Discontinued Operations (Details) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2011 Barnes Distribution Europe [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Barnes Distribution Europe [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 Barnes Distribution Europe [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 Barnes Distribution Europe [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Barnes Distribution Europe [Member] EUR (€)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from divestiture of businesses				$ 33,358
Proceeds from the sale of businesses, net of cash sold	22,492	0	0	22,492
Proceeds in escrow					11,664			9,000
Restricted cash, current					11,664
Goodwill, Impairment Loss					16,800
Transaction costs on sale of business					8,248
Net sales					111,105	104,582	110,806
Income/(loss) before income taxes					1,015	231	(3,014)
Income taxes					(1,745)	(931)	(815)
Loss from operations of discontinued businesses, net of tax					(730)	(700)	(3,829)
Loss on transaction					(26,709)	0	0
Income tax benefit on loss on sale					581	0	0
Loss on the sale of businesses	(26,128)	0	0		(26,128)	0	0
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$ (26,858)	$ (700)	$ (3,829)		$ (26,858)	$ (700)	$ (3,829)