Accounts Payable Current Accounts payable Accounts Receivable Net Current Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,198 and $3,333 in 2012 and 2011, respectively Accounts Receivable Number Of Days Past Due Evaluated For Doubtful Accounts Accounts Receivable Number Of Days Past Due Evaluated For Doubtful Accounts Past due balances of allowance for doubtful accounts receivables Accrual for performance units current. Accrual For Performance Units Current Accrual for performance units Accrued Expenses [Table] Accrued Expenses [Table] Accrued Expenses [Table] Accrued Income Taxes Accrued taxes attributable to the repatriation Accrued Liabilities Current Accrued expenses Accrued expenses Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Defined Benefit Pension And Other Postretirement Plans Net Of Tax Unrecognized prior service cost and actuarial losses related to Canadian and Webster pension plans, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Defined Benefit Pension And Other Postretirement Plans Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Defined Benefit Pension And Other Postretirement Plans Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the Company's pension plans is net of tax benefits Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income Total accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets Weighted Average Useful Life Weighted average life of preliminary identifiable intangible assets Weighted average useful lives Additional Paid In Capital Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additions Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets From Acquisitions During Year Additions Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets From Acquisitions During Year Webster acquisition (see Note 3) Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Tax Effect From Share Based Compensation Excess tax benefits Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustment To Additional Paid In Capital Income Tax Effect From Share Based Compensation Net Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises After. After [Member] After [Member] Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Aggregate Intrinsic Value Allocated Share Based Compensation Expense Share-based compensation expense Total share-based compensation expense Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Member] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts Alternative Minimum Tax Credit Carry Forwards That Are Not Subject To Limitation Or Expiration Alternative Minimum Tax Credit Carry Forwards That Are Not Subject To Limitation Or Expiration Alternative minimum tax credit, Related Tax Amount Amended and restated credit facility. Amended And Restated Credit Facility [Member] Amended and Restated Credit Facility [Member] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amortization Of Financing Costs Amortization of debt fees Amortization Of Intangible Assets Amortization Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current [Abstract] CURRENT ASSETS: Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Before. Before [Member] Before [Member] Building [Member] Building [Member] Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Cash Paid Increasing purchase price Purchase price Business acquisition cost of acquired entity purchase price subject to adjustment. Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Purchase Price Subject To Adjustment Purchase price Business Acquisition Effective Date Of Acquisition 1 Date of Webster Acquisition Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information [Text Block] Pro Forma Results of Operation Business acquisition purchase price adjustment. Business Acquisition Purchase Price Adjustment Corresponding purchase price adjustment Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Assets Acquired Total identifiable assets acquired Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Assets Inventory Inventories Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Assets Receivables Accounts receivable Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Liabilities Accounts Payable Accounts payable Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Liabilities Accrued Liabilities Accrued expenses Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Deferred income tax liability Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill Intangible assets Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Liabilities Assumed Total liabilities assumed The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to net current assets. Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Net Current Assets Net current assets The fair value at the time of acquisition of total assets acquired less the total liabilities assumed. Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Net Identifiable Assets Acquired Net identifiable assets acquired The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to other current assets. Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Other Current Assets Other current assets The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to pension liability. Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Pension Liability Pension liability Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Property Plant And Equipment Property, plant and equipment Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Status Corresponding maximum purchase price adjustment Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Net Income Loss Net Income The pro forma of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues for the period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period. Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Operating Income Loss Operating Income Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Revenue Net Sales Business Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition Transaction Related Cost Business Acquisition Transaction Related Cost Acquisition related costs Business Combination Acquisition Related Costs Acquisition-related costs expensed Business Combination Bargain Purchase Gain Recognized Amount U.S. and foreign components of income (loss) from continuing, gain operations, Gain on bargain purchase Gain on bargain purchase of a business Gain on bargain purchase of a business In a business combination in which the amount of net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed exceeds the aggregate consideration transferred or to be transferred (as defined) this elements represents the preliminary and final amount of gain recognized by the entity. Business Combination Bargain Purchase Gain Recognized Preliminary And Final Gain on bargain purchase Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions Business Combinations Policy Acquisitions C A Canada [Member] Canada Ch [Member] Canada Ch [Member] Canada [Member] Canada [Member] Canada [Member] Canada [Member] Capital Lease Interest Paid Capital Lease Interest Paid Interest on capitalized leases Capital Lease [Member] Capital Lease [Member] Capital leases [Member] Capital Lease Obligations Current Less: Current portion of obligations under capital leases Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Equipment financed through capital lease obligation Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Capital leases [Member] Capital Lease Obligations Noncurrent Long-term portion of obligations under capital leases Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Current 2013 Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Five Years 2017 Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Four Years 2016 Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Three Years 2015 Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Two Years 2014 Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Thereafter Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Interest Included In Payments Less: Amounts representing interest Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Net Minimum Payments 1 Total minimum lease payments Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Present Value Of Net Minimum Payments Present value of minimum lease payments Capital Loss Carryforward Expiration Date Capital Loss Carryforward Expiration Date Capital loss carryforwards, Expiration Date Capital Loss Carryforwards Capital Loss Carryforwards Total capital loss carryforwards Capital loss carryfowards that have expired. Capital Loss Carryforwards Expired Capital loss carryforwards fully reserved and expired Capital Loss Carryforward Without Expiration Date Capital Loss Carryforward Without Expiration Date Capital loss carryforwards, Expiration Date Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Net (decrease) increase in cash Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Cash And Cash Equivalents Policy [Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash Equivalents Maturity Period Of Highly Liquid Investments Cash Equivalents Maturity Period Of Highly Liquid Investments Maturity of highly liquid investments Cash [Member] Cash [Member] Reflects the change during the period in the difference between (a) inventory at the lower of LIFO cost or market and (b) inventory at the lower of FIFO cost or market. Change In Lifo Reserve Change in LIFO reserve Chelsea industries. Chelsea Industries [Member] Chelsea Industries Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Commitments And Contingencies COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Number of shares and units available to be issued under 2005 Stock option plan. Common Stock Capital Shares Available For Issuance Shares available to be issued under share based plan Common Stock Capital Shares Reserved For Future Issuance Common stock initially reserved Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock,par value Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock,shares authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock,shares issued Number of shares employee tendered to the Company to exercise stock options. Common Stock Tendered Common stock of tendered for the payment of exercise price Common Stock Value Common stock, $0.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 11,136,777 and 11,096,118 shares issued in 2012 and 2011, respectively Compensation costs related to stock options capitalized in inventory. Compensation Costs Related To Stock Options Capitalized In Inventory Compensation costs capitalized in inventory Compensation Related Costs Policy [Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred income tax assets: Changes in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, for the period. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as the changes in fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge. Comprehensive Income Loss Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income Note [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income Policy Policy [Text Block] Comprehensive Income Concentration Risk By Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Credit Risk Concentration of Risk Concentration Risk Percentage 1 Concentration Risk Percentage Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Consolidation Policy [Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Construction In Progress [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items] Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items] Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items] Contingencies And Commitments [Table] Contingencies And Commitments [Table] Contingencies And Commitments [Table] Total costs related to goods produced and sold during the reporting period, including quality control costs, research and development costs, any inventory adjustments, including LIFO adjustments and warehousing costs. Cost Of Sales COST OF SALES Cost Of Sales [Member] Cost of sales [Member] Cost Of Sales Policy [Text Block] Cost of Sales Credit Facilities [Member] Credit Facilities [Member] Credit Facility [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Borrowing base of credit facility based on eligible assets. Credit Facility Borrowing Base Borrowing base for eligible assets Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] The percentage of the Company's ownership in certain foreign subsidiaries that secures the credit facility. Credit Facility Secured By Companys Ownership Interest In Certain Foreign Subsidiaries Percentage of Company's ownership in foreign subsidiaries that secures credit facility Prior credit facility unamortized fees. Credit Facility Unamortized Fees Credit facility unamortized fees Current Federal Tax Expense Benefit Federal Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Foreign Tax Expense Benefit Foreign Current Income Tax Expense Benefit Current, Total Current Income Tax Expense Benefit Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current: Current State And Local Tax Expense Benefit State Customer Lists [Member] Customer Lists (Mercury) [Member] Accrual for customer rebates. Customer Rebates Current Customer rebates Customer Relationships [Member] Customer relationships [Member] Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Total debt Total Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Debt instrument collateral amount. Debt Instrument Collateral Amount Manufacturing facility, net carrying value The reference rate for the borrowings within the credit facility and the percentage points added to the reference rate in order to compute the variable interest rate of the debt instrument. Debt Instrument Description Of Variable Rate Basis Borrowings Debt instrument variable rate basis description Debt Instrument Face Amount Outstanding loan - principal amount Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Debt instrument percentage Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument Maturity Date Maturity date Debt Instrument [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt [Member] Debt [Member] Debt Securities [Member] Debt Securities [Member] Reduction in cost of sales due to certain decrements in the Company's LIFO pools. Decrease In Cost Of Sales Due To Decrements Decrease in cost of sales due to inventory decrements Deferred Compensation Sharebased Arrangements Liability Classified Noncurrent Long term liability related to outstanding Units Deferred Compensation Share Based Arrangements Liability Current Current liability related to outstanding Units Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense Benefit Federal Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense Benefit Foreign Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Deferred, Total Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Continuing Operations [Abstract] Deferred: Deferred Income Tax Liabilities Total gross deferred tax liabilities Deferred State And Local Income Tax Expense Benefit State Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items] Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items] Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items] Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Table] Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Table] Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Table] Deferred Tax Assets Capital Loss Carryforwards Capital loss carryforwards Total capital loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets Gross Total gross deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets Inventory Inventories Deferred Tax Assets Liabilities Net Total net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Assets Net Total net deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets Net Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Carryforwards Total net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Carryforwards Domestic Net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Carryforwards State And Local State net operating loss State net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets Other Other Deferred Tax Assets Tax Credit Carryforwards Total tax credit carryforwards, Deferred Tax Asset Deferred Tax Assets Tax Credit Carryforwards Alternative Minimum Tax Alternative minimum tax credit, Deferred Tax Asset Alternative minimum tax credits carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets Tax Credit Carryforwards Foreign Foreign tax credits carryforwards Foreign tax credits, Deferred Tax Asset Deferred Tax Assets Tax Credit Carry Forwards Foreign Expiration Date Deferred Tax Assets Tax Credit Carry Forwards Foreign Expiration Date Foreign tax credits, Expiration Date Deferred Tax Assets Tax Deferred Expense Reserves And Accruals Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Allowance for doubtful accounts Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities Deferred Expense Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost Basis differences related to Webster acquisition Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent DEFERRED INCOME TAXES Deferred Tax Liabilities Other Other Deferred Tax Liabilities Property Plant And Equipment Depreciation Deferred Tax Liabilities Undistributed Foreign Earnings Deferred tax liability on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiary Deferred Tax Liability Deferred Gain Deferred Tax Liability Deferred Gain Deferred gain on redemption of senior notes Defined Benefit Plan Accumulated Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss After Tax Net amount recognized, after tax Defined Benefit Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss After Tax [Abstract] Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Defined Benefit Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net Gains Losses After Tax Net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net Prior Service Cost Credit After Tax Prior service cost