Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract] Tax amounts related to change in interest rate swaps Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Effect Tax amounts related to change in pension and post-retirement plans Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Pension and Post-Retirement Plans Tax Effect Period Increase Decrease Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Pension and Post-Retirement Plans Tax Effect Period Increase Decrease Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Common stock, shares outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Balance Sheet Parenthetical [Abstract] Balance Sheet Parenthetical [Abstract] Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury stock, shares held Treasury Stock, Shares Short-term Borrowings, Long-Term Debt, and Interest Expense: [Abstract] Short-term Borrowings, Long-Term Debt, and Interest Expense: [Abstract] Debt and Interest Short-Term Debt, Long-Term Debt and Interest Expense, Net [Text Block] Short-Term Debt, Long-Term Debt and Interest Expense, Net [Text Block] Debt Instruments [Abstract] Debt Instruments [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Phase of Debt Instrument [Axis] Phase of Debt Instrument [Axis] Phase of Debt Instrument [Axis] Phase of Debt Instrument [Domain] Phase of Debt Instrument [Domain] Phase of Debt Instrument [Domain] Phase 1 [Member] Phase 1 [Member] Phase 1, Through Decemeber 31, 2011 [Member] Phase 2 [Member] Phase 2 [Member] Phase 2, January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012 [Member] Phase 3 [Member] Phase 3 [Member] Phase 3, January 1, 2013 and Thereafter [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] LIBOR Based Loans [Member] LIBOR Based Loans [Member] LIBOR Based Loans [Member] Base Rate Loans [Member] Base Rate Loans [Member] Base Rate Loans [Member] Commitment Fees [Member] Commitment Fees [Member] Commitment Fees [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Ratio Range [Axis] Ratio Range [Axis] Ratio Range [Axis] Ratio Range [Domain] Ratio Range [Domain] Ratio Range [Domain] High Range Ratio [Member] High Range Ratio [Member] High Range Ratio [Member] Low Range Ratio [Member] Low Range Ratio [Member] Low Range Ratio [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Term Loan [Member] Notes Payable to Banks [Member] 2004 Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] Subordinated Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit, Sub-Facility [Member] Letter of Credit, Sub-Facility [Member] Letter of Credit, Sub-Facility [Member] Loan Agreement 2009 [Member] Loan Agreement 2009 [Member] 2009 Loan Agreement [Member] Prior Line of Credit Facility , dated August 13, 2004 [Member] Prior Line of Credit Facility , dated August 13, 2004 [Member] Prior Line of Credit Facility, dated August 13, 2004 [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Term loan due 2015 Long-term Debt Revolver borrowings under the credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Short-Term and Long-Term Debt Total, Gross Short-Term and Long-Term Debt Total, Gross Short-Term and Long-Term Debt Total, Gross Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Repayments of Debt, Percent of Original Loan Balance Periodic Prepayment of Debt, Required, Percent of Original Loan Balance Periodic Prepayment of Debt, Required, Percent of Original Loan Balance Deferred Finance Costs, Gross Deferred Finance Costs, Gross Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Amortization of Financing Costs Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value Interest Paid Interest Paid Interest Expense [Abstract] Interest Expense [Abstract] Interest expense Interest Expense, Debt Deferred financing cost Interest income Interest Income, Operating Gain on retirement of bonds Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Less: amount capitalized for capital projects Interest Costs, Capitalized During Period Total interest expense, net Interest and Debt Expense Intangibles and Other Assets, net: [Abstract] Intangibles and Other Assets, net: [Abstract] Intangibles and Other Assets, net [Text Block] Intangibles and Other Assets [Text Block] Intangibles and Other Assets [Text Block] Entire footnote disclosure of intangibles and other long-term assets. Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent [Abstract] Schedule of Other Long-Term Liabilities Schedule of Other Long-Term Liabilities Schedule of Other Long-Term Liabilities Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventories [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract] Future Amortization Expense, Year One Future Amortization Expense, Year One Future Amortization Expense, Year Two Future Amortization Expense, Year Two Future Amortization Expense, Year Three Future Amortization Expense, Year Three Future Amortization Expense, Year Four Future Amortization Expense, Year Four Future Amortization Expense, Year Five Future Amortization Expense, Year Five Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets [Abstract] Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Distributors [Member] Distributors [Member] Distributors [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Kelatron Corporation [Member] Kelatron Corporation [Member] Kelatron Corporation [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Revenue, Net Revenues, Net, Acquisitions Revenues, Net, Acquisitions Business Combination Valuation Assumption, Excess Earnings Method Business Combination Valuation Assumption, Excess Earnings Method Business Combination Valuation Assumption, Excess Earnings Method Other Current Liabilities [Table Text Block] Other Current Liabilities [Table Text Block] Other Current Liabilities [Table Text Block] Intangibles and Other Assets [Table Text Block] Intangibles and Other Assets [Table Text Block] Intangibles and Other Assets [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Less: earnings attributable to unvested shares Earnings Attributable to Unvested Shares Earnings Attributable to Unvested Shares Net income available to common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Basic number of common shares, outstanding Weighted Average Basic Shares Outstanding, Pro Forma Dilutive effect of stock equivalents Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Dilutived number of weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Earnings per common share - Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings per common share - Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Spare parts Inventory, Parts and Components, Net of Reserves Inventory, Net Inventory, Net Inventory Valuation Reserves Inventory Valuation Reserves Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Other Long Term Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Other Long Term Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Dividends [Abstract] Schedule of Dividends Payable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Dividends Payable [Table Text Block] Balance Sheets [Abstract] Balance Sheets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Intangibles and other assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable, trade and other Accounts Payable, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (note 12) Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Common stock, par value $.001 per share; authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 21,969,775 and 21,770,641 shares and outstanding 21,819,199 and 21,620,119 shares Common Stock, Value, Issued Paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Common stock held in treasury, at cost (150,576 and 150,522 shares) Treasury Stock, Value Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Other Current Assets: [Abstract] [Abstract] Other Current Assets: [Abstract] Other Current Assets [Text Block] Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Pension Benefits [Member] Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Other Benefits [Member] Other Pension Plans, Postretirement or Supplemental Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Segment, Geographical [Domain] US [Member] US [Member] US [Member] Canada [Member] Canada [Member] Canada [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Other Costs Defined Benefit Plan, Other Costs Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Planned Employer Contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Employer Contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Number of Common Shares Capital Units [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income(Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Balance, shares Balance Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Proceeds from stock award exercises and issuances, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from stock award exercises and issuances Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Requisite Service Period Recognition Issuance of annual retainer stock to Board of Directors, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Share-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Common stock repurchases, shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Common stock repurchases Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Dividends declared Dividends, Cash Balance, shares Balance Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Developed Technology Rights [Member] Developed Technology Rights [Member] Trade Names [Member] Trade Names [Member] Noncompete Agreements [Member] Noncompete Agreements [Member] Cash Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts receivable Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Receivables Inventory step up Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Inventory Step Up Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Inventory Step Up Inventory Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Inventory Other current assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Property, plant and equipment Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Acquired Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Acquired Goodwill Intangible assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets Other assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Assets Accounts payable Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable Other current liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Other Liabilities Deferred tax liability Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Deferred Tax Liability Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Deferred Tax Liability Total Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Abstract] Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Amortization of deferred financing charges Deferred income tax (benefit) provision Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred profit sharing Deferred profit sharing Expense (Benefit) The net change during the reporting period in the amount of deferred profit sharing (PTU) obligations and liabilities. Share-based compensation Share-based Compensation Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Decrease (increase) in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash for Operating Activities Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Decrease (increase) in inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Decrease in other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Decrease in accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Decrease in other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Changes in other long-term assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows used for investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Investment in Kelatron Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Net cash used for investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows used for financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Long-term debt borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Long-term debt repayments Repayments of Long-term Debt Deferred financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Common stock repurchases Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Dividends paid Payments of Dividends, Common Stock Net cash used for financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net change in cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefits [Table] Pension and Postretirement Benefits [Table] Pension and Postretirement Benefits [Table] Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items] Pension and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items] Pension and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Income per common share - Basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Income per common share - Diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Other Current Assets: [Abstract] Other Current Assets: [Abstract] Rhodia indemnity receivable for CNA water tax claims Receivable for Water Tax Claims, Current Indemnity receivable for CNA water tax claims, Current Creditable taxes (value added taxes) Value Added Tax Receivable, Current Vendor inventory deposits (prepaid) Prepaid Vendor Inventory Deposits, Current Prepaid Vendor Inventory Deposits, Current Prepaid income taxes Income Taxes Receivable, Current Other prepaids Other Prepaid Expense, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Other Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Current Other Assets, Current Out of Period Adjustments [Abstract] Out of Period Adjustments [Abstract] Schedule of Quantifying Prior Year Misstatement Corrected in Current Year Financial Statements [Table] Schedule of Quantifying Prior Year Misstatement Corrected in Current Year Financial Statements [Table] Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements by Nature of Error [Axis] Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements by Nature of Error [Axis] Nature of Error [Domain] Nature of Error [Domain] Cost of Goods, Total [Member] Cost of Goods, Total [Member] Net Income [Member] Net Income [Member] Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items] Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items] Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt [Table Text Block] Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt [Table Text Block] Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt [Table Text Block] Components of Interest Expense, Net [Table Text Block] Components of Interest Expense, Net [Table Text Block] Components of Interest Expense, Net [Table Text Block] AMT Labs [Member] AMT Labs [Member] AMT Labs [Member] AMT Labs Real Estate [Member] AMT Labs Real Estate [Member] AMT Labs Real Estate [Member] Business Acquisition, Description of Acquired Entity Business Acquisition, Description of Acquired Entity Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Potential Cash Payment Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Potential Cash Payment Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] CNA water tax claims Estimated Litigation Liability, Current Payroll related Accrued Salaries, Current Taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Current Benefits and pensions Accrued Employee Benefits and Pension, Current Accrued Employee Benefits and Pension, Current Freight and rebates Accrued Freight and Rebate Liabilities, Current Accrued Freight and Rebate Liabilities, Current Dividends payable Dividends Payable, Current Other Other Sundry Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities, Current Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Restricted Stock Plans [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Restricted Stock Plans [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Restricted Stock Plans [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Restricted Stock Plans [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Restricted Stock Plans [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Restricted Stock Plans [Domain] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Restricted Stock Plans [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Stock Options [Member] Stock Options [Member] Performance Share Awards [Member] Performance Share Awards [Member] Performance Share Awards [Member] Stock Grants [Member] Stock Grants [Member] Stock Grants [Member] Performance Based [Member] Performance Based [Member] Performance Based [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Range of Shares, Minimum Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Range of Shares, Minimum Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Range of Shares, Minimum Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Range of Shares as Caluclated Using Performance Indicators, Maximum Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Range of Shares as Caluclated Using Performance Indicators, Maximum Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Range of Shares as Caluclated Using Performance Indicators, Maximum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Stock Granted During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross Stock Granted During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Grant Date Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Date Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Date Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Members of the Board of Directors External Members of the Board of Directors External Members of the Board of Directors Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period Stock Grants Expense Stock Grants Expense Stock Grants Expense Dividends declared - per share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends declared - aggregate Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Dividends paid - per share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Dividends paid - aggregate Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payament Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Historical Average Volatility Rate of Peer Group Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payament Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Historical Average Volatility Rate of Peer Group Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payament Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Historical Average Volatility Rate of Peer Group Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payament Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Historical Average Volatility Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payament Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Historical Average Volatility Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payament Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Historical Average Volatility Rate Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Dividends [Text Block] Dividends [Text Block] Text Block Tag to encapsulate the entire disclosure of dividends declared and dividends paid. Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share (EPS) Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Stock options Stock or Unit Option Plan Expense Restricted stock Restricted Stock or Unit Expense Performance shares Performance Shares Expense Performance Shares Expense Total stock-based compensation expense Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Intangibles and Other Assets, net [Table] Intangibles and Other Assets, net [Table] Intangibles and Other Assets, net [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Developed Technology and Application Patents [Member] Developed Technology and Application Patents [Member] Developed Technology and Application Patents [Member] Trade Names and License Agreements [Member] Trade Names and License Agreements [Member] Trade Names and License Agreements [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization, Deferred Finance Costs Accumulated Amortization, Deferred Finance Costs Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Deferred Finance Costs, Net Deferred Finance Costs, Net Deferred Tax Assets, Net Deferred Tax Assets, Net Other Assets, Miscellaneous Other Assets, Miscellaneous Other Assets Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Specialty Phosphates US & Canada [Member] Specialty Phosphates US & Canada [Member] Specialty Phosphates US & Canada [Member] Specialty Phosphates Mexico [Member] Specialty Phosphates Mexico [Member] Specialty Phosphates Mexico [Member] GTSP & Other [Member] GTSP & Other [Member] GTSP & Other [Member] Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Elimination [Member] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Specialty Ingredients [Member] Specialty Ingredients [Member] Specialty Ingredients [Member] Food & Technical Grade PPA [Member] Food & Technical Grade PPA [Member] Food & Technical Grade PPA [Member] STPP & Detergent Grade PPA [Member] STPP & Detergent Grade PPA [Member] STPP & Detergent Grade PPA [Member] Mexico [Member] Mexico [Member] Mexico [Member] Other foreign countries [Member] Other foreign countries [Member] Other foreign countries [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Other Nonrecurring (Income) Expense Other Nonrecurring (Income) Expense Sales Revenue from External Customers Intersegment sales Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue Total sales Revenue, Net Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Depreciation and amortization expense Capital expenditures Segment Reporting Information, Expenditures for Additions to Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets Total assets Segment Reporting Information, Net Assets Eliminations Segment Reporting Information, Asset Related Eliminations Segment Reporting Information, Asset Related Eliminations Assets Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Other Nonrecurring Expense Other Nonrecurring Expense Litigation Settlement, Expense Litigation Settlement, Expense Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised Income Tax Examination, Disputed Refund Requested from Taxing Authority Income Tax Examination, Disputed Refund Requested from Taxing Authority Income Tax Examination, Disputed Refund Requested from Taxing Authority Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority Income Taxes Paid Income Taxes Paid Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Pension and post retirement liabilities (U.S. and Canada only) Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Environmental liabilities Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Profit sharing and post employment liabilities Deferred Compensation Cash-based Arrangements, Liability, Classified, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Sundry Liabilities, Noncurrent Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net sales Cost of goods sold Cost of Goods Sold Gross profit Gross Profit Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Research & development expenses Research and Development Expense Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Operating income Interest expense, net Foreign exchange losses (gains) Foreign Currency Transaction Loss, before Tax Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net income attributable to common shareholders Per share data (note 2): Per share data (see Note 2): [Abstract] Per share data (see Note 2): [Abstract] Income per share: Basic Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding: Weighted average common shares outstanding: [Abstract] Weighted average common shares outstanding: [Abstract] Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Change in interest rate swaps, (net of tax $117, ($521), $176 and ($359)) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Change in pension and post-retirement plans, (net of tax $84, $32, $88 and $243) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Leases Operating [Abstract] Leases, Operating [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Commitments [Member] Commitments [Member] Pending or Threatened Litigation [Member] Pending or Threatened Litigation [Member] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Environmental [Member] Environmental Issue [Member] RCRA Civil Enforcement, Geismar Plant [Member] RCRA Civil Enforcement, Geismar Plant [Member] RCRA Civil Enforcement, Geismar Plant [Member] Mexican Comision National Water Tax Claims, Pre-2002 [Member] Mexican Comision National Water Tax Claims, Pre-2002 [Member] Mexican Comision National Water Tax Claims, Pre-2002 [Member] Mexican Comision National Water Tax Claims, Post-2002 [Member] Mexican Comision National Water Tax Claims, Post-2002 [Member] Mexican Comision National Water Tax Claims, Post-2002 [Member] Mexicana vs. Sudamfos Lawsuit [Member] Mexicana vs. Sudamfos Lawsuit [Member] Mexicana vs. Sudamfos Lawsuit [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Time Period Long-term Purchase Commitment, Time Period Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within One Year Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within One Year Environmental Exit Costs, Anticipated Cost Environmental Exit Costs, Anticipated Cost Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Estimated Litigation Liability, Current Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Litigation Settlement, Gross Litigation Settlement, Gross Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Consideration Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Consideration Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Basic Charges Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Basic Charges Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Basic Charges Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Interest / Inflation / Penalties Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Interest / Inflation / Penalties Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Interest / Inflation / Penalties Estimated Litigation Liability Estimated Litigation Liability Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Period Increase (Decrease) Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Period Increase (Decrease) Receivable for Water Tax Claims, Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Consideration Gain Contingency, Unrecorded Amount Gain Contingency, Unrecorded Amount Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Additonal Consideration for Surcharges and Penalties Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Additonal Consideration for Surcharges and Penalties Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Additonal Consideration for Surcharges and Penalties Phosphoric Acid, Metric Tons Phosphoric Acid Phosphoric Acid Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Counter Lawsuit Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Counter Lawsuit Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Counter Lawsuit Operating Leases, Rent Expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense 2012 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current 2013 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Basis of Statement Presentation: [Abstract] Basis of Statement Presentation: [Abstract] Schedule of Quantifying Prior Year Misstatements Corrected in Current Year Financial Statements [Table Text Block] Schedule of Quantifying Prior Year Misstatements Corrected in Current Year Financial Statements [Table Text Block] Description of Business and Principles of Consolidation [Policy Text Block] Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Comparability of Prior Year Financial Data, Policy [Policy Text Block] Comparability of Prior Year Financial Data, Policy [Policy Text Block]