Restructuring Activities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		15 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cost		$ 2,280		$ 2,479	$ 7,300
Summary of restructuring activities
Beginning balance	549	2,722	1,113	2,578
Restructuring charges	5	2,822	31	3,923
Cash payments and other	(323)	(2,206)	(913)	(3,163)
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets	0	1,216	0	1,216
Ending balance	231	2,122	231	2,122	2,122
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cost		78		981
Energy & Chemicals [Member]
Summary of restructuring activities
Beginning balance	0	64	0	103
Restructuring charges	0	0	0	0
Cash payments and other	0	(64)	0	(103)
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets		0		0
Ending balance	0	0	0	0	0
Distribution & Storage [Member]
Summary of restructuring activities
Beginning balance	42	258	115	387
Restructuring charges	0	27	0	26
Cash payments and other	(36)	(129)	(109)	(257)
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets		0		0
Ending balance	6	156	6	156	156
BioMedical [Member]
Summary of restructuring activities
Beginning balance	507	2,400	998	2,088
Restructuring charges	5	2,358	31	3,460
Cash payments and other	(287)	(1,576)	(804)	(2,366)
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets		1,216		1,216
Ending balance	225	1,966	225	1,966	1,966
Corporate [Member]
Summary of restructuring activities
Beginning balance	0	0	0	0
Restructuring charges	0	437	0	437
Cash payments and other	0	(437)	0	(437)
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets		0		0
Ending balance	0	0	0	0	0
Cost of Sales [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cost		953		965
Selling, general and administrative expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cost		$ 652		$ 1,742