Restructuring and Impairment Charges (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011
Cost of Sales
Inventory impairment related to Bremen shut-down						$ 1,805
Total charges for cost of sales	1,136			1,136
Restructuring and Impairment
Severance and related costs			2,300
Total charges for restructuring and impairment	830			8,214
High Performance Foams
Cost of Sales
Accelerated depreciation expense related to Bremen shut-down	585			585
Inventory impairment related to Bremen shut-down	191			191
Restructuring and Impairment
Fixed asset impairment for Bisco and Poron asset disposal				79
Severance and related costs	670	[1]		3,088	[1]
Power Electronics Solutions | Power Distribution Systems
Cost of Sales
Accelerated depreciation expense related to Bremen shut-down	360			360
Restructuring and Impairment
Impairment of investment related receivable	264			264
Severance and related costs	(13)	[1]		477	[1]
Power Electronics Solutions | Curamik Electronics Solutions
Restructuring and Impairment
Severance and related costs	213	[1]		957	[1]
Printed Circuit Materials
Restructuring and Impairment
Severance and related costs	(276)	[1]		3,046	[1]
Other
Restructuring and Impairment
Severance and related costs	$ (28)	[1]		$ 303	[1]

[1] For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2012, this line item includes an estimated change of 2.3 million recorded in the first quarter of 2012, offest by a favorable adjustment of $0.7 million recorded in the second quarter of 2012. Total net charge of $1.6 million, for the first six months of 2012, was related to the early retirement program implemented in the first quarter of 2012.