Segment Information (Detail 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated Operating Income	$ 9,521	$ 8,743	$ 16,038	$ 14,145
Performance Materials
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated Operating Income	3,271	4,982	4,548	7,102
Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated Operating Income	4,431	4,050	7,449	9,117
Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated Operating Income	5,432	3,382	11,586	5,611
Other Products and Services
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated Operating Income	125	211	481	520
Corporate Office Expenses
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated Operating Income	$ (3,738)	$ (3,882)	$ (8,026)	$ (8,205)