Segment Geographic and Market Information (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net sales by product line
Sales Revenue, Net	$ 239.2	$ 253.5	$ 257.5	$ 235.4	$ 234.1	$ 247.9	$ 243.2	$ 218.6	$ 985.6	$ 943.8	$ 826.3
Metalcasting [Member]
Net sales by product line
Sales Revenue, Net									265.5	247.3	196.7
Oilfield Services [Member]
Net sales by product line
Sales Revenue, Net									257.3	194.7	153.6
Specialty Materials [Member]
Net sales by product line
Sales Revenue, Net									106.6	116.8	112.7
Lining Technologies [Member]
Net sales by product line
Sales Revenue, Net									90.5	104.4	111.0
Building Materials [Member]
Net sales by product line
Sales Revenue, Net									78.5	80.7	58.7
Pet Products [Member]
Net sales by product line
Sales Revenue, Net									52.9	56.1	62.0
Basic Minerals [Member]
Net sales by product line
Sales Revenue, Net									55.2	48.2	43.8
Contracting Services [Member]
Net sales by product line
Sales Revenue, Net									18.8	36.0	31.0
Drilling Products [Member]
Net sales by product line
Sales Revenue, Net									38.2	31.4	26.1
Transportation [Member]
Net sales by product line
Sales Revenue, Net									$ 22.1	$ 28.2	$ 30.7