GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 Y	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Amortized intangible assets:
Weighted Average Amortization Period (in years)	7
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 42,870	$ 43,834
Accumulated Amortization	(38,496)	(38,592)
Net Value	4,374	5,242
Aggregate amortization expense	2,195	3,620	5,304
Future estimated amortization expense
2012	809
2013	695
2014	802
2015	317
2016	841
Patents
Amortized intangible assets:
Weighted Average Amortization Period (in years)	11
Gross Carrying Amount	19,030	18,489
Accumulated Amortization	(17,962)	(16,008)
Net Value	1,068	2,481
License agreements and other
Amortized intangible assets:
Weighted Average Amortization Period (in years)	3
Gross Carrying Amount	23,840	25,345
Accumulated Amortization	(20,534)	(22,584)
Net Value	$ 3,306	$ 2,761