Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Salaries and wages	$ 42,174	$ 46,658
Taxes other than income taxes, primarily Value Added Taxes	23,007	19,981
Warranty cost	19,842	18,252	21,506
Freight	11,087	11,189
Professional	7,252	7,333
Product liability, current portion	3,468	4,134
Rebates	3,681	3,320
Insurance	2,657	2,393
Interest	1,255	2,273
Derivative liabilities (foreign forward exchange contracts)	893	1,929
Severance	5,158	524
Other items, principally trade accruals	12,121	12,093
Accrued expenses	$ 132,595	$ 130,079