Restructuring Impairment Charges - Restructuring and Impairment Charges (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012 Other [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 High Performance Foams [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 High Performance Foams [Member] Employee Severance [Member]		Mar. 31, 2012 Power Electronics Solutions [Member] Power Distribution Systems [Member]		Mar. 31, 2012 Power Electronics Solutions [Member] Curamik Electronics Solutions [Member]		Mar. 31, 2012 Printed Circuit Materials [Member]		Mar. 31, 2012 Other [Member]
Restructuring and Impairment
Fixed asset impairment for Bisco and Poron asset disposal				$ 79
Severance and related costs		2,300			2,297	[1]	462	[1]	668	[1]	3,207	[1]	280	[1]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost			356
Total charges for restructuring and impairment		$ 7,349

[1] For the three month period ended March 31, 2012, this includes an estimated $2.3 million charge related to the early retirement program.