Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 102,178
Foreign currency translation adjustment	454
Ending Balance	102,632
High Performance Foams
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	22,597
Foreign currency translation adjustment	669
Ending Balance	23,266
Printed Circuit Materials
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0
Ending Balance	0
Curamik Electronics Solutions
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	77,357
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(215)
Ending Balance	77,142
Power Electronics Solutions
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0
Ending Balance	0
Other
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	2,224
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0
Ending Balance	$ 2,224