Reportable Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 158,888	$ 156,713
Operating income	11,340	10,844
Interest expense	(8,446)	(3,848)
Realized and unrealized gain on derivatives	(439)	898
Other (expenses) income	(145)	(45)
Income from continuing operations before tax	2,310	7,849
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Non-cash stock-based compensation	1,190	670
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	18,089	16,743
Precious Metal [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	44,530	47,839
Operating income	5,747	5,614
Tubing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	24,893	25,791
Operating income	3,810	3,545
Engineered Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	53,692	49,690
Operating income	4,150	3,898
Arlon [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	21,304	20,005
Operating income	3,091	2,529
Kasco [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	14,469	13,388
Operating income	1,291	1,157
Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	(5,488)	(5,311)
Unallocated Pension Expense to Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	(1,274)	(612)
Gain on Disposition of Assets [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 13	$ 24