Segment Information - Information About Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 125,979	$ 120,155
Segment operating income (loss)	10,814	(507)
Equity income in unconsolidated joint ventures	529	657
Other income (expense), net	(589)	(140)
Net realized investment gain (loss)		(3,245)
Interest income (expense), net	(905)	(1,190)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	9,849	(4,425)
Reportable Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	125,979	120,155
Segment operating income (loss)	10,814	(507)
Equity income in unconsolidated joint ventures	529	657
Other income (expense), net	(589)	(140)
Net realized investment gain (loss)		(3,245)
Interest income (expense), net	(905)	(1,190)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	9,849	(4,425)
Reportable Segment [Member] | High Performance Foams [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	42,446	40,434
Segment operating income (loss)	6,599	1,445
Reportable Segment [Member] | Printed Circuit Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	43,565	39,381
Segment operating income (loss)	3,796	(346)
Reportable Segment [Member] | Power Electronics Solutions [Member] | Curamik Electronics Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	23,305	24,292
Segment operating income (loss)	(3,122)	(1,773)
Reportable Segment [Member] | Power Electronics Solutions [Member] | Power Distribution Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	10,992	10,517
Segment operating income (loss)	1,537	(649)
Reportable Segment [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	5,671	5,531
Segment operating income (loss)	$ 2,004	$ 816