the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.3 years.

The following is a summary of stock option activity:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Number of Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2011		259,150		$	15.80
Options exercised		(6,875	)	$	12.17
Outstanding, March 31, 2012		252,275		$	15.89
Exercisable, March 31, 2012		252,275		$	15.89

The following is a summary of Unit activity:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Number of Units			Weighted Average Grant Fair Value
Non-vested Units at December 31, 2011		362,727		$	31.43
Granted		91,504			31.10
Forfeited		(12,384	)		31.71
Vested		(80,483	)		30.71
Non-vested Units at March 31, 2012		361,364		$	31.49

The following table summarizes information regarding options outstanding and options exercisable at March 31, 2012:

		Outstanding and Exercisable
Range of Grant Prices		Number of Options		Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000s)
	$2.98 - $4.58		51,975		0.44	$	3.43	$	1,514
	$16.89 - $18.80		113,950		1.59	$	17.06	$	1,766
	$21.46 - $22.67		86,350		2.37	$	21.86	$	924
			252,275		1.62	$	15.89	$	4,204

8

The following table summarizes information regarding Units outstanding at March 31, 2012:

		Outstanding
Range of Grant Prices		Number of Units		Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		Weighted Average Grant Fair Value
	$16.53 - $28.10		149,069		2.02	$	21.02
	$30.99 - $39.43		128,075		3.79	$	33.98
	$40.73 - $45.70		79,000		2.94	$	44.66
	$66.35 - $81.18		5,220		0.22	$	70.42
			361,364		2.82	$	31.49

3.   Net Income Per Share

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of any dilutive stock options and restricted stock units using the treasury stock method and the net share settlement method for the convertible debt. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the average trading price of the Company’s stock did not exceed the conversion price of the convertible debt, therefore there was no impact to the calculation of diluted shares.

The following is a summary of the number of shares entering into the computation of net income per common and potential common shares:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Weighted average basic number of shares outstanding		24,210,913		24,839,424
Dilutive stock options		117,413		219,839
Dilutive restricted stock units		32,124		70,661
Dilutive contingent convertible debt common shares		-		-
Number of shares used in fully diluted computations		24,360,450		25,129,924

Not included in the number of shares used in the fully diluted computation for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are 209,795 and 93,062 shares, respectively, pertaining to restricted stock units as their impact would be anti-dilutive.

9

4.   Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first in, first out) or market. Inventory costs include the cost of material, labor and manufacturing overhead. The following is a summary of the inventory components as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Raw materials	$	8,994	$	8,533
Work-in-process		82,606		65,645
Finished goods		44,336		43,095
	$	135,936	$	117,273

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and consist of the following (in thousands):

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Land	$	18,811		$	18,550
Buildings and improvements		119,519			117,961
Machinery and equipment		237,957			233,702
Leasehold improvements		8,514			8,482
Office equipment		38,762			37,906
Construction in progress		14,134			11,961
		437,697			428,562
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(193,651	)		(185,186	)
	$	244,046		$	243,376

The components of intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):

	March 31, 2012						December 31, 2011
	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Amount		Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Amount
Amortizing Intangible Assets
Backlog	$	1,824	$	1,824	$	-	$	1,808	$	1,808	$	-
Developed technology		70,739		7,758		62,981		70,590		7,233		63,357
Tradename		4,110		722		3,388		4,110		698		3,412
Customer relationships		47,604		16,944		30,660		47,604		16,212		31,392
Non-compete agreement		1,100		775		325		1,100		775		325
Non-amortizing tradename		2,269		-		2,269		2,204		-		2,204
Total	$	127,646	$	28,023	$	99,623	$	127,416	$	26,726	$	100,690

The estimated useful lives for intangible assets are:

Identified Intangible Asset	Estimated Useful Life in Years or Months
Developed technology	10 years – 20 years
Tradename	10 years
Customer relationships	10 years – 12.5 years
Backlog	1 month – 3 months
Non-compete agreement	15 months

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets will be approximately (in thousands): $7,479 in fiscal year 2012, $6,381 in fiscal year 2013, $8,412 in fiscal year 2014, $10,745 in fiscal year 2015 and $13,209 in fiscal year 2016.

10

The roll forward of the goodwill balance by segment during the three months ended March 31, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

	ACO			Thermo		ESK		Boron			Total
Balance at December 31, 2011
Goodwill	$	13,108		$	10,331	$	9,033	$	22,083		$	54,555
Accumulated impairment losses		(7,797	)		-		-		(3,832	)		(11,629	)
		5,311			10,331		9,033		18,251			42,926
Translation and other							265					265
Balance at March 31, 2012
Goodwill	$	13,108			10,331	$	9,298		22,083			54,820
Accumulated impairment losses		(7,797	)		-		-		(3,832	)		(11,629	)
		5,311		$	10,331		9,298	$	18,251		$	43,191

The Company is required to test annually whether the estimated fair value of its reporting units is sufficient to support the goodwill assigned to those reporting units; the Company performs the annual test in the fourth quarter. The Company is also required to test goodwill for impairment before the annual test if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount, such as a significant adverse change in the business climate. The Company determined that a test of goodwill for impairment was not required as of March 31, 2012.

5.   Fair Value Measurements

The Company measures fair value and provides required disclosures about fair value measurements as it relates to financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities in accordance with a framework specified by GAAP. This framework addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP. The framework also includes additional guidance to provide greater clarity about the credit and noncredit component of an other-than-temporary impairment event.

The fair value framework requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1:  quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities

Level 2:  observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data

Level 3:  unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and trade payables approximates the fair value due to their short-term maturities.

For recognition purposes, on a recurring basis, the Company measures available for sale short-term and long-term investments at fair value. Approximately $1.7 million of the unrealized losses in short term investments as of March 31, 2012 have been in a loss position for more than 12 months. The fair value of the following investments is determined using quoted prices in active markets (Level 1):

	Level 1 Investments     at March 31, 2012
(In thousands)	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Short term investments:
Investment funds – debt securities	$	222,794	$	122	$	(2,704	)	$	220,212
Corporate bonds		9,598		9		(3	)		9,604
Total short term investments	$	232,392	$	131	$	(2,707	)	$	229,816
Long term investments:
Corporate bonds	$	6,351	$	14	$	(10	)	$	6,355
	Level 1 Investments     at December 31, 2011
(In thousands)	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Short term investments:
Investment funds – debt securities	$	220,778	$	30	$	(4,881	)	$	215,927
Corporate bonds		8,851		1		(7	)		8,845
Total short term investments	$	229,629	$	31	$	(4,888	)	$	224,772

11

The fair value of long-term investments in auction rate securities is based on a Level 3 valuation technique that includes the present value of future cash flows (principal and interest payments), review of the underlying collateral, and considers relevant probability weighted and risk adjusted observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs. The fair values of auction rate securities at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were $15.5 million and $15.0 million, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 there were no charges due to other-than-temporary reductions in the value of investments in auction rate securities. The Company also recognized pre-tax credits of $453,000 and $111,000 in other comprehensive income during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, due to temporary increases in the value of its investments in auction rate securities.

Cumulatively to date, the Company has incurred $4.7 million in pre-tax charges due to other-than-temporary reductions in the value of its investments in auction rate securities, realized losses of $8.8 million from sales of auction rate securites and pre-tax temporary impairment charges of $2.6 million reflected in other comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2012, the fair value of the Company’s investments in auction rate securities was below cost by approximately $7.3 million. The fair value of the auction rate securities has been below cost for more than one year.

For disclosure purposes, the Company is required to measure the fair value of outstanding debt on a recurring basis. The fair value of outstanding debt is determined using quoted prices in active markets. The fair value of long-term debt, based on quoted market prices, was $93.5 million at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

6.   Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the FASB issued new guidance which changes the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements to ensure consistency between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). This new guidance also expands the disclosures for fair value measurements that are estimated using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2012 which did not materially expand its consolidated financial statement footnote disclosures.

In June 2011, the FASB issued new guidance which eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. This new guidance requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2012 which change the presentation of its consolidated financial statements with the inclusion of a new separate statement labeled “Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income”.

7.   Convertible Debt and Credit Facility

During December 2005, the Company issued $121.0 million of 2.875% senior subordinated convertible notes (“Notes”) due December 15, 2035. The Company subsequently repurchased $27.9 million of the Notes during 2009 which reduced the outstanding principal amount to $93.1 million. Since the Notes are convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion (including partial cash settlement), the Company separately accounts for the liability and equity components of the Notes in a manner that reflects the Company’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate as interest cost is recognized.

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, long-term debt and the equity component (recorded in additional paid in capital, net of income tax benefit), determined in accordance with the accounting guidance for convertible debt, comprised the following (in thousands):

12

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Outstanding debt
Principal amount	$	93,100		$	93,100
Unamortized discount		(2,836	)		(3,806	)
Net carrying amount		90,264			89,294
Current portion of outstanding debt		90,264			89,294
Noncurrent  portion of outstanding debt	$	-		$	-
Equity component, net of income tax benefit	$	16,399		$	16,399

The discount on the liability component of long-term debt is being amortized using the effective interest method based on an annual effective rate of 7.5%, which represented the market interest rate for similar debt without a conversion option on the issuance date, through December 2012, which coincides with the first date that holders of the Notes can exercise their put option as discussed below. Interest expense on the Notes, excluding capitalized interest, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 included the following (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Contractual interest coupon	$	665	$	662
Non-cash amortization of discount on the liability component		971		892
Non-cash amortization of debt issuance costs		98		92
	$	1,734	$	1,646

The Notes contain put options, which may require the Company to repurchase in cash all or a portion of the Notes on December 15, 2012, December 15, 2015, December 15, 2020, December 15, 2025, and December 15, 2030 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest up to but excluding the repurchase date.

In December 2005, the Company established an unsecured $10.0 million line of credit (“2005 LOC”) which will expire on May 1, 2014. As of March 31, 2012, there were no outstanding amounts on the 2005 LOC. However, the available line of credit at March 31, 2012 has been reduced by outstanding letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $49,000. The interest rate on the 2005 LOC was 1.2% as of March 31, 2012 which was based on the LIBOR rate for a period of one month, plus a margin of 1.0%. In June 2011, the Company established a separate unsecured $5.0 million line of credit (“2011 LOC”) that was increased to $7.0 million on December 19, 2011 and will mature on April 1, 2013. The Company expects to renew the 2011 LOC at that time for multiple years. As of March 31, 2012, there were no outstanding amounts on the 2011 LOC. However, the available line of credit at March 31, 2012 has been reduced by outstanding letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $5.7 million. The interest rate on the 2011 LOC was 1.2% as of March 31, 2012 which was based on the LIBOR rate for a period of one month, plus a margin of 1.0% percent. In April 2012, the Company finalized the transfer of the outstanding letters of credit under the 2005 LOC to the 2011 LOC and closed the 2005 LOC.

Pursuant to the bank line of credit, the Company is subject to certain covenants, which include, among other things, the maintenance of specified minimum amounts of net income and liquidity. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2012.

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company capitalized interest of approximately $198,000 in connection with the construction of its new manufacturing plant in Tianjin, China. No interest was capitalized during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

8.   Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information

The Company serves its markets and manages its business through four operating segments, each of which has its own manufacturing facilities and administrative and selling functions.

13

The financial information for all segments is presented below (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Revenue from External Customers
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	48,705		$	76,630
ESK Ceramics		42,408			40,123
Thermo Materials		14,866			31,111
Boron		7,203			7,940
Inter-segment elimination		(6,873	)		(5,702	)
Total	$	106,309		$	150,102
Depreciation and Amortization
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	2,293		$	2,871
ESK Ceramics		2,975			3,139
Thermo Materials		2,020			1,686
Boron		1,855			2,053
Total	$	9,143		$	9,749

Segment Income (Loss) from Operations and Income before Provision for Income Taxes
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	3,395		$	17,014
ESK Ceramics		7,177			7,805
Thermo Materials		(1,783	)		10,854
Boron		(876	)		-
Inter-segment elimination		(582	)		(72	)
Total segment income from operations	$	7,331		$	35,601
Other expense		(1,335	)		(737	)
Total Income before Provision for Income Taxes	$	5,996		$	34,864
Segment Assets
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	489,861		$	453,886
ESK Ceramics		172,755			185,070
Thermo Materials		171,672			161,065
Boron		122,264			126,509
Total	$	956,552		$	926,530
Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	1,823		$	1,400
ESK Ceramics		2,183			678
Thermo Materials		559			4,949
Boron		1,359			650
Total	$	5,924		$	7,677
Percentage of U.S. net sales from external customers
Advanced Ceramic Operations		38	%		43	%
ESK Ceramics		5	%		6	%
Thermo Materials		9	%		4	%
Boron		5	%		4	%
Total percentage of U.S. net sales from external customers		57	%		57	%
Percentage of foreign net sales from external customers
Advanced Ceramic Operations		7	%		6	%
ESK Ceramics		29	%		20	%
Thermo Materials		5	%		16	%
Boron		2	%		1	%
Total percentage of foreign net sales from external customers		43	%		43	%
Percentage of total net sales from external customers
Advanced Ceramic Operations		45	%		49	%
ESK Ceramics		34	%		26	%
Thermo Materials		14	%		20	%
Boron		7	%		5	%
Total percentage of total net sales from external customers		100	%		100	%

14

Foreign sales are determined by the country to which the shipment is delivered.

The following is revenue by market application for the Advanced Ceramic Operations segment (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Defense	$	29,386	$	56,427
Industrial		9,273		7,204
Energy		4,320		8,423
Automotive/Diesel		1,828		2,502
Commercial		3,898		2,074
	$	48,705	$	76,630

9.   Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Plans

The Company provides pension benefits to its employees in Germany. These pension benefits are rendered for the time after the retirement of the employees by payments into legally independent pension and relief facilities. They are generally based on length of service, wage level and position in the company. The direct and indirect obligations comprise obligations for pensions that are already paid currently and expectations for those pensions payable in the future. The Company has four separate plans in Germany: a) Pensionskasse - Old; b) Pensionskasse - New; c) Additional Compensation Plan; and d) Deferred Compensation Plan. For financial accounting purposes, the Additional and Deferred Compensation Plans are accounted for as single-employer defined benefit plans, Pensionskasse - Old is a multiemployer defined benefit plan and the Pensionskasse - New is a defined contribution plan. The Company also provides pension benefits to its employees of Ceradyne Boron Products located in Quapaw, Oklahoma. There are two defined benefit retirement plans, one for eligible salaried employees and one for hourly employees. The benefits for the salaried employee plan are based on years of credited service and compensation. The benefits for the hourly employee plan are based on stated amounts per year of service.

Components of net periodic benefit costs under these defined benefit plans were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Service cost	$	192		$	192
Interest cost		332			332
Expected return on plan assets		(139	)		(139	)
Amortization of unrecognized (gain) loss		(10	)		(10	)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	375		$	375

10.   Financial Instruments

The Company occasionally enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with foreign exchange rate changes to allow management to focus its attention on its core business operations. Accordingly, the Company enters into contracts which change in value as foreign exchange rates change to economically offset the effect of changes in value of foreign currency assets and liabilities, commitments and anticipated foreign currency denominated sales and operating expenses. The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts in amounts between minimum and maximum anticipated foreign exchange exposures, generally for periods not to exceed one year. These derivative instruments are not designated as accounting hedges. The Company had an outstanding foreign exchange forward contract at March 31, 2012 for 55 million Euros.

15

11.   Income Taxes

The Company classifies accrued interest and penalties as part of the accrued liability for uncertain tax positions and records the corresponding expense in the provision for income taxes.

Components of the required reserve at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Federal, state and foreign unrecognized tax benefits (“UTBs”)	$	1,844		$	1,791
Interest		105			80
Federal/State Benefit of Interest		(41	)		(31	)
Total reserve for UTBs	$	1,908		$	1,840

It is anticipated that any change in the above UTBs will impact the effective tax rate. At March 31, 2012, the 2007 through 2011 years are open and subject to potential examination in one or more local jurisdictions and 2009 through 2011 years are open for federal income tax purposes. The Company does not expect any significant release of UTBs within the next twelve months.

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company was granted an income tax holiday for a manufacturing facility in China. The tax holiday allows for tax-free operations through December 31, 2009, followed by operations at a reduced income tax rate of 12.5% on the profits generated in 2010 through 2012, with a return to the full statutory rate of 25% for periods thereafter. This manufacturing facility in China incurred a pre-tax loss for the three months ended March 31, 2012, accordingly, there was no tax holiday for this period. Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was reduced by $0.9 million from the tax holiday in China.

Income taxes are determined using an annual effective tax rate, which generally differs from the United States federal statutory rate, primarily because of state taxes, research and development tax credits and the income tax holiday in China. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the financial and tax reporting of the Company's assets and liabilities, along with net operating loss and credit carry forwards.

A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets are the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, the Company’s forecast of future taxable income, and available tax planning strategies that are prudent and feasible. The Company evaluated positive and negative evidence and, although realization is not assured, management determined that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax asset will be realized through future taxable income and tax planning strategies. Failure to achieve the forecasted taxable income and successful implementation of tax planning strategies in the applicable taxing jurisdictions could affect the ultimate realization of deferred tax assets and could result in an increase in the Company’s effective tax rate on future earnings.

12.   Commitments and Contingencies

The Company leases certain of its manufacturing facilities under noncancelable operating leases expiring at various dates through June 2014. The Company incurred rental expense under these leases of $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The approximate minimum rental commitments required under existing noncancelable leases as of March 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

2012	$	2,668
2013		2,340
2014		778
2015		173
2016		-
Thereafter		-
	$	5,959

16

 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Preliminary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains statements which may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. One generally can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “may,” “will,” “expects,” “intends,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “seeks,” or “continues,” or the negative thereof, or variations thereon, or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements regarding future events and the future performance of the Company involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Reference is made to the risks and uncertainties which are described in Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and in Part II, Item 1A under the caption “Risk Factors.” Reference is also made to the risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in Item 1A under the caption “Risk Factors,” and in Item 7 under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Overview

We develop, manufacture and market advanced technical ceramic products, ceramic powders and components for defense, industrial, energy, automotive/diesel and commercial applications. Our products include:

• lightweight ceramic armor for soldiers and other military applications;

• ceramic industrial components for erosion and corrosion resistant applications;

• ceramic powders, including boron carbide, boron nitride, titanium diboride, calcium hexaboride, zirconium diboride and fused silica, which are used in manufacturing armor and a broad range of industrial products and  consumer products;

• evaporation boats for metallization of materials for food packaging and other products;

• durable, reduced friction, ceramic diesel engine components;

• functional and frictional coatings primarily for automotive applications;

• translucent ceramic orthodontic brackets;

• ceramic-impregnated dispenser cathodes for microwave tubes, lasers and cathode ray tubes;

• ceramic crucibles for melting silicon in the photovoltaic solar cell manufacturing process;

• specialty glass compositions for solar, electronic, industrial and health care markets;

• ceramic missile radomes (nose cones) for the defense industry;

• fused silica powders for precision investment casting (PIC);

• neutron absorbing materials, structural and non-structural, in combination with aluminum metal matrix composite that serve as part of a barrier system for spent fuel wet and dry storage in the nuclear industry, and non-structural neutron absorbing materials for use in the transport of nuclear fresh fuel rods;

• nuclear chemistry products for use in pressurized water reactors and boiling water reactors;

• boron dopant chemicals for semiconductor silicon manufacturing and for ion implanting of silicon wafers;

• ceramic bearings and bushings for oil drilling and fluid handling pumps;

• ceramic micro-reactors used to process chemicals;

• PetroCeram® sand filters for oil and gas recovery; and

• enhanced combat helmets for soldiers.

Our customers include the U.S. government, prime government contractors, companies engaged in solar energy, oil and natural gas exploration and nuclear energy, and large industrial, automotive, diesel and commercial manufacturers in both domestic and international markets.

17

The tables below show, for each of our four operating segments, revenues and income before provision for income taxes in the periods indicated.

Segment revenues (in millions):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011			Change
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	48.7		$	76.6			(36.4	%)
ESK Ceramics		42.4			40.1			5.7	%
Thermo Materials		14.9			31.1			(52.2	%)
Boron		7.2			7.9			(9.3	%)
Inter-segment elimination		(6.9	)		(5.6	)		20.5	%
Total	$	106.3		$	150.1			(29.2	%)

Segment operating income (loss) (in millions):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011			Change
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	3.4		$	17.0			(80.0	%)
ESK Ceramics		7.2			7.8			(8.0	%)
Thermo Materials		(1.8	)		10.9			n/m
Boron		(0.9	)		-			n/m
Inter-segment elimination		(0.6	)		(0.1	)		708.3	%
Total	$	7.3		$	35.6			(79.4	%)
* Not meaningful

We categorize our products into five market applications. The table below shows our sales by market application and the percentage contribution to our total sales of each market application in the different time periods.

	Three Months Ended March31,
	2012					2011
	Sales		%			Sales		%
Defense	$	36.6		34.4		$	64.8		43.1
Industrial		40.1		37.7			39.5		26.3
Energy		14.9		14.0			33.1		22.1
Automotive/Diesel		9.8		9.3			9.7		6.5
Commercial		4.9		4.6			3.0		2.0
Total	$	106.3		100.0	%	$	150.1		100.0	%

The principal factor contributing to our growth in sales from 2002 through 2007 was increased demand by the U.S. military for ceramic body armor that protects soldiers, which was driven primarily by military conflicts such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan. This demand was driven by recognition of the performance and life saving benefits of utilizing advanced technical ceramics in lightweight body armor. Our sales declined in 2008 primarily because of a reduction in shipments of body armor. Our sales declined in 2009 primarily because of a continued reduction in shipments of body armor and also due to a decline in sales of our industrial, automotive/diesel and commercial market product lines due to the severe economic recession. In 2010, sales of body armor continued to decline. However, sales from energy related products grew by 61.6% in 2010 when compared to 2009. Most of this growth in energy sales was generated by sales of our ceramic crucibles used in the production of photovoltaic cells for solar panels. Additionally, sales of industrial and automotive/diesel products rebounded sharply in 2010, particularly at our ESK Ceramics subsidiary. In 2011, our sales increased due to higher shipments of body armor due to the increased demand for ESAPI body armor, an increase of sales to the nuclear industry, and continuing growth of sales at our ESK Ceramics subsidiary.

Commencing in 2004, several strategic acquisitions also have contributed to our sales growth. These include our acquisition of ESK Ceramics in August 2004, our acquisition of Minco, Inc. in July 2007, our acquisition of EaglePicher Boron, LLC in August 2007, which we renamed Boron Products, LLC and our acquisition of VIOX Corporation in January 2011.

18

To illustrate the impact of body armor, energy-related products, and our acquisitions, the following table shows our sales from body armor, energy-related products, from our acquisitions, and from all other sources for each of the years 2002 through 2011 (in millions).

	2011			2010			2009			2008			2007			2006			2005			2004			2003		2002
Sales from body armor	$	193.8		$	70.4		$	170.0		$	385.0		$	535.3		$	479.4		$	199.5		$	120.3		$	58.2	$	26.2
Sales from energy products:
Gross sales from energy products		129.0			99.9			62.2			57.7			20.9			11.9			9.8			5.3			2.5		1.7
Less sales from energy products included in acquisitions		(66.2	)		(28.5	)		(24.5	)		(11.4	)		(4.5	)		(3.2	)		(3.2	)		(0.7	)		-		-
Sales from energy products due to organic growth		62.8			71.4			37.7			46.3			16.4			8.7			6.6			4.6			2.5		1.7
Sales generated from acquisitions		254.5			191.1			136.8			177.1			142.6			110.2			109.8			36.0			-		-
All other sales		60.9			70.0			56.1			71.8			62.5			64.6			52.4			54.7			40.8		33.3
Total sales	$	572.0		$	402.9		$	400.6		$	680.2		$	756.8		$	662.9		$	368.3		$	215.6		$	101.5	$	61.2

Sales declined sharply in the first quarter of 2012, especially the shipments of our products for defense and energy applications. The principal factors contributing to the decline of shipments to the defense industry were a reduction in the amount of body armor scheduled for delivery during the first quarter of 2012 to the U.S. government and  delays in receiving approval of first article testing of our ESAPI design in connection with the ceramic armor plates ordered by the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support group. We received approval during the first half of March 2012 but incurred further delays in shipments due to slower than expected results from the U.S. government’s lot testing program causing $10.0 million of body armor shipments to be deferred into the second quarter of 2012. Based on scheduled deliveries of existing orders, we expect shipments of body armor to rebound in the second quarter and for the balance of 2012. Shipments of energy products to the solar industry declined significantly due to the continued pronounced slowdown of demand in the solar energy market due to a reduction of government subsidies for the installation of solar panels and a buildup of inventories of solar cells and solar wafers in end market distribution channels causing a severe reduction of sales of our ceramic crucibles. Our sales to the industrial and automotive/diesel sectors of the economy were flat during the first quarter of 2012 while our sales to the commercial sector of the economy expanded due to the increased sales of our bio-glass product for use as an ingredient in toothpaste.

In October 2008, we were awarded an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity, or ID/IQ, contract by the U.S. Army for the next ballistic threat generation of ceramic body armor plates, called XSAPI, as well as for the current generation ESAPI plates. This five-year contract has a maximum value of $2.37 billion and allows the U.S. Army to order either XSAPI or ESAPI body armor from us.

Through March 31, 2012, we have received delivery orders under the October 2008 ID/IQ contract totaling $278.8 million. Of this amount, we have shipped $278.4 million of body armor through March 31, 2012 and we expect to ship the balance of approximately $0.4 million in 2012. With less than two years remaining under this ID/IQ contract, the war in Iraq concluded, and the war in Afghanistan winding down, we expect that the total amount of body armor that we ultimately ship under this contract will be substantially less than the maximum amount.

In September 2011, we were awarded a three-year ID/IQ contract for ESAPI ceramic armor plates from Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support group. This purchasing group services the United States Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. This award was in response to our bid to the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP) in response to their requirement for a three-year sustainment order for the replacement of body armor inserts. Simultaneously with the receipt of this award, we received an initial delivery order for $127.3 million for ESAPI ceramic body armor plates.  Of this amount, we have shipped $5.2 million of body armor through March 31, 2012 and we expect to ship the balance of approximately $122.1 million by March 31, 2013. This ID/IQ contract includes options for additional deliveries of up to $127.3 million in each of the second and third years. Initial comments from the contracting officer of the U.S. Military indicate that the 2013 ESAPI order will be similar to the 2012 order, but this is a preliminary estimate with no guarantee.

In October 2011, we announced the receipt of a delivery order for approximately $6.9 million for ceramic body armor plates from the United States Special Operations Command. During March 2012, we received a stop work order notice due to ballistic lot testing failures. We anticipate that we will resolve this issue during either the second or third quarter of this year.

19

For 2012 and for the next several years, we expect that our sales of body armor will continue in a range of approximately $50.0 to $150.0 million per year. We will continue to bid on Foreign Military Sales (FMS) for the first generation of SAPI body armor through our existing ID/IQ contract with Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

Although we believe that demand for ceramic body armor will continue for many years, the quantity and timing of government orders depends on a number of factors outside of our control, such as the amount of U.S. defense budget appropriations, positions and strategies of the current U.S. government, the level of international conflicts and the deployment of armed forces. Moreover, ceramic armor contracts generally are awarded in an open competitive bidding process and may be cancelled by the government at any time without penalty. Therefore, our future level of sales of ceramic body armor will depend on our ability to successfully compete for and retain this business.

In June 2009, we acquired substantially all of the business and assets and all technology and intellectual property related to ballistic combat and non-combat helmets of Diaphorm Technologies, LLC, based in Salem, New Hampshire. Based on this technology, we submitted a proposal to the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command in June 2009 in response to a solicitation for the procurement of Enhanced Combat Helmets (ECH), which are intended to provide substantially increased levels of protection compared to combat helmets now in use. In response to our proposal, the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command in July 2009 awarded us a contract for up to a maximum of 246,840 helmets. After an extended period of First Article Testing, our helmets have been approved by the U.S. Government. In March 2012, we received the first of possibly two low rate initial production ECH Helmet orders. The initial release has a value of approximately $3.0 million. The full multi-year production order is expected by the end of the second quarter of calendar year 2012. The total for the initial orders plus full production is expected to exceed $170.0 million. Our strategy regarding this acquisition is to combine our successful track record in body armor programs with the proprietary helmet-forming technologies acquired from Diaphorm to create a world class manufacturer of Enhanced Combat Helmets.

New orders for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $80.8 million, compared to $231.7 million for the same period last year. There were no new orders for ceramic body armor for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to $93.1 million for the same period last year.

Our order backlog was $259.5 million as of March 31, 2012 and $267.4 million as of  March 31, 2011. The backlog for ceramic body armor represented approximately $140.8 million, or 54.3%, of the total backlog as of March 31, 2012 and $117.4 million, or 43.9%, of the total backlog as of March 31, 2011. We expect that substantially all of our order backlog as of March 31, 2012 will be shipped during 2012.

Based on our current backlog and anticipated orders for ceramic body armor and the level of shipments to date in 2012, we expect our sales of ceramic body armor to be lower in fiscal year 2012 than in 2011. For the next three quarters, the level of shipments of ceramic body armor is likely to be the most significant factor affecting our total sales during 2012.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

Net Sales

Our total net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended March31,
	2012			2011
Net sales	$	106.3		$	150.1
Increase (decrease) in net sales	$	(43.8	)	$	40.1
Percentage change in net sales		(29.2	%)		36.4	%

Sales declined sharply in the first quarter of 2012, primarily from declines in shipments of body armor and ceramic crucibles. Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 of our defense related products were $36.6 million, a decrease of $28.2 million, or 43.6%, from $64.8 million in the prior year as shipments of body armor were lower due to a reduction in the amount of body armor scheduled for delivery to the U.S. government during the first quarter and delays in shipments. The principal factors contributing to the delays in shipments of body armor were slower than anticipated approval of the first article testing of our ESAPI design in connection with the ceramic armor plates ordered by the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support group, and further delays caused by slower than expected results from the U.S. government’s lot testing program, causing $10.0 million of body armor shipments to be deferred into the second quarter of 2012.

20

Sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 of energy products amounted to $14.9 million, a decrease of $18.2 million, or 55.2%, from $33.1 million in the prior year as sales of ceramic crucibles to the solar industry continued to significantly decline due to a reduction of government subsidies for the installation of solar panels and a buildup of inventories of solar cells and solar wafers in end market distribution channels, causing a severe reduction of sales of our ceramic crucibles.

Sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 of industrial products amounted to $40.1 million, an increase of $0.6 million, or 1.8%, from $39.5 million in the prior year. Sales of industrial products represented 37.7% of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 26.3% of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Sales of automotive/diesel products for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $9.8 million, an increase of $0.1 million, or 1.4% from $9.7 million compared to the same period last year. Sales to the automotive/diesel market represented 9.3% of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 6.5% of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Our net sales of commercial products for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $4.9 million, an increase of $1.9 million, or 61.9%, from $3.0 million in the prior year. This increase was caused by increase demand for our bio-glass product for use as an ingredient in tooth paste.

Advanced Ceramic Operations Segment

Our Advanced Ceramic Operations segment had net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 as follows (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended March31,
	2012			2011
Net sales	$	48.7		$	76.6
Increase (decrease) in net sales	$	(27.9	)	$	22.5
Percentage change in net sales		(36.4	%)		41.7	%

Contributing to the decrease of $27.9 million in sales at our Advanced Ceramic Operations segment were lower shipments of ceramic body armor in the first quarter of 2012 that totaled $27.4 million, a decrease of $26.6 million, or 49.2%, from $54.0 million in the first quarter of 2011. The primary reasons for the decrease in shipments of ceramic body armor were a reduction in the amount of body armor scheduled for delivery to the U.S. government during the first quarter and delays in both receiving first article testing approval and lot testing results from the U.S. government, causing $10.0 million of planned shipments to be deferred into the second quarter of 2012.

Net sales of our orthodontic brackets product line for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $2.5 million, an increase of $0.4 million, or 19.1%, from $2.1 million in the corresponding quarter of the prior year. The increase was due to special marketing programs by our customer generating more end market sales of orthodontic brackets.

ESK Ceramics Operations Segment

Our ESK Ceramics segment had net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 as follows (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended March31,
	2012			2011
Net sales	$	42.4		$	40.1
Increase (decrease) in net sales	$	2.3		$	8.4
Percentage change in net sales		5.7	%		26.4	%

On a constant currency basis, sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $43.7 million, an increase of $3.6 million, or 9.0%, from the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Sales of industrial products for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $21.7 million, a decrease of $1.9 million, or 8.2%, from $23.6 million in the corresponding quarter of the prior year. This decrease was the result of lower demand for composite coatings, a decrease in shipments of industrial parts for the packaging industry, a decrease in shipments of industrial wear parts and a decrease in shipments of boron nitride ceramic powders. Sales of defense products for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $9.4 million, an increase of $3.3 million, or 53.9%, from $6.1 million in the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Included in sales of defense products for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were inter-segment sales of $6.5 million compared to $4.8 million in the prior year. The increase of $1.7 million in inter-segment sales was due to an increase in demand for boron carbide powder used in body armor plates manufactured by our Advanced Ceramic Operations division. Sales of automotive/diesel products for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $8.0 million, an increase of $0.8 million , or 11.2%, from $7.2 million in the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Increased demand from automotive original equipment manufacturers accounted for the increase in sales.

21

Thermo Materials Segment

Our Thermo Materials segment had net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 as follows (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended March31,
	2012			2011
Net sales	$	14.9		$	31.1
Increase (decrease) in net sales	$	(16.2	)	$	11.3
Percentage change in net sales		(52.2	%)		56.7	%

The decrease in sales at our Thermo Materials segment was due to lower shipments of crucibles to the solar energy market and decreased sales of refractory products to the metallurgy industry. Sales of crucibles used in the manufacture of photovoltaic cells for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $3.5 million, a decrease of $19.5 million, or 84.7%, from $23.0 million in the corresponding prior year period. The decrease was due to a reduction of government subsidies for the installation of solar panels and a buildup of inventories of solar cells and solar wafers in end-market distribution channels.

Sales to the defense industry for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $4.3 million, an increase of $2.1 million, or 99.0%, from $2.2 million when compared to the corresponding prior year period. This increase was caused by higher shipments of ceramic missile radomes compared to the same period last year.

Boron  Segment

Our Boron segment had net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 as follows (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended March31,
	2012			2011
Net sales	$	7.2		$	7.9
Increase (decrease) in net sales	$	(0.7	)	$	1.4
Percentage change in net sales		(9.3	%)		21.8	%

Our Boron business segment comprises the business units Ceradyne Boron Products, SemEquip, Inc. and Ceradyne Canada. Almost all of the sales in this segment during the three month period ended March 31, 2012 were from Ceradyne Boron Products, which had net sales of  $6.9 million, a decrease of  $0.1 million, or 1.4%, from $7.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011.  This slight decrease was the result of lower shipments to the semiconductor industry.

Gross Profit

Our total gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended March31,
	2012			2011
Gross profit	$	29.1		$	58.1
Increase (decrease) in gross profit	$	(29.0	)	$	32.7
Gross profit percentage		27.4	%		38.7	%

Several factors caused the decrease in gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of net sales during the three months ended March 31, 2012. These factors include substantially lower sales of body armor, ceramic solar crucibles, solar paste products, refractory products, and decreased operating leverage resulting in lower absorption of manufacturing overhead expenses in the production of these product lines.

22

Advanced Ceramic Operations Segment

Our Advanced Ceramic Operations segment had total gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 as follows (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended March31,
	2012			2011
Gross profit	$	11.6		$	26.7
Increase (decrease) in gross profit	$	(15.1	)	$	16.7
Gross profit percentage		23.8	%		34.8	%

The primary reasons for the decrease in gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of net sales during the three months ended March 31, 2012 were lower volumes of production of body armor and industrial products resulting in lower absorption of manufacturing overhead expenses and an unfavorable sales mix caused by shipments during the first quarter of 2012  of body armor products with lower gross margins compared to the same period prior year.

ESK Ceramics Segment

Our ESK Ceramics segment had total gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 as follows (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended March31,
	2012			2011
Gross profit	$	13.9		$	13.1
Increase (decrease) in gross profit	$	0.8		$	5.7
Gross profit percentage		32.8	%		32.6	%

Gross profits increased during the three months ended March 31, 2012 due to increased gross profits in the armor and automotive product lines which resulted from an increase in sales of these lines while gross profits of other product lines were unchanged during the three months ended March 31, 2012. Gross profit as a percentage of sales were nearly unchanged for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 as increases in armor gross profit percentage were offset by declines in industrial product gross profit percentage while other segments were unchanged.

Thermo Materials Segment

Our Thermo Materials segment had total gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 as follows (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended March31,
	2012			2011
Gross profit	$	2.3		$	15.3
Increase (decrease) in gross profit	$	(13.0	)	$	7.7
Gross profit percentage		15.3	%		49.3	%

Gross profit decreased during the three month period ended March 31, 2012 primarily because of a severe decrease in unit sales and production of solar crucibles and a decline of $32.5% in unit sales prices of these products due to pricing pressure from customers when compared to the prior year period.

Boron Segment

Our Boron segment had total gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 as follows (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended March31,
	2012			2011
Gross profit	$	1.9		$	3.1
Increase (decrease) in gross profit	$	(1.2	)	$	2.7
Gross profit percentage		27.0	%		38.8	%

23

The decrease in gross profit in the first quarter of 2012 was the result of lower sales to the nuclear and semiconductor industries which caused a lower absorption of manufacturing overhead.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Our selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended March31,
	2012			2011
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	17.5		$	18.8
Increase (decrease) in selling, general and administrative expenses	$	(1.3	)	$	4.9
Percentage change in selling, general and administrative expenses		(7.0	%)		35.5	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses; as a percentage of net sales		16.5	%		12.5	%

The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2012 was primarily caused by lower bonuses to employees due to the reduced financial results when compared to the prior year period.

Research and Development Expenses

Our research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended March31,
	2012			2011
Research and development expenses	$	3.6		$	3.1
Increase (decrease) in research and development expenses	$	0.5		$	0.2
Percentage change in research and development expenses		18.4	%		4.2	%
Research and development expenses as a percentage of net sales		3.4	%		2.0	%

The primary reasons for the increase in research and development expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2012 were additional expenses to advance our industrial products by our ESK Ceramics subsidiary and expenses at our Advanced Ceramic Operations for energy products for the oil and gas industry.

Restructuring – Plant Closure and Severance.

Our restructuring – plant closure and severance expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended March31,
	2012			2011
Restructuring – plant closure and severance	$	0.7		$	0.0
Increase (decrease) in restructuring – plant closure and severance	$	0.7		$	0.0
Percentage change in restructuring – plant closure and severance		n/m			n/m
Restructuring – plant closure and severance expenses as a percentage of net sales		0.6	%		0.0	%

We recorded pre-tax restructuring and severance charges of $0.6 million and $0.1 million for the closure of our manufacturing facilities in India and Utah, respectively. We closed the India facilities and moved the equipment associated with that facility because the cost of manufacturing orthodontic products was lower in the United States than in India. In order to gain synergies and reduce costs in our police helmet operation, we closed our Utah facility and combined its operations with our Diaphorm business unit in Salem, New Hampshire.

Acquisition Related Charge (Credit)

Our acquisition related charges and credits for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (dollars in millions):

24

	Three Months Ended March31,
	2012			2011
Acquisition related charges and credits	$	0.0		$	0.6
Increase (decrease) in acquisition related charges and credits	$	(0.6	)	$	0.7
Percentage change in acquisition related charges and credits		n/m			n/m
Acquisition related charges and credits as s percentage of net sales		0.0	%		0.4	%
* Not meaningful

There were no acquisition related charges and credits during the three months ended March 31, 2012. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we recorded acquisition-related charges of $0.6 million to reflect the fair value of contingent purchase price consideration for SemEquip, Inc., acquired in 2008, Diaphorm Technologies, LLC, acquired in 2009 and VIOX Corporation, acquired on January 3, 2011.

Other Income (Expense)

Our net other income (expense) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended March31,
	2012			2011
Other income (expense)	$	(1.3	)	$	(0.7	)
(Increase) decrease in other income (expense)	$	(0.6	)	$	1.4
Percentage change in other income (expense)		81.1	%		(64.7	%)
Other income (expense) as percentage of net sales		(1.3	%)		(0.5	%)

The increase in other income and expense during the three months ended March 31, 2012 was caused by foreign currency losses of $0.8 million offset by a $0.2 million increase in gains on sales of investments.

Income Taxes

Our provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (dollars in millions):

	Three Months Ended March31,
	2012			2011
Provision for income taxes	$	2.2		$	11.3
Increase (decrease) in provision for income taxes	$	(9.1	)	$	9.8
Percentage change in provision for income taxes		(80.4	%)		636.1	%
Provision for income taxes as a percentage of net sales		2.1	%		7.5	%
Effective tax rate		36.9	%		32.3	%

The increase in our effective tax rate for the three months ending March 31, 2012 compared to the prior year period was caused by an increase in our effective tax rate in China due to the change in mix of pre-tax reults between our two Chinese subsidiaries, each of which is taxed at different rates.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We generally have met our operating and capital requirements with cash flow from operating activities and borrowings under our credit facility.

The following table presents selected financial information and statistics as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Cash, cash equivalents and short term investments	$	270,101	$	275,047
Accounts receivable, net		61,377		73,646
Inventories		135,936		117,273
Working capital		382,599		379,154
	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012		March 31, 2011
Quarterly operating cash flow	$	6,414	$	17,759

25

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we generated $6.4 million of cash from operations compared to $17.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The $6.4 million of cash flow from operations during 2012 is primarily comprised of net income totaling $3.8 million, with $11.3 million of non-cash charges included therein, offset by an increase in net operating assets and liabilities of $8.7 million. The major contributing factor to the increase in net operating assets and liabilities was an increase in our inventories of $17.5 million due to testing delays for body armor products . Partially offsetting this increase in inventories was a decrease of $12.7 million of accounts receivables as our business contracted during the current quarter.

We also invested $5.9 million to expand manufacturing capacity in selected product lines. We received $11.0 million from proceeds and maturities of marketable securities, however, this was offset by the investment of $20.2 million in marketable securities. During the quarter, we paid our first common stock dividend of $3.6 million. As a result, our net cash at March 31, 2012 decreased by $10.0 million as compared to a $4.4 million decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2011.

During December 2005, we issued $121.0 million principal amount of 2.875% senior subordinated convertible notes due December 15, 2035. During 2009, we purchased and retired an aggregate of $27.9 million principal amount of our convertible debt for $23.2 million, which reduced the outstanding balance of the notes to $93.1 million. We have not purchased any of the notes since 2009. Since the notes are convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion (including partial cash settlement), we separately account for the liability and equity components of the notes in a manner that reflects the nonconvertible debt borrowing rate as interest cost is recognized.

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, long-term debt and the equity component (recorded in additional paid in capital, net of income tax benefit), determined in accordance with the accounting guidance for convertible debt, comprised the following (in thousands):

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Outstanding debt
Principal amount	$	93,100		$	93,100
Unamortized discount		(2,836	)		(3,806	)
Net carrying amount		90,264			89,294
Current portion of outstanding debt		90,264			89,294
Noncurrent  portion of outstanding debt	$	-		$	-
Equity component, net of income tax benefit	$	16,399		$	16,399

The discount on the liability component of long-term debt is being amortized using the effective interest method based on an annual effective rate of 7.5%, which represented the market interest rate for similar debt without a conversion option on the issuance date, through December 2012, which coincides with the first date that holders of the notes can exercise their put option as discussed below.

Interest on the notes is payable on December 15 and June 15 of each year, commencing on June 15, 2006. The notes are convertible into 17.1032 shares of our common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of the notes (which represents a conversion price of approximately $58.47 per share), subject to adjustment. The notes contain put options, which may require us to repurchase in cash all or a portion of the notes on December 15, 2012, December 15, 2015, December 15, 2020, December 15, 2025, and December 15, 2030 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest, including contingent interest, if any, up to but excluding the repurchase date. For further information regarding the notes, refer to Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q.

In December 2005, the Company established an unsecured $10.0 million line of credit (“2005 LOC”) which will expire on May 1, 2014. As of March 31, 2012, there were no outstanding amounts on the 2005 LOC. However, the available line of credit at March 31, 2012 has been reduced by outstanding letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $49,000. The interest rate on the 2005 LOC was 1.2% as of March 31, 2012 which was based on the LIBOR rate for a period of one month, plus a margin of 1.0%. In June 2011, the Company established a separate unsecured $5.0 million line of credit (“2011 LOC”) that was increased to $7.0 million on December 19, 2011 and will mature on April 1, 2013. The Company expects to renew the 2011 LOC at that time for multiple years. As of March 31, 2012, there were no outstanding amounts on the 2011 LOC. However, the available line of credit at March 31, 2012 has been reduced by outstanding letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $5.7 million. The interest rate on the 2011 LOC was 1.2% as of March 31, 2012 which was based on the LIBOR rate for a period of one month, plus a margin of 1.0% percent. In April 2012, the Company finalized the transfer of the outstanding letters of credit under the 2005 LOC to the 2011 LOC and closed the 2005 LOC.

26

Pursuant to the bank line of credit, we are subject to certain covenants, which include, among other things, the maintenance of specified minimum amounts of liquidity and profitability and annual net income. At March 31, 2012, we were in compliance with these covenants.

Our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $270.1 million at March 31, 2012, compared to $275.0 million at December 31, 2011. At March 31, 2012, we had working capital of $382.6 million, compared to $379.2 million at December 31, 2011. Our cash position includes amounts denominated in foreign currencies. The repatriation of cash balances from our ESK Ceramics subsidiary does not result in additional tax costs. We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents on hand and cash available from the sale of short-term investments, cash available from additional borrowings under our revolving line of credit and cash we expect to generate from operations will be sufficient to finance our anticipated capital and operating requirements for at least the next 12 months. Our anticipated capital requirements primarily relate to the normal replacement and some expansion of our manufacturing facilities at ESK Ceramics and the completion of our new manufacturing facility in China. We also may utilize cash, and, to the extent necessary, borrowings from time to time to acquire other businesses, technologies or product lines that complement our current products, enhance our market coverage, technical capabilities or production capacity, or offer growth opportunities. From time to time, we may utilize cash to repurchase our common stock or our convertible debt. We anticipate that in December 2012, holders of our convertible debt will exercise their put rights and require us to repurchase the entire outstanding principal amount of $93.1 million.

27

 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in interest rates on our debt. We routinely monitor our risks associated with fluctuations in currency exchange rates and interest rates. We address these risks through controlled risk management that may, in the future, include the use of derivative financial instruments to economically hedge or reduce these exposures. We do not enter into foreign exchange contracts for speculative or trading purposes. Currently, we do not utilize interest rate swaps. Our investments in marketable securities consist primarily of high-grade corporate and government securities with maturities of less than two years. Investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.

Our long term investments at March 31, 2012 included $15.5 million of auction rate securities. Cumulatively to date, the Company has incurred $4.7 million in pre-tax losses from its investments in auction rate securities, a realized loss of $8.8 million from the sale of auction rate securities in 2009 and pre-tax temporary impairment charges against other comprehensive income of $2.6 million. The Company’s investments in auction rate securities represent interests in insurance securitizations collateralized by pools of residential and commercial mortgages, asset backed securities and other structured credits relating to the credit risk of various bond guarantors that mature at various dates from June 2021 through July 2052. These auction rate securities were intended to provide liquidity via an auction process which is scheduled every 28 days, that resets the applicable interest rate, allowing investors to either roll over their holdings or gain immediate liquidity by selling such interests at par. Interest rates are capped at a floating rate of one month LIBOR plus additional spread ranging from 1.25% to 4.00% depending on prevailing rating. During the second half of the year 2007, through 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and through March 31, 2012, the auctions for these securities failed. As a result of current negative conditions in the global credit markets, auctions for the Company’s investment in these securities have recently failed to settle on their respective settlement dates. Consequently, the investments are not currently liquid through the normal auction process and may be liquidated if a buyer is found outside the auction process. Although the auctions have failed, the Company continues to receive underlying cash flows in the form of interest income from the investments in auction rate securities. As of March 31, 2012, the fair value of the Company’s investments in auction rate securities was below cost by approximately $7.3 million. The fair value of the auction rate securities has been below cost for more than one year.

Beginning in the third quarter of 2008 and at March 31, 2012, the Company determined that the market for its investments in auction rate securities and for similar securities continued to be inactive since there were few observable or recent transactions for these securities or similar securities. The Company’s investments in auction rate securities continued to be classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because the Company determined that significant adjustments using unobservable inputs were required to determine fair value as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

An auction rate security is a type of structured financial instrument where its fair value can be estimated based on a valuation technique that includes the present value of future cash flows (principal and interest payments), review of the underlying collateral and considers relevant probability weighted and risk adjusted observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs. Probability weighted inputs included the following:·

●  Probability of earning maximum rate until maturity  

●  Probability of passing auction at some point in the future  

●  Probability of default at some point in the future (with appropriate loss severity assumptions)

The Company determined that the appropriate risk-free discount rate (before risk adjustments) used to discount the contractual cash flows of its auction rate securities ranged from 0.2% to 3.4%, based on the term structure of the auction rate security. Liquidity risk premiums are used to adjust the risk-free discount rate for each auction rate security to reflect uncertainty and observed volatility of the current market environment. This risk of nonperformance has been captured within the probability of default and loss severity assumptions noted above. The risk-adjusted discount rate, which incorporates liquidity risk, appropriately reflects the Company’s estimate of the assumptions that market participants would use (including probability weighted inputs noted above) to estimate the selling price of the asset at the measurement date.

In determining whether the decline in value of the ARS investments was other-than-temporary, the Company considered several factors including, but not limited to, the following: (1) the reasons for the decline in value (credit event, interest related or market fluctuations); (2) the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investments for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery of value; (3) whether the decline is substantial; and (4) the historical and anticipated duration of the events causing the decline in value. The evaluation for other-than-temporary impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to various risks and uncertainties. The risks and uncertainties include changes in the credit quality of the securities, changes in liquidity as a result of normal market mechanisms or issuer calls of the securities, and the effects of changes in interest rates.

28

We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with foreign exchange rate changes to allow our management team to focus its attention on its core business operations. Accordingly, we enter into contracts which change in value as foreign exchange rates change to economically offset the effect of changes in value of foreign currency assets and liabilities, commitments and anticipated foreign currency denominated sales and operating expenses. We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts in amounts between minimum and maximum anticipated foreign exchange exposures, generally for periods not to exceed one year. These derivative instruments are not designated as accounting hedges. We had an outstanding foreign exchange forward contract at March 31, 2012 for 55 million Euros.

Given the inherent limitations of forecasting and the anticipatory nature of the exposures intended to be hedged, there can be no assurance that such programs will offset more than a portion of the adverse financial impact resulting from unfavorable movements in either interest or foreign exchange rates. In addition, the timing of the accounting for recognition of gains and losses related to mark-to-market instruments for any given period may not coincide with the timing of gains and losses related to the underlying economic exposures and, therefore, may adversely affect our operating results and financial position and cash flows.

We measure the financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenues, costs and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are included in stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in other income, miscellaneous.

Our debt is comprised of $93.1 million of a convertible note with a fixed coupon rate of 2.875% (“Notes”). The fair value of short-term debt was $93.5 million and is based on quoted market prices at March 31, 2012.

Approximately 42.8% of our revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were derived from operations outside the United States. Overall, we are a net recipient of currencies other than the U.S. dollar and, as such, we benefit from a weaker dollar and are adversely affected by a stronger dollar relative to major currencies worldwide. Accordingly, changes in exchange rates, and in particular a strengthening of the U.S. dollar, may negatively affect net sales, gross profit, and net income from our subsidiary, ESK Ceramics, as expressed in U.S. dollars. This would also negatively impact our consolidated reported results.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2012 (the end of the period covered by this report). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management evaluated our internal control over financial reporting and there have been no changes during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

29

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company is from time to time involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to its business. However, to management’s knowledge, there currently are no material pending legal proceedings involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries. 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no significant changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

On August 31, 2011, we announced that our board of directors had authorized the repurchase and retirement of up to $100.0 million of our common stock in open market transactions, including block purchases, or in privately negotiated transactions. We did not set a time limit for completion of this repurchase program, and we may suspend or terminate it at any time. We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, we have the full $100.0 million remaining under this authorization.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable.

Item 6. Exhibits

(a)  Exhibits:

31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document.
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Linkbase.

30

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	CERADYNE, INC.
Date: April 24, 2012	By:	/s/ JERROLD J. PELLIZZON
		Jerrold J. Pellizzon
		Vice President Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

31

Index to Exhibits

Exhibit Description

31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document.
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Linkbase.

32

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

Section 302 Certification of Principal Executive Officer

I, Joel P. Moskowitz certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Ceradyne, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 24, 2012	By:	/s/ JOEL P. MOSKOWITZ
		Joel P. Moskowitz
		Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

Section 302 Certification of Principal Financial Officer

I, Jerrold J. Pellizzon certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Ceradyne, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 24, 2012	By:	/s/ JERROLD J. PELLIZZON
		Jerrold J. Pellizzon
		Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer

I, Joel P. Moskowitz certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

(1) the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 780(d)); and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: April 24, 2012	By:	/s/ JOEL P. MOSKOWITZ
		Joel P. Moskowitz
		Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer

I, Jerrold J. Pellizzon certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

(1) the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 780(d)); and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: April 24, 2012	By:	/s/ JERROLD J. PELLIZZON
		Jerrold J. Pellizzon
		Chief Financial Officer

XML

Convertible Debt and Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2005	Dec. 31, 2009	Mar. 31, 2012 2005 LOC [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 2011 LOC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 2011 LOC [Member]
Convertible Debt and Credit Facility [Abstract]
Issuance of senior subordinated convertible notes			$ 121,000,000
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)			2.875%
Maturity date			Dec. 15, 2035
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Convertible Notes repurchased				27,900,000
Long-term debt [Abstract]
Principal amount	93,100,000	93,100,000
Unamortized discount	(2,836,000)	(3,806,000)
Net carrying amount	90,264,000	89,294,000
Current portion of outstanding debt	90,264,000	89,294,000
Noncurrent portion of outstanding debt	0	0
Equity component, net of income tax benefit	16,399,000	16,399,000
Discount rate used on the liability component of long-term debt (in hundredths)	7.50%
Interest expense on Convertible Notes [Abstract]
Contractual interest coupon	665,000	662,000
Non-cash amortization of discount on the liability component	971,000	892,000
Non-cash amortization of debt issuance costs	98,000	92,000
Total	1,734,000	1,646,000
Put options terms	The Notes contain put options, which may require the Company to repurchase in cash all or a portion of the Notes on December 15, 2012, December 15, 2015, December 15, 2020, December 15, 2025, and December 15, 2030 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest up to but excluding the repurchase date.
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unsecured line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity					10,000,000	7,000,000	5,000,000
Borrowings outstanding					0	0
Outstanding letters of credit					49,000	5,700,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)					1.20%	1.20%
Basis spread on LIBOR (in hundredths)					1.00%	1.00%
Capitalized interest	$ 198,000	$ 0

XML

Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Plans [Abstract]

Components of net periodic benefit costs

Components of net periodic benefit costs under these defined benefit plans were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Service cost	$	192		$	192
Interest cost		332			332
Expected return on plan assets		(139	)		(139	)
Amortization of unrecognized (gain) loss		(10	)		(10	)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	375		$	375

XML

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Components of required reserve for uncertain tax positions [Abstract]
Federal, state and foreign unrecognized tax benefits	$ 1,844,000		$ 1,791,000
Interest	105,000		80,000
Federal/State Benefit of Interest	(41,000)		(31,000)
Total reserve for UTBs	1,908,000		1,840,000
Income tax holiday [Abstract]
Income Tax Holiday, Description	Effective January 1, 2008, the Company was granted an income tax holiday for a manufacturing facility in China. The tax holiday allows for tax-free operations through December 31, 2009, followed by operations at a reduced income tax rate of 12.5% on the profits generated in 2010 through 2012, with a return to the full statutory rate of 25% for periods thereafter.
Income Tax Holiday, Aggregate Dollar Amount	$ 0	$ 900,000

XML

Net Income Per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Net Income Per Share [Abstract]

Net Income Per Share

3.   Net Income Per Share

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of any dilutive stock options and restricted stock units using the treasury stock method and the net share settlement method for the convertible debt. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the average trading price of the Company's stock did not exceed the conversion price of the convertible debt, therefore there was no impact to the calculation of diluted shares.

The following is a summary of the number of shares entering into the computation of net income per common and potential common shares:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Weighted average basic number of shares outstanding		24,210,913		24,839,424
Dilutive stock options		117,413		219,839
Dilutive restricted stock units		32,124		70,661
Dilutive contingent convertible debt common shares		-		-
Number of shares used in fully diluted computations		24,360,450		25,129,924

Not included in the number of shares used in the fully diluted computation for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are 209,795 and 93,062 shares, respectively, pertaining to restricted stock units as their impact would be anti-dilutive.

XML

Share Based Compensation, Continued (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Stock Options [Member]
Options outstanding and exercisable [Abstract]
Number of options (in shares)	252,275
Average remaining contractual life (in years)	1 year 7 months 13 days
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 15.89
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 4,204
Stock Options [Member] | $2.98 - $4.58 [Member]
Options outstanding and exercisable [Abstract]
Exercise price range, lower range (in dollars per share)	$ 2.98
Exercise price range, upper range (in dollars per share)	$ 4.58
Number of options (in shares)	51,975
Average remaining contractual life (in years)	5 months 8 days
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 3.43
Aggregate intrinsic value	1,514
Stock Options [Member] | $16.89 - $18.80 [Member]
Options outstanding and exercisable [Abstract]
Exercise price range, lower range (in dollars per share)	$ 16.89
Exercise price range, upper range (in dollars per share)	$ 18.80
Number of options (in shares)	113,950
Average remaining contractual life (in years)	1 year 7 months 2 days
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 17.06
Aggregate intrinsic value	1,766
Stock Options [Member] | $21.46 - $22.67 [Member]
Options outstanding and exercisable [Abstract]
Exercise price range, lower range (in dollars per share)	$ 21.46
Exercise price range, upper range (in dollars per share)	$ 22.67
Number of options (in shares)	86,350
Average remaining contractual life (in years)	2 years 4 months 13 days
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 21.86
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 924
Restricted Stock Units (Units) [Member]
Restricted stock units outstanding and exercisable [Abstract]
Number of units (in units)	361,364
Average remaining contractual life (in years)	2 years 9 months 25 days
Weighted average grant fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 31.49
Restricted Stock Units (Units) [Member] | $16.53 - $28.10 [Member]
Restricted stock units outstanding and exercisable [Abstract]
Exercise price range, lower range (in dollars per share)	$ 16.53
Exercise price range, upper range (in dollars per share)	$ 28.10
Number of units (in units)	149,069
Average remaining contractual life (in years)	2 years 7 days
Weighted average grant fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 21.02
Restricted Stock Units (Units) [Member] | $30.99 - $39.43 [Member]
Restricted stock units outstanding and exercisable [Abstract]
Exercise price range, lower range (in dollars per share)	$ 30.99
Exercise price range, upper range (in dollars per share)	$ 39.43
Number of units (in units)	128,075
Average remaining contractual life (in years)	3 years 9 months 14 days
Weighted average grant fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 33.98
Restricted Stock Units (Units) [Member] | $40.73 - $45.70 [Member]
Restricted stock units outstanding and exercisable [Abstract]
Exercise price range, lower range (in dollars per share)	$ 40.73
Exercise price range, upper range (in dollars per share)	$ 45.70
Number of units (in units)	79,000
Average remaining contractual life (in years)	2 years 11 months 8 days
Weighted average grant fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 44.66
Restricted Stock Units (Units) [Member] | $66.35 - $81.18 [Member]
Restricted stock units outstanding and exercisable [Abstract]
Exercise price range, lower range (in dollars per share)	$ 66.35
Exercise price range, upper range (in dollars per share)	$ 81.18
Number of units (in units)	5,220
Average remaining contractual life (in years)	2 months 19 days
Weighted average grant fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 70.42

XML

Share Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Authorized number of shares or units (in shares or units)	2,362,500
Number of share granted	2,691,225
Remaining shares available for grant (in shares)	0
Expiration term of award (in years)	10
Share-based compensation expense recognized [Abstract]
Stock compensation	$ 1,225,000	$ 972,000
Related deferred income tax benefit	(391,000)	(387,000)
Decrease in net income	590,000	585,000
Decrease in basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ 0.02
Decrease in diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ 0.02
Weighted average exercise price [Roll Forward]
Exercisable, end of year (in dollars per share)	$ 15.89
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Share-based compensation expense recognized [Abstract]
Stock compensation	981,000	972,000
Officers and Employees [Member]
Share-based compensation expense recognized [Abstract]
Stock compensation	1,000,000	1,000,000
Restricted Stock Units (Units) [Member]
Units activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in units)	362,727
Granted (in units)	91,504
Forfeited (in units)	(12,384)
Vested (in units)	(80,483)
Non-vested Units at end of period (in units)	361,364
Weighted average grant fair value [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per unit)	$ 31.43
Granted (in dollars per unit)	$ 31.10
Forfeited (in dollars per unit)	$ 31.71
Vested (in dollars per unit)	$ 30.71
Non-vested Units at end of period (in dollars per unit)	$ 31.49
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based compensation expense recognized [Abstract]
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised	129,000	3,800,000
Stock option activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, at beginning of period (in shares)	259,150
Options exercised (in shares)	(6,875)
Outstanding, at end of period (in shares)	252,275
Exercisable, end of year (in shares)	252,275
Weighted average exercise price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 15.80
Options exercised (in dollars per share)	$ 12.17
Outstanding, at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 15.89
Stock Incentive Plan 1994 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares cancelled	397,811
Share based compensation Stock Incentive Plan 2003 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of share granted	1,875,000
Vesting period	5 years
Shares cancelled	134,793
Share based compensation Stock Incentive Plan 2003 [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (Units) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of share granted	961,369
Share-based compensation expense recognized [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost, restricted stock units	$ 9,700,000
Recognition period of unrecognized compensation cost (in years)	3 years 4 months
Share based compensation Stock Incentive Plan 2003 [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of share granted	475,125

XML

Net Income Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net Income Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic (in shares)	24,210,913	24,839,424
Dilutive stock options (in shares)	117,413	219,839
Dilutive restricted stock units (in shares)	32,124	70,661
Dilutive contingent convertible debt common shares (in shares)	0	0
Number of shares used in diluted computations (in shares)	24,360,450	25,129,924
Antidilutive shares not used in computation pertaining to restricted stock units (in shares)	209,795	93,062

XML

Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw Materials	$ 8,994	$ 8,533
Work-in-process	82,606	65,645
Finished goods	44,336	43,095
Total inventory	135,936	117,273
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	437,697	428,562
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(193,651)	(185,186)
Property, plant and equipment, net, Total	244,046	243,376
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	127,646	127,416
Accumulated amortization	28,023	26,726
Intangible Assets, Net	99,623	100,690
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Intangible assets 2012	7,479
Intangible assets 2013	6,381
Intangible assets 2014	8,412
Intangible assets 2015	10,745
Intangible assets 2016	13,209
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments, Total	265
Goodwill, Gross, Beginning Balance	54,820	54,555
Accumulated impairment losses	(11,629)	(11,629)
Goodwill, Net	43,191	42,926
Advanced Ceramic Operations [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments, Total	0
Goodwill, Gross, Beginning Balance	13,108	13,108
Accumulated impairment losses	(7,797)	(7,797)
Goodwill, Net	5,311	5,311
Thermo Materials [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments, Total	0
Goodwill, Gross, Beginning Balance	10,331	10,331
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0
Goodwill, Net	10,331	10,331
ESK Ceramics [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments, Total	265
Goodwill, Gross, Beginning Balance	9,298	9,033
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0
Goodwill, Net	9,298	9,033
Boron [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments, Total	0
Goodwill, Gross, Beginning Balance	22,083	22,083
Accumulated impairment losses	(3,832)	(3,832)
Goodwill, Net	18,251	18,251
Backlog [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	1,824	1,808
Accumulated amortization	1,824	1,808
Intangible Assets, Net	0	0
Backlog [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (in years or months)	1 month
Backlog [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (in years or months)	3 months
Developed technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	70,739	70,590
Accumulated amortization	7,758	7,233
Intangible Assets, Net	62,981	63,357
Developed technology [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (in years or months)	10 years
Developed technology [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (in years or months)	20 years
Trade name [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	4,110	4,110
Accumulated amortization	722	698
Intangible Assets, Net	3,388	3,412
Trade name [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (in years or months)	10 years
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	47,604	47,604
Accumulated amortization	16,944	16,212
Intangible Assets, Net	30,660	31,392
Customer relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (in years or months)	10 years
Customer relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (in years or months)	12 years 6 months
Noncompete agreement [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	1,100	1,100
Accumulated amortization	775	775
Intangible Assets, Net	325	325
Noncompete agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (in years or months)	15 months
Non-amortizing tradename [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	2,269	2,204
Accumulated amortization	0	0
Intangible Assets, Net	2,269	2,204
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	18,811	18,550
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	119,519	117,961
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	237,957	233,702
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	8,514	8,482
Office equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	38,762	37,906
Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 14,134	$ 11,961

XML

Share Based Compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Share Based Compensation [Abstract]

Share Based Compensation

2.   Share Based Compensation

Share-based compensation expense was $1.0 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and was related to restricted stock units only as the Company did not have any share-based compensation expense for stock options.

Share-based compensation expense is based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant in order to estimate the amount of share-based awards that will ultimately vest. The forfeiture rate is based on historical rates. Share-based compensation expense recognized in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 includes compensation expense for share-based payment awards based on the estimated grant-date fair value. Since share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures.

The Company maintains the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan and 2003 Stock Incentive Plan.

The Company was authorized to grant options for up to 2,362,500 shares under its 1994 Stock Incentive Plan. The Company has granted options for 2,691,225 shares and has had cancellations of 397,811 shares through March 31, 2012. There are no remaining stock options available to grant under this plan. The options granted under this plan generally became exercisable over a five-year period for incentive stock options and six months for nonqualified stock options and have a maximum term of ten years.

The 2003 Stock Incentive Plan was amended in 2005 to allow the issuance of Restricted Stock Units (the "Units") to eligible employees and non-employee directors. The Units are payable in shares of the Company's common stock upon vesting. For directors, the Units typically vest annually over three years following the date of their issuance. For officers and employees, the Units typically vest annually over five years following the date of their issuance.

The Company may grant options and Units for up to 1,875,000 shares under the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan. The Company has granted options for 475,125 shares and Units for 961,369 shares under this plan through March 31, 2012. There have been cancellations of 134,793 shares and Units associated with this plan through March 31, 2012. The options under this plan have a life of ten years.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company issued Units to certain directors, officers and employees with weighted average grant date fair values and Units issued as indicated in the table below. The Company records compensation expense for the amount of the grant date fair value on a straight line basis over the vesting period.

Share-based compensation expense reduced the Company's results of operations as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Share-based compensation expense recognized:
General and administrative, restricted stock units	$	981		$	972
Related deferred income tax benefit		(391	)		(387	)
Decrease in net income	$	590		$	585
Decrease in basic earnings per share	$	0.02		$	0.02
Decrease in diluted earnings per share	$	0.02		$	0.02

The amounts above include the impact of recognizing compensation expense related to non-qualified stock options.

As of March 31, 2012, all stock options were vested, consequently there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to   them. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $129,000 and $3.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

As of March 31, 2012, there was approximately $9.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested Units granted under the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.3 years.

The following is a summary of stock option activity:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Number of Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2011		259,150		$	15.80
Options exercised		(6,875	)	$	12.17
Outstanding, March 31, 2012		252,275		$	15.89
Exercisable, March 31, 2012		252,275		$	15.89

The following is a summary of Unit activity:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Number of Units			Weighted Average Grant Fair Value
Non-vested Units at December 31, 2011		362,727		$	31.43
Granted		91,504			31.10
Forfeited		(12,384	)		31.71
Vested		(80,483	)		30.71
Non-vested Units at March 31, 2012		361,364		$	31.49

The following table summarizes information regarding options outstanding and options exercisable at March 31, 2012:

		Outstanding and Exercisable
Range of Grant Prices		Number of Options		Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000s)
	$2.98 - $4.58		51,975		0.44	$	3.43	$	1,514
	$16.89 - $18.80		113,950		1.59	$	17.06	$	1,766
	$21.46 - $22.67		86,350		2.37	$	21.86	$	924
			252,275		1.62	$	15.89	$	4,204

The following table summarizes information regarding Units outstanding at March 31, 2012:

		Outstanding
Range of Grant Prices		Number of Units		Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		Weighted Average Grant Fair Value
	$16.53 - $28.10		149,069		2.02	$	21.02
	$30.99 - $39.43		128,075		3.79	$	33.98
	$40.73 - $45.70		79,000		2.94	$	44.66
	$66.35 - $81.18		5,220		0.22	$	70.42
			361,364		2.82	$	31.49

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Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	$ 1,700,000
Available-for-sale securities [Line Items]
Auction rate securities, gross realized loss	8,800,000
Other than temporary impairment losses, investments, portion in other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	2,600,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities	4,700,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	111,000	453,000
Period which fair value of auction rate securities has been below cost	one year
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	93,500,000	93,500,000
Short-term Investments [Member]
Available-for-sale securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	232,392,000	229,629,000
Unrealized Gains	131,000	31,000
Unrealized Losses	(2,707,000)	(4,888,000)
Fair Value	229,816,000	224,772,000
Corporate bonds [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]
Available-for-sale securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	9,598,000	8,851,000
Unrealized Gains	9,000	1,000
Unrealized Losses	(3,000)	(7,000)
Fair Value	9,604,000	8,845,000
Corporate bonds [Member] | Long-term Investments [Member]
Available-for-sale securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	6,351,000
Unrealized Gains	14,000
Unrealized Losses	(10,000)
Fair Value	6,355,000
Investment funds - debt securities [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]
Available-for-sale securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	222,794,000	220,778,000
Unrealized Gains	122,000	30,000
Unrealized Losses	(2,704,000)	(4,881,000)
Fair Value	220,212,000	215,927,000
Auction Rate Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 15,500,000	$ 15,000,000

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 40,285	$ 50,275
Short-term investments	229,816	224,772
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,950 and $1,547 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	61,377	73,646
Other receivables	8,232	6,040
Inventories	135,936	117,273
Production tooling, net	10,406	11,792
Prepaid expenses and other	44,355	43,860
Deferred tax asset	4,960	5,782
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	535,367	533,440
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net	244,046	243,376
LONG TERM INVESTMENTS	21,834	15,026
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	99,623	100,690
GOODWILL	43,191	42,926
OTHER ASSETS	12,491	12,673
TOTAL ASSETS	956,552	948,131
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	28,938	29,191
Accrued expenses	26,713	30,470
Income taxes payable	6,853	5,331
Short-term debt	90,264	89,294
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	152,768	154,286
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS	24,931	24,462
OTHER LONG TERM LIABILITY	37,295	37,224
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY	23,613	23,461
TOTAL LIABILITIES	238,607	239,433
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 12)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 authorized, 24,280,505 and 24,175,051 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	243	242
Additional paid-in capital	123,797	121,940
Retained earnings	583,573	583,420
Accumulated other comprehensive income	10,332	3,096
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	717,945	708,698
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 956,552	$ 948,131

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 3,782	$ 23,595
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCOME TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Depreciation and amortization	9,143	9,749
Amortization of bond premium	109	375
Noncash Convertible Debt Instrument Interest Expense	971	889
Deferred income taxes	(99)	382
Stock compensation	1,225	972
(Gain) loss on marketable securities	(54)	113
Loss on equipment disposal	22	49
Change in operating assets and liabilities (net of effect of businesses acquired):
Accounts receivable, net	12,682	(16,694)
Other receivables	(2,137)	(2,984)
Inventories	(17,502)	(2,502)
Production tooling, net	1,399	(3,424)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(298)	477
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(4,571)	4,222
Income taxes payable	1,344	1,249
Other long term liability	73	1,086
Employee benefits	325	205
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	6,414	17,759
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(5,924)	(7,677)
Purchases of marketable securities	(20,187)	(240)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities	11,019	7,000
Proceeds from sale of equipment	(1)	1,339
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	0	(27,673)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	(15,093)	(27,251)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of stock due to exercise of options	85	897
Common stock cash dividends paid	(3,629)	0
Excess tax benefit due to exercise of stock options	203	1,771
NET CASH (USED) IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES	(3,341)	2,668
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	2,030	2,473
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(9,990)	(4,351)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	50,275	53,436
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	$ 40,285	$ 49,085

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Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
German Pension and Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of pension and benefit plans	4
Ceradyne Boron Products Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of pension and benefit plans	2
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 192	$ 192
Interest cost	332	332
Expected return on plan assets	(139)	(139)
Amortization of unrecognized (gain) loss	(10)	(10)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 375	$ 375

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block]

For recognition purposes, on a recurring basis, the Company measures available for sale short-term and long-term investments at fair value. Approximately $1.7 million of the unrealized losses in short-term investments as of March 31, 2012 have been in a loss position for more than 12 months.  The fair value of the following investments is determined using quoted prices in active markets (Level 1):

	Level 1 Investments  at March 31, 2012
(In thousands)	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Short term investments:
Investment funds - debt securities	$	222,794	$	122	$	(2,704	)	$	220,212
Corporate bonds		9,598		9		(3	)		9,604
Total short term investments	$	232,392	$	131	$	(2,707	)	$	229,816
Long term investments:
Corporate bonds	$	6,351	$	14	$	(10	)	$	6,355
	Level 1 Investments  at December 31, 2011
(In thousands)	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Short term investments:
Investment funds - debt securities	$	220,778	$	30	$	(4,881	)	$	215,927
Corporate bonds		8,851		1		(7	)		8,845
Total short term investments	$	229,629	$	31	$	(4,888	)	$	224,772

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Financial Instruments (Details) (EUR €) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Term of foreign exchange forward contract, maximum (in years)	1Y
Notional amount of foreign exchange forward contract	€ 55

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Disclosure About Segments of Enterprise and Related Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information [Abstract]

Segment information

The financial information for all segments is presented below (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Revenue from External Customers
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	48,705		$	76,630
ESK Ceramics		42,408			40,123
Thermo Materials		14,866			31,111
Boron		7,203			7,940
Inter-segment elimination		(6,873	)		(5,702	)
Total	$	106,309		$	150,102
Depreciation and Amortization
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	2,293		$	2,871
ESK Ceramics		2,975			3,139
Thermo Materials		2,020			1,686
Boron		1,855			2,053
Total	$	9,143		$	9,749

Segment Income (Loss) from Operations and Income before Provision for Income Taxes
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	3,395		$	17,014
ESK Ceramics		7,177			7,805
Thermo Materials		(1,783	)		10,854
Boron		(876	)		-
Inter-segment elimination		(582	)		(72	)
Total segment income from operations	$	7,331		$	35,601
Other expense		(1,335	)		(737	)
Total Income before Provision for Income Taxes	$	5,996		$	34,864
Segment Assets
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	489,861		$	453,886
ESK Ceramics		172,755			185,070
Thermo Materials		171,672			161,065
Boron		122,264			126,509
Total	$	956,552		$	926,530
Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	1,823		$	1,400
ESK Ceramics		2,183			678
Thermo Materials		559			4,949
Boron		1,359			650
Total	$	5,924		$	7,677
Percentage of U.S. net sales from external customers
Advanced Ceramic Operations		38	%		43	%
ESK Ceramics		5	%		6	%
Thermo Materials		9	%		4	%
Boron		5	%		4	%
Total percentage of U.S. net sales from external customers		57	%		57	%
Percentage of foreign net sales from external customers
Advanced Ceramic Operations		7	%		6	%
ESK Ceramics		29	%		20	%
Thermo Materials		5	%		16	%
Boron		2	%		1	%
Total percentage of foreign net sales from external customers		43	%		43	%
Percentage of total net sales from external customers
Advanced Ceramic Operations		45	%		49	%
ESK Ceramics		34	%		26	%
Thermo Materials		14	%		20	%
Boron		7	%		5	%
Total percentage of total net sales from external customers		100	%		100	%

Sales from external customers

Segment Income (Loss) from Operations and Income before Provision for Income Taxes
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	3,395		$	17,014
ESK Ceramics		7,177			7,805
Thermo Materials		(1,783	)		10,854
Boron		(876	)		-
Inter-segment elimination		(582	)		(72	)
Total segment income from operations	$	7,331		$	35,601
Other expense		(1,335	)		(737	)
Total Income before Provision for Income Taxes	$	5,996		$	34,864
Segment Assets
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	489,861		$	453,886
ESK Ceramics		172,755			185,070
Thermo Materials		171,672			161,065
Boron		122,264			126,509
Total	$	956,552		$	926,530
Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	1,823		$	1,400
ESK Ceramics		2,183			678
Thermo Materials		559			4,949
Boron		1,359			650
Total	$	5,924		$	7,677
Percentage of U.S. net sales from external customers
Advanced Ceramic Operations		38	%		43	%
ESK Ceramics		5	%		6	%
Thermo Materials		9	%		4	%
Boron		5	%		4	%
Total percentage of U.S. net sales from external customers		57	%		57	%
Percentage of foreign net sales from external customers
Advanced Ceramic Operations		7	%		6	%
ESK Ceramics		29	%		20	%
Thermo Materials		5	%		16	%
Boron		2	%		1	%
Total percentage of foreign net sales from external customers		43	%		43	%
Percentage of total net sales from external customers
Advanced Ceramic Operations		45	%		49	%
ESK Ceramics		34	%		26	%
Thermo Materials		14	%		20	%
Boron		7	%		5	%
Total percentage of total net sales from external customers		100	%		100	%

Revenue by market application

The following is revenue by market application for the Advanced Ceramic Operations segment (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Defense	$	29,386	$	56,427
Industrial		9,273		7,204
Energy		4,320		8,423
Automotive/Diesel		1,828		2,502
Commercial		3,898		2,074
	$	48,705	$	76,630

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Basis of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Basis of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

1.   Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012.

The balance sheet at December 31, 2011 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Financial Statements included in Ceradyne's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CURRENT ASSETS
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	$ 1,950	$ 1,547
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	24,280,505	24,175,051
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	24,280,505	24,175,051

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Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

11.   Income Taxes

The Company classifies accrued interest and penalties as part of the accrued liability for uncertain tax positions and records the corresponding expense in the provision for income taxes.

Components of the required reserve at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Federal, state and foreign unrecognized tax benefits ("UTBs")	$	1,844		$	1,791
Interest		105			80
Federal/State Benefit of Interest		(41	)		(31	)
Total reserve for UTBs	$	1,908		$	1,840

It is anticipated that any change in the above UTBs will impact the effective tax rate. At March 31, 2012, the 2007 through 2011 years are open and subject to potential examination in one or more local jurisdictions and 2009 through 2011 years are open for federal income tax purposes. The Company does not expect any significant release of UTBs within the next twelve months.

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company was granted an income tax holiday for a manufacturing facility in China. The tax holiday allows for tax-free operations through December 31, 2009, followed by operations at a reduced income tax rate of 12.5% on the profits generated in 2010 through 2012, with a return to the full statutory rate of 25% for periods thereafter. This manufacturing facility in China incurred a pre-tax loss for the three months ended March 31, 2012, accordingly, there was no tax holiday for this period. Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was reduced by $0.9 million from the tax holiday in China.

Income taxes are determined using an annual effective tax rate, which generally differs from the United States federal statutory rate, primarily because of state taxes, research and development tax credits and the income tax holiday in China. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the financial and tax reporting of the Company's assets and liabilities, along with net operating loss and credit carry forwards.

A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets are the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, the Company's forecast of future taxable income, and available tax planning strategies that are prudent and feasible. The Company evaluated positive and negative evidence and, although realization is not assured, management determined that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax asset will be realized through future taxable income and tax planning strategies. Failure to achieve the forecasted taxable income and successful implementation of tax planning strategies in the applicable taxing jurisdictions could affect the ultimate realization of deferred tax assets and could result in an increase in the Company's effective tax rate on future earnings.

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Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Apr. 20, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
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	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 910.1
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,280,505
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2012

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Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

12.   Commitments and Contingencies

The Company leases certain of its manufacturing facilities under noncancelable operating leases expiring at various dates through June 2014. The Company incurred rental expense under these leases of $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The approximate minimum rental commitments required under existing noncancelable leases as of March 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

2012	$	2,668
2013		2,340
2014		778
2015		173
2016		-
Thereafter		-
	$	5,959

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) [Abstract]
NET SALES	$ 106,309	$ 150,102
COST OF GOODS SOLD	77,165	92,014
Gross profit	29,144	58,088
OPERATING EXPENSES
Selling, general and administrative	17,510	18,836
Acquisition related charge	0	584
Research and development	3,630	3,067
Restructuring - plant closure and severance	673	0
Operating Expenses, Total	21,813	22,487
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	7,331	35,601
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income	1,066	798
Interest expense	(1,743)	(1,448)
Miscellaneous	(658)	(87)
Other Income (Expense), Total	(1,335)	(737)
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	5,996	34,864
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	2,214	11,269
NET INCOME	$ 3,782	$ 23,595
BASIC INCOME PER SHARE (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ 0.95
DILUTED INCOME PER SHARE (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ 0.94
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
BASIC (in shares)	24,210,913	24,839,424
DILUTED (in shares)	24,360,450	25,129,924

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

6.   Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the FASB issued new guidance which changes the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements to ensure consistency between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). This new guidance also expands the disclosures for fair value measurements that are estimated using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2012 which did not materially expand its consolidated financial statement footnote disclosures.

In June 2011, the FASB issued new guidance which eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. This new guidance requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders' equity be presented in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2012 which change the presentation of its consolidated financial statements with the inclusion of a new separate statement labeled "Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income".

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Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

5.   Fair Value Measurements

The Company measures fair value and provides required disclosures about fair value measurements as it relates to financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities in accordance with a framework specified by GAAP. This framework addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP. The framework also includes additional guidance to provide greater clarity about the credit and noncredit component of an other-than-temporary impairment event.

The fair value framework requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1:  quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities

Level 2:  observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data

Level 3:  unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and trade payables approximates the fair value due to their short-term maturities.

For recognition purposes, on a recurring basis, the Company measures available for sale short-term and long-term investments at fair value. Approximately $1.7 million of the unrealized losses in short-term investments as of March 31, 2012 have been in a loss position for more than 12 months.  The fair value of the following investments is determined using quoted prices in active markets (Level 1):

	Level 1 Investments  at March 31, 2012
(In thousands)	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Short term investments:
Investment funds - debt securities	$	222,794	$	122	$	(2,704	)	$	220,212
Corporate bonds		9,598		9		(3	)		9,604
Total short term investments	$	232,392	$	131	$	(2,707	)	$	229,816
Long term investments:
Corporate bonds	$	6,351	$	14	$	(10	)	$	6,355
	Level 1 Investments  at December 31, 2011
(In thousands)	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Short term investments:
Investment funds - debt securities	$	220,778	$	30	$	(4,881	)	$	215,927
Corporate bonds		8,851		1		(7	)		8,845
Total short term investments	$	229,629	$	31	$	(4,888	)	$	224,772

The fair value of long-term investments in auction rate securities is based on a Level 3 valuation technique that includes the present value of future cash flows (principal and interest payments), review of the underlying collateral, and considers relevant probability weighted and risk adjusted observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs. The fair values of auction rate securities at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were $15.5million and $15.0 million, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 there were no charges due to other-than-temporary reductions in the value of investments in auction rate securities. The Company also recognized pre-tax credits of $453,000 and $111,000 in other comprehensive income during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, due to temporary increases in the value of its investments in auction rate securities.

Cumulatively to date, the Company has incurred $4.7 million in pre-tax charges due to other-than-temporary reductions in the value of its investments in auction rate securities, realized losses of $8.8 million from sales of auction rate securites and pre-tax temporary impairment charges of $2.6 million reflected in other comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2012, the fair value of the Company's investments in auction rate securities was below cost by approximately $7.3 million. The fair value of the auction rate securities has been below cost for more than one year.

For disclosure purposes, the Company is required to measure the fair value of outstanding debt on a recurring basis. The fair value of outstanding debt is determined using quoted prices in active markets. The fair value of long-term debt, based on quoted market prices, was $93.5 million at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

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Convertible Debt and Credit Facility (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Convertible Debt and Credit Facility [Abstract]

Long-term debt and equity component

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, long-term debt and the equity component (recorded in additional paid in capital, net of income tax benefit), determined in accordance with the accounting guidance for convertible debt, comprised the following (in thousands):

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Outstanding debt
Principal amount	$	93,100		$	93,100
Unamortized discount		(2,836	)		(3,806	)
Net carrying amount		90,264			89,294
Current portion of outstanding debt		90,264			89,294
Noncurrent  portion of outstanding debt	$	-		$	-
Equity component, net of income tax benefit	$	16,399		$	16,399

Interest expense, Convertible Notes

The discount on the liability component of long-term debt is being amortized using the effective interest method based on an annual effective rate of 7.5%, which represented the market interest rate for similar debt without a conversion option on the issuance date, through December 2012, which coincides with the first date that holders of the Notes can exercise their put option as discussed below. Interest expense on the Notes, excluding capitalized interest, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 included the following (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Contractual interest coupon	$	665	$	662
Non-cash amortization of discount on the liability component		971		892
Non-cash amortization of debt issuance costs		98		92
	$	1,734	$	1,646

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Share Based Compensation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Share Based Compensation [Abstract]

Share based compensation effect on earnings per share

Share-based compensation expense reduced the Company's results of operations as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Share-based compensation expense recognized:
General and administrative, restricted stock units	$	981		$	972
Related deferred income tax benefit		(391	)		(387	)
Decrease in net income	$	590		$	585
Decrease in basic earnings per share	$	0.02		$	0.02
Decrease in diluted earnings per share	$	0.02		$	0.02

Stock option activity

The following is a summary of stock option activity:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Number of Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 31, 2011		259,150		$	15.80
Options exercised		(6,875	)	$	12.17
Outstanding, March 31, 2012		252,275		$	15.89
Exercisable, March 31, 2012		252,275		$	15.89

Restricted stock units activity

The following is a summary of Unit activity:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Number of Units			Weighted Average Grant Fair Value
Non-vested Units at December 31, 2011		362,727		$	31.43
Granted		91,504			31.10
Forfeited		(12,384	)		31.71
Vested		(80,483	)		30.71
Non-vested Units at March 31, 2012		361,364		$	31.49

Stock options outstanding and exercisable by price range

The following table summarizes information regarding options outstanding and options exercisable at March 31, 2012:

		Outstanding and Exercisable
Range of Grant Prices		Number of Options		Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000s)
	$2.98 - $4.58		51,975		0.44	$	3.43	$	1,514
	$16.89 - $18.80		113,950		1.59	$	17.06	$	1,766
	$21.46 - $22.67		86,350		2.37	$	21.86	$	924
			252,275		1.62	$	15.89	$	4,204

Restricted stock units outstanding by price range

The following table summarizes information regarding Units outstanding at March 31, 2012:

		Outstanding
Range of Grant Prices		Number of Units		Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		Weighted Average Grant Fair Value
	$16.53 - $28.10		149,069		2.02	$	21.02
	$30.99 - $39.43		128,075		3.79	$	33.98
	$40.73 - $45.70		79,000		2.94	$	44.66
	$66.35 - $81.18		5,220		0.22	$	70.42
			361,364		2.82	$	31.49

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Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Plans [Abstract]

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans

9.   Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Plans

The Company provides pension benefits to its employees in Germany. These pension benefits are rendered for the time after the retirement of the employees by payments into legally independent pension and relief facilities. They are generally based on length of service, wage level and position in the company. The direct and indirect obligations comprise obligations for pensions that are already paid currently and expectations for those pensions payable in the future. The Company has four separate plans in Germany: a) Pensionskasse - Old; b) Pensionskasse - New; c) Additional Compensation Plan; and d) Deferred Compensation Plan. For financial accounting purposes, the Additional and Deferred Compensation Plans are accounted for as single-employer defined benefit plans, Pensionskasse - Old is a multiemployer defined benefit plan and the Pensionskasse - New is a defined contribution plan. The Company also provides pension benefits to its employees of Ceradyne Boron Products located in Quapaw, Oklahoma. There are two defined benefit retirement plans, one for eligible salaried employees and one for hourly employees. The benefits for the salaried employee plan are based on years of credited service and compensation. The benefits for the hourly employee plan are based on stated amounts per year of service.

Components of net periodic benefit costs under these defined benefit plans were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Service cost	$	192		$	192
Interest cost		332			332
Expected return on plan assets		(139	)		(139	)
Amortization of unrecognized (gain) loss		(10	)		(10	)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	375		$	375

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Convertible Debt and Credit Facility

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Convertible Debt and Credit Facility [Abstract]

Convertible Debt and Credit Facility

7.   Convertible Debt and Credit Facility

During December 2005, the Company issued $121.0 million of 2.875% senior subordinated convertible notes ("Notes") due December 15, 2035. The Company subsequently repurchased $27.9 million of the Notes during 2009 which reduced the outstanding principal amount to $93.1 million. Since the Notes are convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion (including partial cash settlement), the Company separately accounts for the liability and equity components of the Notes in a manner that reflects the Company's nonconvertible debt borrowing rate as interest cost is recognized.

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, long-term debt and the equity component (recorded in additional paid in capital, net of income tax benefit), determined in accordance with the accounting guidance for convertible debt, comprised the following (in thousands):

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Outstanding debt
Principal amount	$	93,100		$	93,100
Unamortized discount		(2,836	)		(3,806	)
Net carrying amount		90,264			89,294
Current portion of outstanding debt		90,264			89,294
Noncurrent  portion of outstanding debt	$	-		$	-
Equity component, net of income tax benefit	$	16,399		$	16,399

The discount on the liability component of long-term debt is being amortized using the effective interest method based on an annual effective rate of 7.5%, which represented the market interest rate for similar debt without a conversion option on the issuance date, through December 2012, which coincides with the first date that holders of the Notes can exercise their put option as discussed below. Interest expense on the Notes, excluding capitalized interest, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 included the following (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Contractual interest coupon	$	665	$	662
Non-cash amortization of discount on the liability component		971		892
Non-cash amortization of debt issuance costs		98		92
	$	1,734	$	1,646

The Notes contain put options, which may require the Company to repurchase in cash all or a portion of the Notes on December 15, 2012, December 15, 2015, December 15, 2020, December 15, 2025, and December 15, 2030 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest up to but excluding the repurchase date.

In December 2005, the Company established an unsecured $10.0 million line of credit ("2005 LOC") which will expire on May 1, 2014. As of March 31, 2012, there were no outstanding amounts on the 2005 LOC. However, the available line of credit at March 31, 2012 has been reduced by outstanding letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $49,000. The interest rate on the 2005 LOC was 1.2% as of March 31, 2012 which was based on the LIBOR rate for a period of one month, plus a margin of 1.0%. In June 2011, the Company established a separate unsecured $5.0 million line of credit ("2011 LOC") that was increased to $7.0 million on December 19, 2011 and will mature on April 1, 2013. The Company expects to renew the 2011 LOC at that time for multiple years. As of March 31, 2012, there were no outstanding amounts on the 2011 LOC. However, the available line of credit at March 31, 2012 has been reduced by outstanding letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $5.7 million. The interest rate on the 2011 LOC was 1.2% as of March 31, 2012 which was based on the LIBOR rate for a period of one month, plus a margin of 1.0% percent. In April 2012, the Company finalized the transfer of the outstanding letters of credit under the 2005 LOC to the 2011 LOC and closed the 2005 LOC.

Pursuant to the bank line of credit, the Company is subject to certain covenants, which include, among other things, the maintenance of specified minimum amounts of net income and liquidity. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2012.

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company capitalized interest of approximately $198,000 in connection with the construction of its new manufacturing plant in Tianjin, China. No interest was capitalized during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

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Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information [Abstract]

Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information

8.   Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information

The Company serves its markets and manages its business through four operating segments, each of which has its own manufacturing facilities and administrative and selling functions.

The financial information for all segments is presented below (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Revenue from External Customers
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	48,705		$	76,630
ESK Ceramics		42,408			40,123
Thermo Materials		14,866			31,111
Boron		7,203			7,940
Inter-segment elimination		(6,873	)		(5,702	)
Total	$	106,309		$	150,102
Depreciation and Amortization
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	2,293		$	2,871
ESK Ceramics		2,975			3,139
Thermo Materials		2,020			1,686
Boron		1,855			2,053
Total	$	9,143		$	9,749

Segment Income (Loss) from Operations and Income before Provision for Income Taxes
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	3,395		$	17,014
ESK Ceramics		7,177			7,805
Thermo Materials		(1,783	)		10,854
Boron		(876	)		-
Inter-segment elimination		(582	)		(72	)
Total segment income from operations	$	7,331		$	35,601
Other expense		(1,335	)		(737	)
Total Income before Provision for Income Taxes	$	5,996		$	34,864
Segment Assets
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	489,861		$	453,886
ESK Ceramics		172,755			185,070
Thermo Materials		171,672			161,065
Boron		122,264			126,509
Total	$	956,552		$	926,530
Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment
Advanced Ceramic Operations	$	1,823		$	1,400
ESK Ceramics		2,183			678
Thermo Materials		559			4,949
Boron		1,359			650
Total	$	5,924		$	7,677
Percentage of U.S. net sales from external customers
Advanced Ceramic Operations		38	%		43	%
ESK Ceramics		5	%		6	%
Thermo Materials		9	%		4	%
Boron		5	%		4	%
Total percentage of U.S. net sales from external customers		57	%		57	%
Percentage of foreign net sales from external customers
Advanced Ceramic Operations		7	%		6	%
ESK Ceramics		29	%		20	%
Thermo Materials		5	%		16	%
Boron		2	%		1	%
Total percentage of foreign net sales from external customers		43	%		43	%
Percentage of total net sales from external customers
Advanced Ceramic Operations		45	%		49	%
ESK Ceramics		34	%		26	%
Thermo Materials		14	%		20	%
Boron		7	%		5	%
Total percentage of total net sales from external customers		100	%		100	%

Foreign sales are determined by the country to which the shipment is delivered.

The following is revenue by market application for the Advanced Ceramic Operations segment (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Defense	$	29,386	$	56,427
Industrial		9,273		7,204
Energy		4,320		8,423
Automotive/Diesel		1,828		2,502
Commercial		3,898		2,074
	$	48,705	$	76,630

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Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

10.   Financial Instruments

The Company occasionally enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with foreign exchange rate changes to allow management to focus its attention on its core business operations. Accordingly, the Company enters into contracts which change in value as foreign exchange rates change to economically offset the effect of changes in value of foreign currency assets and liabilities, commitments and anticipated foreign currency denominated sales and operating expenses. The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts in amounts between minimum and maximum anticipated foreign exchange exposures, generally for periods not to exceed one year. These derivative instruments are not designated as accounting hedges. The Company had an outstanding foreign exchange forward contract at March 31, 2012 for 55 million Euros.

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Disclosure About Segments of Enterprise and Related Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments	4
Revenue by segment [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 106,309	$ 150,102
Depreciation and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation and Amortization	9,143	9,749
Segment Income (Loss) from Operations and Income before Provision for Income Taxes [Abstract]
Segment Income (loss) from operations	7,331	35,601
Other expense	(1,335)	(737)
Income before provision for income taxes	5,996	34,864
Segment Assets	956,552	926,530	948,131
Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment	5,924	7,677
Revenue by geographic concentration [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales from external customers	100.00%	100.00%
Revenue by product line [Abstract]
Revenue	106,309	150,102
United States [Member]
Revenue by geographic concentration [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales from external customers	57.00%	57.00%
Foreign net sales [Member]
Revenue by geographic concentration [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales from external customers	43.00%	43.00%
Advanced Ceramic Operations [Member]
Revenue by segment [Abstract]
Revenue	48,705	76,630
Depreciation and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation and Amortization	2,293	2,871
Segment Income (Loss) from Operations and Income before Provision for Income Taxes [Abstract]
Segment Income (loss) from operations	3,395	17,014
Segment Assets	489,861	453,886
Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment	1,823	1,400
Revenue by geographic concentration [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales from external customers	45.00%	49.00%
Revenue by product line [Abstract]
Revenue	48,705	76,630
Advanced Ceramic Operations [Member] | United States [Member]
Revenue by geographic concentration [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales from external customers	38.00%	43.00%
Advanced Ceramic Operations [Member] | Foreign net sales [Member]
Revenue by geographic concentration [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales from external customers	7.00%	6.00%
Advanced Ceramic Operations [Member] | Defense [Member]
Revenue by segment [Abstract]
Revenue	29,386	56,427
Revenue by product line [Abstract]
Revenue	29,386	56,427
Advanced Ceramic Operations [Member] | Industrial [Member]
Revenue by segment [Abstract]
Revenue	9,273	7,204
Revenue by product line [Abstract]
Revenue	9,273	7,204
Advanced Ceramic Operations [Member] | Energy [Member]
Revenue by segment [Abstract]
Revenue	4,320	8,423
Revenue by product line [Abstract]
Revenue	4,320	8,423
Advanced Ceramic Operations [Member] | Automotive/Diesel [Member]
Revenue by segment [Abstract]
Revenue	1,828	2,502
Revenue by product line [Abstract]
Revenue	1,828	2,502
Advanced Ceramic Operations [Member] | Commercial (Orthodontics) [Member]
Revenue by segment [Abstract]
Revenue	3,898	2,074
Revenue by product line [Abstract]
Revenue	3,898	2,074
ESK Ceramics [Member]
Revenue by segment [Abstract]
Revenue	42,408	40,123
Depreciation and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation and Amortization	2,975	3,139
Segment Income (Loss) from Operations and Income before Provision for Income Taxes [Abstract]
Segment Income (loss) from operations	7,177	7,805
Segment Assets	172,755	185,070
Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment	2,183	678
Revenue by geographic concentration [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales from external customers	34.00%	26.00%
Revenue by product line [Abstract]
Revenue	42,408	40,123
ESK Ceramics [Member] | United States [Member]
Revenue by geographic concentration [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales from external customers	5.00%	6.00%
ESK Ceramics [Member] | Foreign net sales [Member]
Revenue by geographic concentration [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales from external customers	29.00%	20.00%
Thermo Materials [Member]
Revenue by segment [Abstract]
Revenue	14,866	31,111
Depreciation and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation and Amortization	2,020	1,686
Segment Income (Loss) from Operations and Income before Provision for Income Taxes [Abstract]
Segment Income (loss) from operations	(1,783)	10,854
Segment Assets	171,672	161,065
Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment	559	4,949
Revenue by geographic concentration [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales from external customers	14.00%	20.00%
Revenue by product line [Abstract]
Revenue	14,866	31,111
Thermo Materials [Member] | United States [Member]
Revenue by geographic concentration [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales from external customers	9.00%	4.00%
Thermo Materials [Member] | Foreign net sales [Member]
Revenue by geographic concentration [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales from external customers	5.00%	16.00%
Boron [Member]
Revenue by segment [Abstract]
Revenue	7,203	7,940
Depreciation and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation and Amortization	1,855	2,053
Segment Income (Loss) from Operations and Income before Provision for Income Taxes [Abstract]
Segment Income (loss) from operations	(876)	0
Segment Assets	122,264	126,509
Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment	1,359	650
Revenue by geographic concentration [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales from external customers	7.00%	5.00%
Revenue by product line [Abstract]
Revenue	7,203	7,940
Boron [Member] | United States [Member]
Revenue by geographic concentration [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales from external customers	5.00%	4.00%
Boron [Member] | Foreign net sales [Member]
Revenue by geographic concentration [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales from external customers	2.00%	1.00%
Inter-segment Elimination [Member]
Revenue by segment [Abstract]
Revenue	(6,873)	(5,702)
Segment Income (Loss) from Operations and Income before Provision for Income Taxes [Abstract]
Segment Income (loss) from operations	(582)	(72)
Revenue by product line [Abstract]
Revenue	$ (6,873)	$ (5,702)

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Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]

Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first in, first out) or market. Inventory costs include the cost of material, labor and manufacturing overhead. The following is a summary of the inventory components as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Raw materials	$	8,994	$	8,533
Work-in-process		82,606		65,645
Finished goods		44,336		43,095
	$	135,936	$	117,273

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and consist of the following (in thousands):

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Land	$	18,811		$	18,550
Buildings and improvements		119,519			117,961
Machinery and equipment		237,957			233,702
Leasehold improvements		8,514			8,482
Office equipment		38,762			37,906
Construction in progress		14,134			11,961
		437,697			428,562
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(193,651	)		(185,186	)
	$	244,046		$	243,376

Schedule of Impaired Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]

The components of intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):

	March 31, 2012						December 31, 2011
	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Amount		Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Amount
Amortizing Intangible Assets
Backlog	$	1,824	$	1,824	$	-	$	1,808	$	1,808	$	-
Developed technology		70,739		7,758		62,981		70,590		7,233		63,357
Tradename		4,110		722		3,388		4,110		698		3,412
Customer relationships		47,604		16,944		30,660		47,604		16,212		31,392
Non-compete agreement		1,100		775		325		1,100		775		325
Non-amortizing tradename		2,269		-		2,269		2,204		-		2,204
Total	$	127,646	$	28,023	$	99,623	$	127,416	$	26,726	$	100,690

Schedule of Intangible Assets useful lives [Table Text Block]

The estimated useful lives for intangible assets are:

Identified Intangible Asset	Estimated Useful Life in Years or Months
Developed technology	10 years- 20 years
Tradename	10 years
Customer relationships	10 years- 12.5 years
Backlog	1 month- 3 months
Non-compete agreement	15 months

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

The roll forward of the goodwill balance by segment during the three months ended March 31, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

	ACO			Thermo		ESK		Boron			Total
Balance at December 31, 2011
Goodwill	$	13,108		$	10,331	$	9,033	$	22,083		$	54,555
Accumulated impairment losses		(7,797	)		-		-		(3,832	)		(11,629	)
		5,311			10,331		9,033		18,251			42,926
Translation and other		-			-		265		-			265
Balance at March 31, 2012
Goodwill	$	13,108			10,331	$	9,298		22,083			54,820
Accumulated impairment losses		(7,797	)		-		-		(3,832	)		(11,629	)
		5,311		$	10,331		9,298	$	18,251		$	43,191

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Income Taxes (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Components of required reserve for uncertain tax positions

Components of the required reserve at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Federal, state and foreign unrecognized tax benefits ("UTBs")	$	1,844		$	1,791
Interest		105			80
Federal/State Benefit of Interest		(41	)		(31	)
Total reserve for UTBs	$	1,908		$	1,840

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
NET INCOME	$ 3,782	$ 23,595
Foreign currency translation	5,565	10,935
Unrealized gain on investments	1,671	121
Comprehensive income	$ 11,018	$ 34,651

XML

Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions [Abstract]

Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions

4.   Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first in, first out) or market. Inventory costs include the cost of material, labor and manufacturing overhead. The following is a summary of the inventory components as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Raw materials	$	8,994	$	8,533
Work-in-process		82,606		65,645
Finished goods		44,336		43,095
	$	135,936	$	117,273

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and consist of the following (in thousands):

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Land	$	18,811		$	18,550
Buildings and improvements		119,519			117,961
Machinery and equipment		237,957			233,702
Leasehold improvements		8,514			8,482
Office equipment		38,762			37,906
Construction in progress		14,134			11,961
		437,697			428,562
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(193,651	)		(185,186	)
	$	244,046		$	243,376

The components of intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):

	March 31, 2012						December 31, 2011
	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Amount		Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Amount
Amortizing Intangible Assets
Backlog	$	1,824	$	1,824	$	-	$	1,808	$	1,808	$	-
Developed technology		70,739		7,758		62,981		70,590		7,233		63,357
Tradename		4,110		722		3,388		4,110		698		3,412
Customer relationships		47,604		16,944		30,660		47,604		16,212		31,392
Non-compete agreement		1,100		775		325		1,100		775		325
Non-amortizing tradename		2,269		-		2,269		2,204		-		2,204
Total	$	127,646	$	28,023	$	99,623	$	127,416	$	26,726	$	100,690

The estimated useful lives for intangible assets are:

Identified Intangible Asset	Estimated Useful Life in Years or Months
Developed technology	10 years- 20 years
Tradename	10 years
Customer relationships	10 years- 12.5 years
Backlog	1 month- 3 months
Non-compete agreement	15 months

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets will be approximately (in thousands): $7,479 in fiscal year 2012, $6,381 in fiscal year 2013, $8,412 in fiscal year 2014, $10,745 in fiscal year 2015 and $13,209 in fiscal year 2016.

The roll forward of the goodwill balance by segment during the three months ended March 31, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

	ACO			Thermo		ESK		Boron			Total
Balance at December 31, 2011
Goodwill	$	13,108		$	10,331	$	9,033	$	22,083		$	54,555
Accumulated impairment losses		(7,797	)		-		-		(3,832	)		(11,629	)
		5,311			10,331		9,033		18,251			42,926
Translation and other		-			-		265		-			265
Balance at March 31, 2012
Goodwill	$	13,108			10,331	$	9,298		22,083			54,820
Accumulated impairment losses		(7,797	)		-		-		(3,832	)		(11,629	)
		5,311		$	10,331		9,298	$	18,251		$	43,191

The Company is required to test annually whether the estimated fair value of its reporting units is sufficient to support the goodwill assigned to those reporting units; the Company performs the annual test in the fourth quarter. The Company is also required to test goodwill for impairment before the annual test if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount, such as a significant adverse change in the business climate. The Company determined that a test of goodwill for impairment was not required as of March 31, 2012.

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Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Operating Lease Obligations

The Company leases certain of its manufacturing facilities under noncancelable operating leases expiring at various dates through June 2014. The Company incurred rental expense under these leases of $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The approximate minimum rental commitments required under existing noncancelable leases as of March 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

2012	$	2,668
2013		2,340
2014		778
2015		173
2016		-
Thereafter		-
	$	5,959

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Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Rental expense	$ 1,000,000	$ 900,000
Future minimum lease payments [Abstract]
2012	2,668,000
2013	2,340,000
2014	778,000
2015	173,000
2016	0
Thereafter	0
Total future lease payments	$ 5,959,000

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Net Income Per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Net Income Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]

The following is a summary of the number of shares entering into the computation of net income per common and potential common shares:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Weighted average basic number of shares outstanding		24,210,913		24,839,424
Dilutive stock options		117,413		219,839
Dilutive restricted stock units		32,124		70,661
Dilutive contingent convertible debt common shares		-		-
Number of shares used in fully diluted computations		24,360,450		25,129,924