Note 13 - Business Unit Segment Information (Detail) - Business Unit Segment Information (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
Net sales	$ 170,918		$ 160,578
Depreciation and amortization	7,804		7,949
Operating income	28,117		25,824
Interest expense	376		423
Impairment, loan loss and equity in net loss of unconsolidated affiliate (1)	10,678	[1]	525	[1]
Other (income) expense, net	(909)		101
Income before income taxes	17,972		24,775
Electronics [Member]
Net sales	79,415		77,055
Depreciation and amortization	4,861		5,486
Operating income	12,143		10,112
Automotive [Member]
Net sales	59,385		52,626
Depreciation and amortization	1,984		1,449
Operating income	9,483		9,505
Electrical [Member]
Net sales	32,118		30,897
Depreciation and amortization	959		1,014
Operating income	$ 6,491		$ 6,207

[1] During the first quarter of 2013, the company recorded approximately $10.7 million related to the impairment of its investment in Shocking Technologies. (See note 6). 2012 Income before income taxes has been restated to reflect the company's retroactive equity losses from Shocking Technologies. (See note 2).