Operating Income (Loss) by Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	$ 8,743	$ 4,985	$ 14,145	$ 9,525
Performance Materials Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	4,982	6,093	7,102	12,390
Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	4,050	4,137	9,117	7,861
Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	3,382	(1,549)	5,611	(3,087)
Life Sciences Vital Fluids
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	211	(294)	520	(579)
Corporate Office Expenses
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	$ (3,882)	$ (3,402)	$ (8,205)	$ (7,060)