Segment Information Operating Net Assets by Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Operating Net Assets	$ 883,760	$ 765,560	$ 711,290
Current Liabilities	247,200	226,340	214,430
Consolidated Assets	1,130,960	991,900	925,720
Continuing Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Operating Net Assets	883,760	765,560	686,640	[1]
Continuing Operations [Member] | Packaging [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Operating Net Assets	376,040	310,520	264,870
Continuing Operations [Member] | Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Operating Net Assets	158,710	116,980	104,270
Continuing Operations [Member] | Aerospace & Defense [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Operating Net Assets	80,620	71,280	71,300
Continuing Operations [Member] | Engineered Components [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Operating Net Assets	68,870	63,420	52,590
Continuing Operations [Member] | Cequent Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Operating Net Assets	51,790	42,010	32,570
Continuing Operations [Member] | Cequent Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Operating Net Assets	145,360	126,680	141,910
Continuing Operations [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Operating Net Assets	2,370	34,670	19,130
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Operating Net Assets	$ 0	$ 0	$ 24,650

[1] Excludes discontinued operations. See Note 6, "Discontinued Operations."